Die 1000 wichtigsten Germanen Wörter
Der Reihe nach, jedes mit deutscher Bedeutung, Wortart, Stufe und einem Beispielsatz, in dem es wirklich vorkommt. Wie viele Sie sehen wollen, stellen Sie unten ein — von 50 bis 1284. Geübt wird auf den Listenseiten.
Was „die wichtigsten" hier heißt
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1000 Wörter.
kommento comeVerbA1
Strong verb: kommen – kam – gekommen, and it takes "sein" in the perfect.
stehento stand, to be standingVerbA1
For something upright. Strong: stehen – stand – gestanden.
gehento go, to walkVerbA1
gehen – ging – gegangen, with "sein". Also: "Wie geht es dir?"
bitteplease; you are welcomeAdverbA1
Does three jobs: "please", "you are welcome" after a thank-you, and "pardon?" when said with a rising tone.
liegento lie, to be lyingVerbA1
For something flat. Strong: liegen – lag – gelegen.
zweitwoNumeralA1
alleall, everybodyPronounA1
es gibtthere is, there arePhraseA1
Always "es gibt", singular, whatever follows — and what follows is accusative.
bleibento stay, to remainVerbA1
bleiben – blieb – geblieben, with "sein".
dreithreeNumeralA1
gut sitzento fit wellPhraseB2
heutetodayAdverbA1
ab und zunow and thenPhraseA2
fahrento go (by vehicle), to driveVerbA1
Strong, with a vowel change: du fährst, er fährt. Takes "sein" in the perfect when it is a journey.
brauchento needVerbA1
Weak, and it takes an accusative.
gesternyesterdayAdverbA1
auslaufento sail, to leakVerbC1
Also to leak out, of a liquid.
morgentomorrowAdverbA1
Not to be confused with "der Morgen", the morning. "morgen früh" is tomorrow morning.
das KindchildNounA1
Plural: die Kinder. Neuter, like almost every word for a young creature.
hörento hear, to listen toVerbA1
Weak. Takes an accusative: "Musik hören".
langlongAdjectiveA1
Comparative: länger.
sagento sayVerbA1
Weak and regular.
machento do, to makeVerbA1
Weak and completely regular — the verb to fall back on.
waswhatQuestion wordA1
abfahrento depart, to leaveVerbA2
Separable, with "sein".
der TagdayNounA1
Plural: die Tage.
zehntenNumeralA1
sehento seeVerbA1
du siehst, er sieht; sehen – sah – gesehen.
sitzento sit, to be sittingVerbA1
Strong: sitzen – saß – gesessen.
wie vielhow muchQuestion wordA1
Written as two words. The plural is "wie viele".
etwassomething, a littlePronounA1
Shortened to "was" in speech. Also means "somewhat": etwas müde.
kleinsmall, shortAdjectiveA1
sechssixNumeralA1
vierfourNumeralA1
neunewAdjectiveA1
achteightNumeralA1
wohnento live, to resideVerbA1
Weak and regular. "leben" is to be alive; "wohnen" is to have your address somewhere.
das AutocarNounA1
Plural: die Autos — an -s plural, because it is a borrowing.
zwanzigtwentyNumeralA1
helfento helpVerbA1
du hilfst, er hilft. Takes a dative, not an accusative: "jemandem helfen".
anhaltento continue, to stopVerbB2
Also to stop a vehicle.
gebento giveVerbA1
du gibst, er gibt; geben – gab – gegeben. Also in "es gibt", there is.
hin und wiederevery so oftenPhraseB1
hängento hangVerbA2
Intransitive it is strong (hing, gehangen); transitive, meaning to hang something up, it is weak.
kaumhardly, barelyAdverbB1
kurzshortAdjectiveA1
Comparative: kürzer.
schreibento writeVerbA1
schreiben – schrieb – geschrieben.
altoldAdjectiveA1
Comparative: älter, am ältesten.
das Ende offen lassento leave the ending openPhraseC1
fragento askVerbA1
Weak, and it takes an accusative — you ask somebody, not to somebody.
kaltcoldAdjectiveA1
Comparative: kälter. "Mir ist kalt" is how you say you are cold.
späterlaterAdverbA1
der FilmfilmNounA1
Plural: die Filme.
einfallento occur to somebodyVerbB2
Takes the dative: mir fällt etwas ein.
gleichsame; in a momentAdjectiveA1
As an adverb it means "in a moment": ich komme gleich.
noch einmalagain, once morePhraseA1
stimmento tune, to be rightVerbB2
Also to be correct: das stimmt.
wartento waitVerbA1
Stem in -t, so: du wartest, er wartet. Takes "auf" plus the accusative.
besserbetterAdjectiveA1
The comparative of "gut", irregular in German as in English.
gerngladly, with pleasureAdverbA1
German says "I do something gladly" where English says "I like doing it". Comparative: lieber, am liebsten.
tragento wear; to carryVerbA1
du trägst, er trägt; getragen. Two meanings, both common.
treffento meetVerbA1
du triffst, er trifft; getroffen. Reflexive when two people meet each other.
denkento thinkVerbA1
A mixed verb: denken – dachte – gedacht. Takes "an" plus the accusative.
lesento readVerbA1
du liest, er liest; lesen – las – gelesen.
geradestraightAdjectiveA2
Also an adverb meaning "just now": ich komme gerade.
schließento close, to shutVerbA1
schließen – schloss – geschlossen. In speech usually "zumachen".
trinkento drinkVerbA1
Strong verb: trinken – trank – getrunken.
wissento know (a fact)VerbA1
Irregular in the singular: ich weiß, du weißt, er weiß. Used for facts; "kennen" is for people and places.
ziehento pullVerbA2
The sign on a German door says Ziehen or Drücken.
abnehmento decrease, to lose weightVerbB2
Also to lose weight, and to answer the telephone.
kennento know (a person or place)VerbA1
German splits English "know": "kennen" for people and places, "wissen" for facts.
suchento look forVerbA1
Takes an accusative — no preposition, unlike English "look for".
weitfarAdjectiveA1
zahlento payVerbA1
"Zahlen, bitte" is what you say to a waiter.
großbig, tallAdjectiveA1
Comparative: größer, am größten. Also means tall of a person.
hochhigh, tallAdjectiveA1
Loses the -c- before an ending: ein hoher Zaun. Comparative: höher.
langsamslow, slowlyAdjectiveA1
sofortimmediatelyAdverbA2
der EuroeuroNounA1
Stays singular after a number.
schwerheavy; difficultAdjectiveA1
Two meanings, and both are common: heavy and hard.
selbst machento do it yourselfPhraseB1
spielento playVerbA1
spätlateAdjectiveA1
Comparative: später. "zu spät" is late in the sense of not punctual.
vergessento forgetVerbA1
du vergisst, er vergisst; inseparable, so no ge-.
vollfullAdjectiveA1
nehmento take, to have (food)VerbA1
Strong verb with a heavy change: du nimmst, er nimmt, genommen.
passento fit; to suitVerbA1
Takes a dative for the person, like gefallen and stehen.
weißwhiteAdjectiveA1
zurückkommento come backVerbA2
zwölftwelveNumeralA1
der BriefletterNounA1
Plural: die Briefe.
der BusbusNounA1
Plural: die Busse.
erklärento explainVerbA1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
fallento fallVerbA2
fünffiveNumeralA1
halbhalfAdjectiveA1
Counts towards the coming hour: "halb drei" is half way to three, so half past two.
offenopen, frankAdjectiveB1
ruhigcalm, quietAdjectiveA1
As a particle it means "go ahead": frag ruhig.
sprechento speakVerbA1
Strong verb: du sprichst, er spricht — the vowel changes.
steigento riseVerbB1
teuerexpensiveAdjectiveA1
Loses the -e- before an ending: ein teures Hemd.
zeigento point, to showVerbA2
arbeitento workVerbA1
The stem ends in -t, so the du and er forms add an -e-: du arbeitest, er arbeitet.
bringento bring, to takeVerbA1
A mixed verb: bringen – brachte – gebracht.
das Protokoll führento take the minutesPhraseC1
der SeelakeNounA2
Plural: die Seen. Masculine it is a lake, feminine "die See" is the sea.
rufento callVerbA2
siebensevenNumeralA1
vorherbeforehandAdverbA2
wachsento growVerbA2
du wächst, er wächst; gewachsen, with "sein".
werwhoQuestion wordA1
Asks about the nominative. For the accusative it is "wen", for the dative "wem".
das WetterweatherNounA1
No plural.
frischfreshAdjectiveA1
frühearlyAdjectiveA1
Comparative: früher, which also means "in the past".
früherearlier, in the pastAdverbA2
Also the everyday way of saying "used to", with no verb needed.
verstehento understandVerbA1
Inseparable prefix, so the participle is "verstanden" without ge-.
wehtunto hurtVerbA1
Separable, and it takes a dative for the person.
der BesenbroomNounB1
essento eatVerbA1
Strong verb: du isst, er isst; gegessen in the perfect.
findento find; to thinkVerbA1
Strong: finden – fand – gefunden. Also means "to think" of an opinion: "Ich finde das gut."
kaufento buyVerbA1
Weak. "einkaufen" is to do the shopping.
laufento walk, to runVerbA1
Strong: du läufst, er läuft. In everyday German it usually means walking, not running.
oftoftenAdverbA1
bestehento pass; to consist ofVerbB1
Inseparable, so no ge-. Also "bestehen aus", to consist of.
das Gutethe goodNounC1
der WinterwinterNounA1
Plural: die Winter.
geöffnetopenAdjectiveA1
A participle used as an adjective. The everyday word is "offen".
ladento chargeVerbB1
legento put (flat), to layVerbA2
The movement partner of "liegen", and it takes the accusative.
anrufento call, to phoneVerbA1
Separable, and it takes an accusative: jemanden anrufen.
leichtlight; easyAdjectiveA1
The mirror image of schwer: light in weight and easy to do.
schickento sendVerbA2
"senden" is the more formal word.
sich freuento be pleased, to look forwardVerbA2
With "auf" it is looking forward; with "über" it is being pleased about something that has happened.
zusammentogetherAdverbA1
anfangento begin, to startVerbA1
Separable, and strong: du fängst an, er fängt an; angefangen.
die BankbankNounA1
Two plurals for two meanings: die Banken for financial institutions, die Bänke for benches.
funktionierento work, to functionVerbA2
No ge- in the participle, because of -ieren.
kochento cookVerbA1
kostenlosfree of chargeAdjectiveA2
The -los suffix means "without", like English -less.
messento measureVerbB1
du misst, er misst; gemessen.
sich lohnento be worth itVerbB1
Reflexive.
waschento washVerbA2
Strong, with a vowel change: du wäschst, er wäscht.
das heißtthat is to sayPhraseB2
Abbreviated d. h. in writing.
deinyour (informal)ArticleA1
der Eintritt freiadmission freePhraseB1
die HandhandNounA1
Plural: die Hände.
draußenoutside, outdoorsAdverbA1
dunkeldarkAdjectiveA1
Loses the -e- before an ending: ein dunkler Raum.
engnarrow, crampedAdjectiveA2
erhePronounA1
Accusative: ihn. Dative: ihm. Also used for any masculine noun, so a table is "er".
ihryou (informal, several people)PronounA1
ihrher, their; your (plural)ArticleA1
Capitalised as "Ihr" it is the formal "your".
jetztnowAdverbA1
jährlichannuallyAdjectiveB1
leeremptyAdjectiveA1
müdetiredAdjectiveA1
onlineonlineAdjectiveA2
Never takes an ending.
pünktlichpunctual, on timeAdjectiveA2
Being ten minutes early is normal for a German appointment.
rauharsh, roughAdjectiveC1
spazieren gehento go for a walkVerbA2
Two words, and "gehen" is the part that conjugates.
sperrento block, to barVerbB1
The emergency number for blocking a German card is 116 116.
stellento put (upright)VerbA2
The movement partner of "stehen", and it takes the accusative.
strengstrict, severeAdjectiveB1
trockendryAdjectiveA1
besetztengaged, busyAdjectiveA2
Also means occupied, of a seat or a toilet.
das BierbeerNounA1
After a number it stays singular: "zwei Bier", not "zwei Biere".
die Erste Hilfefirst aidPhraseB1
die MuttermotherNounA1
Plural: die Mütter.
die Postpost office; postNounA1
No plural in either sense.
erledigento deal with, to get doneVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
freundlichfriendlyAdjectiveA1
genauexactly, preciseAdjectiveA2
On its own, Genau is the everyday word for "exactly, that is right".
heißhotAdjectiveA1
Comparative: heißer, am heißesten.
jemandsomebodyPronounA2
The negative is "niemand".
jemandem tut etwas wehsomething hurts somebodyPhraseB1
The German construction has no subject you: the back does the hurting.
kaputtbrokenAdjectiveA1
Colloquial but universal. The formal word is "defekt".
leiderunfortunatelyAdverbA1
nettnice, kindAdjectiveA1
obwhetherConjunctionB1
English "if" in an indirect question is ob, never wenn.
rotredAdjectiveA1
schwimmento swimVerbA1
schwimmen – schwamm – geschwommen, usually with "sein".
seltenrarelyAdverbA2
singento singVerbA2
singen – sang – gesungen.
verlierento loseVerbA2
verlieren – verlor – verloren.
verpassento missVerbB1
vierzehn Uhr dreißigfourteen thirtyPhraseB1
The written form on every German timetable.
vorbeigehento walk past, to passVerbB1
warmwarmAdjectiveA1
Comparative: wärmer. "Mir ist warm" is how you say you feel warm.
bezahlento payVerbA1
Inseparable prefix: no ge- in the participle.
brennento burn, to be on fireVerbB1
das MuseummuseumNounA1
Plural: die Museen — a Latin word with a Latin plural.
das Rechtright, lawNounB1
das WortwordNounA1
Two plurals: die Wörter for individual words, die Worte for connected speech.
der AugustAugustNounA1
lautloud, noisyAdjectiveA1
lernento learn, to studyVerbA1
Weak. "studieren" is to study at university.
mitkommento come alongVerbA1
Separable, with "sein".
nasswetAdjectiveA1
parkento parkVerbA2
seinhis, itsArticleA1
The same string as the verb "sein", to be — two different words that happen to look alike.
sich fühlento feelVerbA1
Reflexive, and the pronoun is obligatory.
täglichdailyAdjectiveA2
baldsoonAdverbA1
benutzento useVerbA2
Inseparable, so no ge- in the participle.
bestätigento confirmVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge-.
besuchento visitVerbA1
Inseparable prefix: the participle is "besucht" without ge-.
bindento thicken, to bindVerbC1
das Semestersemester, termNounB1
Plural: die Semester. German universities run two per year.
den Ton treffento hit the notePhraseC1
der Kontakt abbrechento break off contactPhraseC1
der LinklinkNounA2
Plural: die Links.
der PasspassportNounA2
Plural: die Pässe. Also a mountain pass.
der SonntagSundayNounA1
der TexttextNounA2
Plural: die Texte.
der Wegway, pathNounA1
Plural: die Wege.
die Belegschaft übernehmento take on the workforcePhraseC1
die FragequestionNounA1
Plural: die Fragen.
dünnthinAdjectiveA1
erreichento reachVerbB1
erzählento tell, to recountVerbA2
flachflat, shallowAdjectiveB1
günstiggood value, reasonableAdjectiveA2
hoffento hopeVerbA2
"hoffentlich" is the adverb: hopefully.
knappjust under, tightAdjectiveB2
krankill, sickAdjectiveA1
linksleft, on the leftAdverbA1
meldento report, to notifyVerbB1
Reflexive it means to get in touch.
morgensin the morningsAdverbA2
mögento likeVerbA1
ich mag, du magst, er mag. "Ich möchte" is its subjunctive and means "I would like".
neunnineNumeralA1
redento talkVerbA2
More informal than sprechen and often implies a conversation rather than a language.
rundroundAdjectiveA2
schlafento sleepVerbA1
du schläfst, er schläft; schlafen – schlief – geschlafen.
schmeckento taste (good)VerbA1
Takes a dative for the person: "Es schmeckt mir."
schneidento cutVerbA2
schneiden – schnitt – geschnitten.
schwarzblackAdjectiveA1
schönbeautiful, niceAdjectiveA1
schützento protectVerbB1
Takes "vor" plus the dative for what you are protected from.
sich setzento sit downVerbA2
sonstotherwise, or elseAdverbB1
stillstill, without bubblesAdjectiveA2
The same word as quiet.
tiefdeep, lowAdjectiveA2
unterwegson the way, out and aboutAdverbA2
weichsoftAdjectiveA1
abbuchento debitVerbB1
Separable.
absagento cancelVerbA2
Separable. "zusagen" is to accept.
anerkennento recognise formallyVerbC1
beantragento apply forVerbB1
Inseparable, so no ge-. Takes an accusative.
besprechento review, to discussVerbB2
bestellento orderVerbA1
Inseparable prefix: no ge- in the participle.
blaublueAdjectiveA1
Colloquially also means drunk.
breitwide, broadAdjectiveA2
dankethank youExclamationA1
das DatumdateNounA2
Plural: die Daten, which also means data.
das Festparty, celebrationNounA2
das LandcountryNounA1
Plural: die Länder. Also means the countryside, and a federal state of Germany.
der Glaubebelief, faithNounB2
A weak noun with an extra n: des Glaubens.
der MetermetreNounA1
Plural: die Meter. Stays singular after a number.
der MittwochWednesdayNounA1
Literally "mid-week" — the only day not named after a god or a planet.
der SeptemberSeptemberNounA1
der WindwindNounA1
Plural: die Winde.
die ButterbutterNounA1
No plural. Feminine, which surprises people who expect a foodstuff to be neuter.
die HosetrousersNounA1
Singular in German: eine Hose is one pair.
die Lesegrape harvestNounC1
Plural: die Lesen, rarely used.
falsch singento sing out of tunePhraseB2
fangento catchVerbB1
fälligdue, payableAdjectiveB1
garcooked through, doneAdjectiveB1
Also an adverb meaning "at all": gar nicht.
gefallento please, to be likedVerbA2
Turned round from English: the thing pleases the person, and the person is dative.
getrenntseparatelyAdverbA2
The question every German waiter asks a group. Also the participle of "trennen", to separate.
grüngreenAdjectiveA1
harthardAdjectiveA1
Comparative: härter.
heißento be calledVerbA1
The stem ends in -ß, so the du form is "heißt" and not "heißst".
hellbright, lightAdjectiveA1
hunderthundredNumeralA1
German says "hundert", not "ein hundert".
interessantinterestingAdjectiveA2
jedes Malevery timePhraseA2
monatlichmonthlyAdjectiveB1
reagierento reactVerbB2
rechtsright, on the rightAdverbA1
reparierento repairVerbA2
schriftlichin writingAdjectiveB1
German bureaucracy distinguishes "schriftlich" from "in Textform" — the first still often means paper and a signature.
sinkento fall, to sinkVerbB1
sparento saveVerbA2
springento jumpVerbA2
stolzproudAdjectiveB1
Takes "auf" plus the accusative.
verletztinjuredAdjectiveB1
verstopftblockedAdjectiveB2
wannwhenQuestion wordA1
wiederholento repeat, to reviseVerbA2
Inseparable here, so the stress is on -hol-.
wiegento weighVerbB1
wowhereQuestion wordA1
For a position. "wohin" asks where to, "woher" where from — three words where English mostly uses one.
zählento countVerbA2
abendsin the eveningsAdverbA2
abgelaufenexpired, out of dateAdjectiveB2
anmeldento registerVerbB1
auftretento perform, to appearVerbB2
Also to occur, of a problem.
auslösento release the shutter, to triggerVerbB2
Separable: löst aus.
ausverkauftsold outAdjectiveB2
billigcheapAdjectiveA1
Carries a hint of poor quality; "günstig" is the neutral word for a good price.
das OriginaloriginalNounB1
Plural: die Originale.
das PaarpairNounA2
With a capital letter it is a pair; small, ein paar means "a few".
das RestaurantrestaurantNounA1
Plural: die Restaurants. Pronounced in the French way.
das T-ShirtT-shirtNounA1
Plural: die T-Shirts. Hyphenated, because a single letter cannot be run into a noun.
der Herdhob, cookerNounA2
Plural: die Herde.
der NamenameNounA1
Plural: die Namen. A weak noun with an odd genitive: des Namens.
der RauchsmokeNounB1
der SamstagSaturdayNounA1
In northern Germany you will also hear "Sonnabend".
der Stallstable, barn, shedNounB2
Plural: die Ställe.
die Kraftstrength, forceNounB1
Plural: die Kräfte.
die MinuteminuteNounA1
Plural: die Minuten.
diskutierento discussVerbB1
Takes "über" plus the accusative. No ge- in the participle.
einsoneNumeralA1
The counting form. In front of a noun it becomes "ein" and takes endings: ein Buch, eine Tasse.
einschlafento fall asleepVerbA2
Separable, and it takes "sein": ich bin eingeschlafen.
einzelnindividual, singlyAdjectiveB2
endlichfinally, at lastAdverbA2
es kommt darauf anit dependsPhraseB1
The German answer to almost any question.
es tut mir leidI am sorryPhraseA1
fliegento flyVerbA2
fliegen – flog – geflogen, with "sein".
folgento followVerbA2
Takes the dative and sein in the perfect.
frierento freeze, to be coldVerbA2
Strong verb: fror, gefroren.
genehmigento approveVerbC1
gewinnento winVerbA2
gewinnen – gewann – gewonnen.
gießento water; to pourVerbB1
gießen – goss – gegossen.
greifento grasp, to reachVerbB2
leisequiet, softAdjectiveA1
meistensmostly, usuallyAdverbA2
mildmildAdjectiveB2
mischento mixVerbB1
rechtzeitigin good timeAdjectiveB2
rennento runVerbB1
Faster and more urgent than laufen; takes sein.
reservierento reserveVerbA2
No ge- in the participle, because of -ieren.
sammelnto collectVerbB1
Loses the -e- in the ich form: ich sammle.
saubercleanAdjectiveA1
Loses the -e- before an ending: eine saubere Küche.
schiebento pushVerbB1
schmalnarrowAdjectiveA2
sich einigento reach agreementVerbB1
Reflexive, with "auf" plus the accusative.
sich entschuldigento apologiseVerbB1
süßsweetAdjectiveA1
Also means "cute" of a person or animal.
unserourArticleA1
verschiebento postpone, to moveVerbB1
verschieben – verschob – verschoben.
vorsichtigcarefulAdjectiveA2
wählento vote, to chooseVerbA2
überraschtsurprisedAdjectiveB1
überzeugento convinceVerbB1
Inseparable. Reflexive it means to see for yourself.
abstimmento vote onVerbB2
abwaschento wash upVerbB1
Separable and strong: du wäschst ab, abgewaschen.
aufstehento get upVerbA1
Separable, and it takes "sein": ich bin aufgestanden.
barrierefreiaccessible, step-freeAdjectiveC1
bemerkento notice, to remarkVerbB2
besichtigento view, to look roundVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
blühento bloom, to flowerVerbB1
buchento bookVerbA2
das BootboatNounB1
das GasgasNounB1
das Geld wechselnto change moneyPhraseB1
das HotelhotelNounA1
Plural: die Hotels.
dehnento stretchVerbB2
der ArmarmNounA1
Plural: die Arme.
der Bauconstruction, building workNounB2
der ChefbossNounA2
Plural: die Chefs. Feminine: die Chefin. Pronounced the French way.
der ComputercomputerNounA1
Plural: die Computer.
der FallcaseNounB1
Plural: die Fälle. Also a case in the ordinary sense.
der JungeboyNounA1
Plural: die Jungen. A weak noun: den Jungen, dem Jungen.
der MontagMondayNounA1
All days of the week are masculine. "on Monday" is "am Montag".
der NovemberNovemberNounA1
der RingringNounB1
der Wertvalue, worthNounB2
dickthick, fatAdjectiveA1
die Anlage wartento service the plantPhraseC1
die Artspecies, kindNounB2
Also a kind or a manner.
die Ernte einbringento bring in the harvestPhraseC1
die Probesample, rehearsalNounB2
Also a rehearsal and a trial.
die SoftwaresoftwareNounB1
Feminine in German, and no plural.
die Unterlagen einreichento submit documentsPhraseB2
doppeltdouble, twiceAdjectiveB1
durchgebranntblown, burnt outAdjectiveC1
ehrlichhonestAdjectiveB1
"ehrlich gesagt" means "to be honest".
einkaufento shop, to do the shoppingVerbA1
Separable. "kaufen" alone is to buy one thing.
einladento inviteVerbA2
Separable and strong: du lädst ein, eingeladen.
einlegento lodge, to insertVerbC1
einverstandenin agreement, agreedAdjectiveB1
Takes "mit" plus the dative. Only used after "sein".
empfehlento recommendVerbA2
du empfiehlst, er empfiehlt; empfohlen. Inseparable, so no ge-.
erinnernto remind; to rememberVerbB1
With an accusative it reminds; reflexive with "an" it remembers.
erkennento recognise, to realiseVerbB1
erntento harvest, to pickVerbB2
gesetzlichstatutory, publicAdjectiveB1
The counterpart is "privat".
herzlichwarm, cordialAdjectiveB2
hineingehento go inVerbB1
Colloquially shortened to reingehen.
klebento glue, to stickVerbB1
klingelnto ringVerbA2
kurzfristigat short noticeAdjectiveB2
kühlcoolAdjectiveA2
kündigento resign; to give noticeVerbB1
Takes a dative for the person being dismissed: jemandem kündigen.
lachento laughVerbA2
Takes "über" for what you are laughing at.
langweiligboringAdjectiveA2
"mir ist langweilig" means "I am bored" — the dative pattern again.
markiertwaymarkedAdjectiveB2
nachtsat nightAdverbA2
nähento sewVerbB1
peinlichembarrassingAdjectiveB2
Describes the situation, not the person: mir ist es peinlich.
putzento cleanVerbA2
regelmäßigregularlyAdverbB1
reinpure, cleanAdjectiveB2
scharfspicy, sharpAdjectiveA2
Also sharp, of a knife or a photograph.
schenkento give as a presentVerbA2
schneiento snowVerbA1
Only with "es".
schweigento stay silentVerbB2
sich anmeldento register, to sign upVerbA2
Separable and reflexive.
sich beschwerento complainVerbB1
sich pflegento look after yourselfVerbB2
stehlento stealVerbB1
tanzento danceVerbA2
The stem ends in -z, so the du form is "tanzt".
teilento shareVerbB1
tretento step, to kickVerbB2
untersuchento examineVerbA2
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
vereinbarento arrange, to agree onVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge-.
versuchento tryVerbA2
Inseparable. Followed by an infinitive with "zu".
vor allemabove all, especiallyPhraseB1
Two words, always.
vorheizento preheatVerbB2
wöchentlichweeklyAdjectiveB1
zuständigresponsible, in chargeAdjectiveB1
Takes "für" plus the accusative.
übersetzento translateVerbB1
Inseparable here. Separable it means to ferry across.
abholento pick up, to collectVerbA2
Separable.
absperrento cordon offVerbC1
anlegento lay out, to createVerbB2
ansteckendcontagious, infectiousAdjectiveB1
arbeitslosunemployedAdjectiveB1
The -los suffix means "without".
aufladento charge, to load upVerbB1
ausführento perform, to carry outVerbB2
ausfüllento fill inVerbA2
Separable.
ausgebuchtfully bookedAdjectiveB2
backbordport sideAdverbC1
badento have a bathVerbA2
barcash, in cashAdjectiveA2
Only used in this fixed sense; the noun is "das Bargeld".
beauftragento commission, to instructVerbC1
begeistertenthusiastic, delightedAdjectiveB2
behebento fix, to remedyVerbC1
bellento barkVerbB1
betonento stress, to emphasiseVerbB2
betretento enter, to step ontoVerbB2
bewusstconscious, deliberateAdjectiveB2
bittento ask for, to requestVerbA2
Takes um: jemanden um etwas bitten. Not to be confused with bieten, to offer.
bitterbitterAdjectiveB1
bratento fry, to roastVerbB1
du brätst, er brät; gebraten.
darumthat is whyAdverbB1
das AlterageNounA2
No plural in this sense.
das BabybabyNounA1
Plural: die Babys — an -s plural, because the word is borrowed.
das BadbathroomNounA1
Plural: die Bäder. Also means a bath and a spa town.
das DeckdeckNounB2
das ElementelementNounB2
das FrühstückbreakfastNounA1
Plural: die Frühstücke. The verb is "frühstücken".
das Gehörhearing, ear for musicNounC1
das LederleatherNounA2
No plural.
das Make-upmake-upNounB1
das NestnestNounB1
Plural: die Nester.
das RadioradioNounA1
das Ruderrudder, oarNounC1
das Tier aufnehmento take an animal inPhraseC1
das Trainingtraining, practiceNounB1
das Ufer entlangalong the bankPhraseB2
den Umzug organisierento organise the movePhraseB2
der Abstieg drohento face relegationPhraseC1
der AprilAprilNounA1
der Betrieb bewirtschaftento run a farmPhraseC1
der DonnerstagThursdayNounA1
der Faltermoth, butterfly (as a group)NounC1
The umbrella term; Schmetterling is the everyday word.
der FilterfilterNounB2
der FrostfrostNounB2
der HelmhelmetNounB2
der ImportimportNounB2
der MotorengineNounB1
der Restremainder, leftoversNounA2
Plural: die Reste.
der Senderbroadcaster, channelNounB1
der Smokingdinner jacket, tuxedoNounC1
A German word built from English parts; English does not use "smoking" this way.
der SportsportNounA1
No plural. "Sport machen" or "Sport treiben" is to exercise.
der StudentstudentNounA1
Plural: die Studenten. A weak noun: den Studenten. Only for university; a school pupil is "der Schüler".
der TellerplateNounA1
Plural: die Teller.
der Termin platzenan appointment to fall throughPhraseC1
der Turm besteigento climb the towerPhraseB2
deshalbtherefore, soAdverbB1
An adverb, so the verb comes straight after it.
die AppappNounA2
Plural: die Apps.
die Entlastungdischarge, formal approvalNounC1
The vote approving a board’s conduct for the past year.
die PartypartyNounA2
Plural: die Partys.
die RateinstalmentNounB1
Plural: die Raten.
die ReligionreligionNounB1
die RouterouteNounB2
die Schlange stehento queuePhraseB1
die Waregoods, merchandiseNounB2
Plural: die Waren.
dringendurgentAdjectiveB1
dämpfento steamVerbC1
Also to dampen or soften a sound.
einbrechento break inVerbB2
einreichento submit, to hand inVerbB1
Separable.
einsamlonelyAdjectiveB2
einstimmigunanimousAdjectiveC1
entkalkento descaleVerbB2
Not separable, so no ge- in the participle.
enttäuschtdisappointedAdjectiveB1
Takes "von" for the source.
erschöpftexhaustedAdjectiveB1
A step beyond "müde".
erwartento expectVerbB1
feiernto celebrateVerbA2
feuchtdamp, humidAdjectiveB2
fremdstrange, foreignAdjectiveB2
gebirgigmountainousAdjectiveC1
gerechtjust, fairAdjectiveB2
gesundhealthy, wellAdjectiveA1
Comparative: gesünder.
graugreyAdjectiveA1
gültigvalidAdjectiveB1
halbierento halveVerbC1
hebento liftVerbB1
heizento heatVerbB1
hinausgehento go outVerbB1
im Vorausin advancePhraseB1
The closing line of half the emails written in German.
impfento vaccinateVerbB2
inzwischenmeanwhile, by nowAdverbB1
jungyoungAdjectiveA1
Comparative: jünger, am jüngsten.
klagento sue, to complainVerbC1
klopfento knockVerbB1
konzentrierento concentrateVerbB1
Reflexive, and takes "auf" plus the accusative.
kriechento crawlVerbB2
liefernto deliverVerbA2
The noun is "die Lieferung".
löschento deleteVerbA2
Also means to extinguish a fire.
malento paintVerbA2
"zeichnen" is to draw with a pencil.
mehrereseveralAdjectiveB1
meinento mean, to thinkVerbA2
Both "to be of the opinion" and "to mean by".
mähento mowVerbB2
Quiet hours make Sunday mowing a genuine issue with neighbours.
möbliertfurnishedAdjectiveB1
nachschlagento look upVerbB1
Separable and strong: du schlägst nach, nachgeschlagen.
nervösnervousAdjectiveA2
ratento advise, to guessVerbB1
Both "to advise" — with the dative — and "to guess".
recherchierento research, to investigateVerbC1
reifripe; matureAdjectiveB1
reisento travelVerbA2
Takes "sein" in the perfect: ich bin gereist.
rosapinkAdjectiveA1
Never takes an ending. Same for lila, beige and orange.
ruhen lassento let restPhraseC1
rundento roundVerbB2
räumento clearVerbB1
The same verb as clearing a room out.
salzigsaltyAdjectiveA2
sanierento refurbish, to renovateVerbC1
More thorough than renovieren: it includes the structure.
sattfull, not hungryAdjectiveA2
The counterpart of "hungrig". Also "etwas satt haben", to be fed up with something.
sauersour, crossAdjectiveA2
Colloquially also annoyed: sauer sein.
schmelzento meltVerbB2
schmorento braiseVerbC1
schüchternshyAdjectiveB1
sendento broadcastVerbB2
sich beeilento hurryVerbA2
sich bewegento moveVerbB1
sich bewerbento applyVerbB1
Takes um or auf plus accusative.
sich vorbereitento prepareVerbB1
sich vorstellento introduce oneselfVerbA2
sich ärgernto be annoyedVerbB1
Reflexive, with "über" plus the accusative.
sichersure; safeAdjectiveA2
Two meanings, and both are common.
sortierento sortVerbB1
spannendgripping, excitingAdjectiveB1
sparsameconomical, sparingAdjectiveB1
sprödebrittleAdjectiveC1
stillento breastfeedVerbB2
Also to satisfy hunger or thirst in a formal register.
stilllegento shut down, to closeVerbC1
studierento study at universityVerbA2
University only. No ge- in the participle.
ständigconstantlyAdverbB1
tausendthousandNumeralA1
trainierento trainVerbB1
No ge- in the participle, because of -ieren.
trennento separate, to sortVerbB1
Reflexive it means to split up.
tropfento dripVerbB2
trotzdemnevertheless, all the sameAdverbA2
Counts as an element, so the subject follows the verb.
umgrabento dig overVerbC1
umkehrento turn backVerbB2
unauffälligunremarkable, normalAdjectiveC1
The standard way a German report says that nothing is wrong.
unbefristetopen-ended, permanentAdjectiveB1
The opposite is "befristet", fixed-term.
ungeduldigimpatientAdjectiveB1
unterschreibento signVerbA2
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
unterzeichnento signVerbC1
The formal register; unterschreiben is the everyday word.
unwirksamvoid, ineffectiveAdjectiveC1
verbrauchento use up, to consumeVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
verdienento earn; to deserveVerbA2
Two meanings, and both are common.
verfolgento pursue, to trackVerbB2
verheiratetmarriedAdjectiveA2
verliebtin loveAdjectiveB1
verschickento send offVerbB1
vorbereitento prepareVerbB1
Separable, and the ge- goes inside: vorbereitet.
wandernto hike, to go walkingVerbA2
Takes "sein" in the perfect.
weinento cryVerbA2
werfento throwVerbB1
wischento wipe, to mopVerbB1
zufriedensatisfied, contentAdjectiveB1
Takes "mit" plus the dative.
zunehmento increase, to put on weightVerbB2
Also used of a person putting on weight.
zunächstat first, to begin withAdverbB2
zustellento deliverVerbB2
öffnento openVerbA1
Stem in a cluster, so: du öffnest, er öffnet. In speech usually "aufmachen".
übento practiseVerbA2
The noun is "die Übung".
übermorgenthe day after tomorrowAdverbA2
Both words exist as single words in German and need a phrase in English.
übernachtento stay the nightVerbB1
überwinternto overwinterVerbC1
abdichtento sealVerbC1
abgebento hand in, to leaveVerbA2
abgießento drainVerbB2
abhebento withdrawVerbB1
Separable and strong: abgehoben. Also means to take off, of a plane.
abkühlento cool downVerbB1
Separable.
ablehnento reject, to turn downVerbB1
Separable.
ablöschento deglazeVerbC1
abmahnento give a formal warningVerbC1
abonnierento subscribe toVerbB2
abrundento round downVerbC1
abräumento clear awayVerbB1
abschleppento tow awayVerbB2
abschließento lockVerbA2
abschmeckento season to tasteVerbC1
abschminkento take make-up offVerbB2
absichtlichdeliberateAdjectiveB2
abstraktabstractAdjectiveB2
abstürzento crashVerbB1
Separable, with "sein". Also used of an aircraft.
abtrocknento dry upVerbB1
addierento addVerbB2
aktualisierento updateVerbB2
alarmierento alertVerbC1
allerdingsadmittedly, thoughAdverbB1
Softens an agreement or introduces a reservation.
alsoso, thereforeAdverbA2
A false friend: it means "so", not English "also".
altmodischold-fashionedAdjectiveB2
anbauento grow, to cultivateVerbB2
Also to build an extension.
anbratento sear, to fry offVerbB2
anbrennento burn, to catchVerbB1
Separable, with "sein".
andererseitson the other handAdverbB1
andeutento hint atVerbC1
anfeuernto cheer onVerbB2
angespannttenseAdjectiveC1
ankernto anchorVerbC1
ankommento arriveVerbA1
Separable, and it takes "sein": ich bin angekommen.
anprobierento try onVerbA2
Separable and inseparable at once: an- separates, pro- does not, so the participle is "anprobiert" with no ge-.
anstoßento clink glassesVerbB1
Look the other person in the eye while doing it — not doing so is noticed.
antwortento answerVerbA1
Takes a dative for the person. Stem in -t: du antwortest.
anzeigento report to the policeVerbB2
archivierento archiveVerbC1
artgerechtappropriate to the speciesAdjectiveB1
A word from German animal-welfare law that turns up on food packaging.
aufbrühento brew, to make (tea or coffee)VerbB2
Separable: brüht auf.
auffallento be noticeableVerbB2
aufforstento reforestVerbC1
Separable: forstet auf.
aufgebrachtupset, incensedAdjectiveC1
aufgeregtexcited, worked upAdjectiveB1
Covers both excitement and agitation.
aufklarento brighten upVerbC1
auflegento hang upVerbB1
Separable. Also means to put a record on.
aufmerksamattentive, thoughtfulAdjectiveB2
aufrechtuprightAdjectiveB2
aufräumento tidy upVerbA2
Separable: the prefix goes to the end.
auftauento defrostVerbB2
auftrennento unpickVerbC1
Separable: trennt auf.
aufwärmento warm upVerbB2
auscheckento check outVerbB1
ausgebento spendVerbA2
Separable: du gibst aus, ausgegeben.
ausgehento go outVerbA2
Separable, with "sein". Also means to run out of something.
ausgeruhtrestedAdjectiveB2
aushelfento help outVerbB2
auspackento unpack, to unwrapVerbA2
ausräumento empty, to clear outVerbB2
ausrückento turn out, to be deployedVerbC1
aussterbento become extinctVerbC1
ausstoßento emitVerbC1
aussuchento choose, to pick outVerbA2
Separable, and often reflexive in the dative.
auswechselnto substituteVerbC1
auswertento analyse, to evaluateVerbC1
auswringento wring outVerbC1
Separable: wringt aus.
ausziehento move outVerbB1
Separable, with "sein" in this sense.
backento bakeVerbA2
Both weak and strong forms exist: backte or buk.
barrierearmlow-barrierAdjectiveC1
A weaker claim than barrierefrei and worth telling apart.
bedrohtthreatened, endangeredAdjectiveB2
begabtgiftedAdjectiveB2
beglaubigento certifyVerbC1
begleitento accompanyVerbB2
begreifento grasp, to getVerbB2
begründento give reasons for, to justifyVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
belastbarable to cope under pressureAdjectiveC1
Almost a fixed item in German job advertisements.
belichtento exposeVerbC1
Not separable, so no ge- in the participle.
bequemcomfortableAdjectiveA1
Of a person it means lazy — "er ist bequem" is not a compliment.
berechnento calculateVerbB2
bereitsalreadyAdverbB2
The written, more formal form of schon.
berichtento reportVerbB1
bescheidenmodestAdjectiveB2
beschleunigento accelerateVerbB2
beschreibento describeVerbB1
beschämtashamedAdjectiveC1
besenreinswept cleanAdjectiveC1
The standard clause about the state a flat is returned in.
besorgento get, to pick upVerbA2
Inseparable, so no ge- in the participle.
besorgtworriedAdjectiveB2
Takes um.
bestreitento dispute, to contestVerbC1
bestreuento sprinkleVerbC1
bestäubento pollinateVerbC1
The same verb also means to dust with sugar.
betento prayVerbB2
beweisento proveVerbB2
bewertento rate, to reviewVerbB2
bewilligento approve, to grantVerbC1
bewusstlosunconsciousAdjectiveB2
bewölktcloudyAdjectiveA2
beziehungsweiseor rather, respectivelyConjunctionC1
Abbreviated bzw. and extremely common in written German.
bezugsfertigready to move intoAdjectiveC1
bezweifelnto doubtVerbB1
Inseparable.
biegento bend, to turn offVerbB2
biologischorganic, biologicalAdjectiveB2
On food labels usually shortened to bio.
blindblindAdjectiveB2
braunbrownAdjectiveA1
bremsento brake, to slowVerbB2
brütento brood, to sit on eggsVerbB2
Figuratively also to brood over a problem.
buntcolourfulAdjectiveA2
böseangry; wickedAdjectiveA2
Takes a dative for the person: jemandem böse sein.
bügelnto ironVerbB1
chronischchronicAdjectiveB1
damalsback thenAdverbB1
dankbargratefulAdjectiveB2
Takes the dative for the person.
das absolute Gehörperfect pitchPhraseC1
das AlbumalbumNounB2
Plural: die Alben.
das Angebot einholento obtain a quotePhraseC1
das Argumentargument, pointNounB1
Plural: die Argumente. A quarrel is "der Streit", not "das Argument".
das AtomatomNounB2
das Dehnungs-hsilent lengthening hNounC1
As in fahren, ihn, Ruhe.
das Engagementcommitment, involvementNounC1
Pronounced in the French way.
das ExperimentexperimentNounB2
das Fassbarrel, caskNounB2
Plural: die Fässer.
das Fellfur, coatNounB2
das FoulfoulNounB2
das GategateNounB1
das GenregenreNounB2
das GrabgraveNounB2
Plural: die Gräber.
das GrillenbarbecuingNounB1
das HobbyhobbyNounA1
Plural: die Hobbys.
das InstrumentinstrumentNounB1
Plural: die Instrumente. German says "Klavier spielen" with no article.
das InterviewinterviewNounB1
das LiedsongNounA2
Plural: die Lieder.
das MarketingmarketingNounB2
das NegativnegativeNounC1
Plural: die Negative.
das Online-Bankingonline bankingNounB2
das OrganorganNounB2
das RecyclingrecyclingNounB2
das Rezept einlösento fill a prescriptionPhraseB2
das RitualritualNounB2
das SeminarseminarNounB1
Plural: die Seminare.
das ShampooshampooNounA2
das StudiostudioNounB2
das SymbolsymbolNounB2
das SymptomsymptomNounB1
Plural: die Symptome.
das TeamteamNounB1
das TerminalterminalNounB1
das TestamentwillNounB2
das TieranimalNounA1
Plural: die Tiere.
das UpdateupdateNounB1
das VerhaltenbehaviourNounB2
No plural.
das ViertelquarterNounA1
Plural: die Viertel. Also means a district of a town.
das VirusvirusNounB2
Neuter in technical use, masculine in everyday speech.
das VitaminvitaminNounB2
dauerhaftpermanentAdjectiveC1
dauernto last, to takeVerbA2
definierento defineVerbB2
dekantierento decantVerbC2
Used almost only of wine.
demonstrierento demonstrateVerbB2
den Kurs belegento take a coursePhraseB2
den Zugang schaffento create accessPhraseC1
der AlarmalarmNounB1
der AltaraltarNounC1
der Auftragorder, instructionNounB1
Plural: die Aufträge.
der BassbassNounC1
Plural: die Bässe.
der Befundfindings, resultNounC1
Ohne Befund — nothing found — is one of the commonest phrases in a German medical report.
der BekannteacquaintanceNounB2
A nominalised adjective: ein Bekannter, die Bekannte.
der BlinkerindicatorNounB1
der BrowserbrowserNounB1
der BugbowNounC1
der CentcentNounA1
Stays singular after a number.
der Check-incheck-inNounB1
der ChipchipNounB2
der Containercontainer, communal binNounB1
der DienstagTuesdayNounA1
der DieseldieselNounB1
der Discounterdiscount supermarketNounB2
der ExportexportNounB2
der GrillbarbecueNounB1
der HammerhammerNounA2
Colloquially also "that is amazing" or "that is outrageous".
der HeldheroNounB2
A weak noun: dem Helden. Feminine: die Heldin.
der Heringtent peg, herringNounC1
The same word as the fish.
der HithitNounB2
der HuthatNounA2
Plural: die Hüte.
der JournalistjournalistNounB1
A weak noun: dem Journalisten. Feminine: die Journalistin.
der KopfheadNounA1
Plural: die Köpfe.
der LiterlitreNounA1
Plural: die Liter.
der MagenstomachNounB1
Plural: die Mägen.
der MastmastNounC1
der MedianmedianNounC1
der MinisterministerNounB2
der Nachweis erbringento provide proofPhraseC1
der Numerus claususrestricted admission thresholdNounC1
German school grades run from 1, the best, to 6.
der PartnerpartnerNounB1
Feminine: die Partnerin.
der pH-WertpH valueNounC1
der Quarkcurd cheeseNounB1
A staple with no clean English equivalent.
der Rangcircle, rankNounC1
der RockskirtNounA1
Plural: die Röcke.
der RückenbackNounA1
Plural: die Rücken.
der SafesafeNounB2
der SensorsensorNounC1
der ServerserverNounB2
der Singlesingle personNounB2
Masculine regardless of the person’s sex.
der SkiskiNounB1
Plural: die Skier, pronounced with two syllables.
der Stall mistento muck outPhraseC1
der StarstarlingNounC1
The same word as a celebrity, but the plural differs: die Stare for the bird, die Stars for people.
der StressstressNounB1
der SucherviewfinderNounC1
Plural is the same: die Sucher.
der TanktankNounB1
der TenortenorNounC1
Stressed on the second syllable for the voice, on the first for the general drift of a text.
der TrailertrailerNounB2
der Trainercoach, managerNounB1
Feminine: die Trainerin.
die AdditionadditionNounB2
die Ausfahrt freihaltenkeep the exit clearPhraseB2
On every German driveway gate.
die Basebase, alkaliNounC1
die Belastung steigernto increase the loadPhraseC1
die CloudcloudNounB2
die DefinitiondefinitionNounB2
die DiagnosediagnosisNounB1
Plural: die Diagnosen.
die DuscheshowerNounA1
die Fahrtjourney, rideNounA2
Plural: die Fahrten. A "Reise" is the whole trip, a "Fahrt" one leg of it.
die Federfeather, springNounB2
Also a spring and, historically, a pen.
die Fliegebow tie, flyNounC1
The same word as the insect.
die Formshape, formNounA2
Plural: die Formen.
die Frist versäumento miss a deadlinePhraseC1
die FrontfrontNounC1
die FusionmergerNounC1
die HardwarehardwareNounB2
die HygienehygieneNounB2
die InflationinflationNounB2
die Initiativeinitiative, campaign groupNounB2
die InterpretationinterpretationNounC1
die Lampe anschließento wire up a lightPhraseC1
die LobbylobbyNounB2
die LungelungNounB2
Usually singular in German for both lungs.
die MademaggotNounC1
Plural: die Maden.
die MieterentNounA2
Plural: die Mieten. The verb is "mieten", to rent.
die MigrationmigrationNounC1
die ModefashionNounB1
die Molepier, breakwaterNounC1
die Moralmorality, moralsNounB2
die MotivationmotivationNounB2
die Normnorm, standardNounC1
die Operationoperation, surgeryNounB2
Usually shortened to die OP in speech.
die Pensionguest house, pensionNounB1
Also a pension in the retirement sense.
die PersonpersonNounA1
Plural: die Personen. Feminine even when the person is male.
die Pistepiste, downhill runNounB1
Plural: die Pisten.
die Policeinsurance policyNounC1
die Post entgegennehmento take in the postPhraseB2
die Premiereopening nightNounC1
die PromotiondoctorateNounC1
Not a promotion at work, which is die Beförderung.
die Provisioncommission, agent's feeNounB1
Plural: die Provisionen.
die ReformreformNounB2
die Regenerationregeneration, recoveryNounC1
die Rolle besetzento cast a partPhraseC1
die Route planento plan the routePhraseB2
die S-Bahnsuburban railwayNounA2
die SprachelanguageNounA1
Plural: die Sprachen.
die Stationstop, stationNounA2
Plural: die Stationen. Also a hospital ward.
die Stelleposition, jobNounA2
Plural: die Stellen. Also means a place or spot.
die Stimmevote, voiceNounB1
One word for a vote and a voice.
die Tagesordnung ergänzento add to the agendaPhraseC1
die Tastekey of an instrumentNounB2
A key you press; a door key is der Schlüssel.
die Thesethesis, propositionNounC1
die TidetideNounC1
Northern German; the standard word is die Gezeiten.
die TraditiontraditionNounB1
die U-BahnundergroundNounA2
die VariablevariableNounC1
die Verletzung auskurierento recover from an injuryPhraseC1
die Ware zurückgebento return goodsPhraseB2
die Werkstatt für behinderte Menschensheltered workshopPhraseC1
die WürdedignityNounC1
The first article of the German Basic Law.
die Würde wahrento preserve dignityPhraseC1
die Zuzahlung leistento make a co-paymentPhraseC1
distanziertdistant, aloofAdjectiveC1
dividierento divideVerbB2
dranbleibento stick with itVerbB2
drehento turn, to rotateVerbB1
dummstupid, sillyAdjectiveB1
dunkelblaudark blueAdjectiveA1
durchfallento failVerbB1
Separable, with "sein".
dämmento insulateVerbC1
dünstento steam gently, to sweatVerbC1
eckigangular, square-edgedAdjectiveA2
ehrgeizigambitiousAdjectiveB2
eifersüchtigjealousAdjectiveB2
eilento hurry, to be urgentVerbC1
einfühlsamsensitive, empatheticAdjectiveC1
eingebildetconceitedAdjectiveC1
einleuchtento make sense, to be obviousVerbB1
Separable, with a dative for the person.
einpackento pack, to wrapVerbA2
einrichtento set upVerbB2
einschulento start schoolVerbC1
einsteigento get on, to boardVerbA2
Separable, with "sein".
einundzwanzigtwenty-oneNumeralA1
Units before tens, joined with "und", written as one word. This holds for every two-digit number up to 99.
einweichento soakVerbB2
Separable: weicht ein.
einwendento objectVerbC1
einwilligento consentVerbC1
einzahlento pay in, to depositVerbB1
Separable.
elastischelasticAdjectiveB2
elegantelegant, smartAdjectiveB2
elfelevenNumeralA1
empfindlichsensitive, delicateAdjectiveB2
Easily hurt or easily damaged, never perceptive.
entlüftento bleed a radiatorVerbC1
entscheidento decideVerbB1
entsetztappalledAdjectiveC1
entsorgento dispose ofVerbC1
entwertento validate a ticketVerbC1
An unvalidated ticket counts as no ticket.
entwickelnto developVerbB2
The same verb as developing an idea.
erbento inheritVerbB2
erleichtertrelievedAdjectiveB2
ernstseriousAdjectiveB1
"im Ernst?" means "seriously?"
erschrockenstartled, shockedAdjectiveB2
erstarrento solidify, to freezeVerbC1
erstauntastonishedAdjectiveB2
erwidernto reply, to retortVerbC1
erwägento weigh up, to considerVerbC1
erwähnento mentionVerbB2
eröffnento open (an account, a business)VerbB1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
evakuierento evacuateVerbC1
evangelischProtestantAdjectiveB1
The German word for Lutheran and Reformed churches; it does not mean "evangelical" in the English sense.
exportierento exportVerbB2
extrovertiertextrovertedAdjectiveC1
fairfairAdjectiveB1
fastento fastVerbB2
faullazy; rottenAdjectiveA2
Of fruit it means rotten.
fegento sweepVerbB1
festziehento tightenVerbC1
figurbetontclose-fittingAdjectiveC1
fleißighard-working, diligentAdjectiveB1
A compliment in German with no exact English single word.
flexibelflexibleAdjectiveB2
flickento mend, to patchVerbC1
fliehento fleeVerbB2
flüggefledged, ready to leave the nestAdjectiveC2
Also said of children leaving home.
flüsternto whisperVerbB2
folgernto conclude, to inferVerbC1
fordernto demandVerbC1
forschento do researchVerbC1
fotografierento photographVerbA2
No ge- in the participle.
frankierento put postage onVerbB2
frohglad, pleasedAdjectiveA2
fruchtbarfertileAdjectiveC1
frustriertfrustratedAdjectiveB2
fällento fellVerbB2
Also used of a decision: eine Entscheidung fällen.
föhnento blow-dryVerbB1
fördernto extract, to promoteVerbC1
Also to support or fund something.
förmlichformalAdjectiveB2
fütternto feedVerbB1
geborgensafe, secureAdjectiveC1
Emotional safety rather than physical; English has no single word.
geduldigpatientAdjectiveB1
The noun is "die Geduld".
gefährlichdangerousAdjectiveA2
gefälschtfaked, forgedAdjectiveC1
gehobenelevated, formalAdjectiveC1
gehörlosdeafAdjectiveC1
The preferred term; taub is older and often avoided.
gelangweiltboredAdjectiveB2
gelbyellowAdjectiveA1
gelegentlichoccasionallyAdverbB2
gemeinnützigcharitable, non-profitAdjectiveC1
gemustertpatternedAdjectiveC1
gemütlichcosy, comfortableAdjectiveA2
One of the German words that resists translation — warmth, ease and unhurriedness at once.
genervtirritatedAdjectiveB2
geradeausstraight onAdverbA1
gerührtmoved, touchedAdjectiveC1
geschiedendivorcedAdjectiveB2
geschweige dennlet alonePhraseC1
geselligsociableAdjectiveC1
gespanntcurious, eagerAdjectiveB2
Literally "tense"; the everyday sense is looking forward to something.
gestreiftstripedAdjectiveB2
gewissenhaftconscientiousAdjectiveC1
glaubwürdigcredibleAdjectiveB2
gleichgültigindifferentAdjectiveC1
gleichzeitigat the same timeAdverbB2
glücklichhappyAdjectiveA2
Stronger than English "happy" — closer to genuinely joyful.
gratulierento congratulateVerbA2
Takes the dative: jemandem gratulieren.
grillento barbecueVerbB1
großzügiggenerousAdjectiveB2
gruseligcreepy, scaryAdjectiveB2
grüßento greet, to say helloVerbA2
gutschreibento creditVerbC1
hackento chopVerbB2
haltbarkeeps, has a shelf lifeAdjectiveB2
hausgemachthomemadeAdjectiveB1
heilento heal, to cureVerbB1
Transitive it cures; intransitive it heals, and then takes "sein".
heiligholy, sacredAdjectiveB2
heiterbright, fairAdjectiveB2
The standard forecast word; in other contexts it means cheerful.
hellblaulight blueAdjectiveA1
hell- and dunkel- combine with any colour as one word: hellgrün, dunkelrot.
herbdry, bitter (of beer or taste)AdjectiveC1
A compliment for beer; wine uses trocken instead.
herunterladento downloadVerbB1
Separable. The alternative "downloaden" conjugates awkwardly.
hilfloshelplessAdjectiveB2
hilfsbereithelpfulAdjectiveB1
hobelnto planeVerbC1
hochrechnento extrapolate, to projectVerbC1
hoffnungsvollhopefulAdjectiveC1
humorvollfunny, with a sense of humourAdjectiveB2
hungrighungryAdjectiveA1
More often said as "Hunger haben": ich habe Hunger.
häkelnto crochetVerbB2
Weak verb: häkelte, gehäkelt.
hässlichuglyAdjectiveA2
häufigfrequentlyAdverbB1
höchstensat mostAdverbB1
höflichpoliteAdjectiveB1
hügelighillyAdjectiveB2
importierento importVerbB2
insolventinsolventAdjectiveC1
installierento installVerbB1
interpretierento interpretVerbC1
introvertiertintrovertedAdjectiveC1
investierento investVerbB2
jederzeitat any timeAdverbB1
joggento jogVerbA2
jätento weedVerbC1
kabelloswirelessAdjectiveB2
kaputtgehento break, to stop workingVerbA2
Separable and with "sein".
kargbarren, sparseAdjectiveC1
kariertcheckedAdjectiveB2
katholischCatholicAdjectiveB1
kehrento sweepVerbB2
Southern German; the north says fegen.
kletternto climbVerbB1
klugclever, wiseAdjectiveB1
knetento kneadVerbB2
kommentierento comment onVerbB2
kompatibelcompatibleAdjectiveC1
komponierento composeVerbC1
kondensierento condenseVerbC1
konfessionslosof no religious denominationAdjectiveC1
konkretconcrete, specificAdjectiveB2
koordinierento coordinateVerbC1
kopierento copyVerbA2
kostento costVerbA1
krankschreibento sign somebody off sickVerbB1
Separable, and usually met as a participle.
kreativcreativeAdjectiveB1
landento landVerbB1
lebhaftlivelyAdjectiveC1
leckertasty, deliciousAdjectiveA1
ledigsingle, unmarriedAdjectiveA2
The word used on official forms; in conversation people say "Single".
legercasualAdjectiveC1
From French and pronounced with a soft g.
leitfähigconductiveAdjectiveC1
leugnento denyVerbC1
liebento loveVerbA1
lieblichsweet (of wine)AdjectiveC1
On a label it means sweetness, not quality.
lindernto relieve, to easeVerbC1
linkshändigleft-handedAdjectiveC1
lobento praiseVerbB2
lustigfunny, amusingAdjectiveA2
Not "lusty" — a false friend.
lächelnto smileVerbB1
Loses the -e- in the ich form: ich lächle.
lötento solderVerbC1
lüftento air a roomVerbB1
A duty in most tenancy agreements, not a preference.
lügento lieVerbB2
messen und anzeichnento measure and markPhraseB2
miauento miaowVerbB2
mindestensat leastAdverbB1
misstrauischsuspicious, distrustfulAdjectiveC1
mitsingento sing alongVerbB2
modischfashionableAdjectiveB1
motiviertmotivatedAdjectiveB2
multiplizierento multiplyVerbB2
mutigbraveAdjectiveB1
mutlosdisheartenedAdjectiveC1
nacheinanderone after anotherAdverbB2
nachfüllento refill, to restockVerbB2
nachhakento follow up, to pressVerbC1
nachhaltigsustainableAdjectiveB1
Originally a forestry term: cut no more than grows back.
nachschenkento top up a glassVerbB2
nachsendento forwardVerbB2
nachsichtiglenient, indulgentAdjectiveC1
nachvollziehento understand, to followVerbB1
Separable. Understanding somebody's reasoning rather than a fact.
natürlichof course, naturallyAdverbA1
nebligfoggyAdjectiveB2
neidischenviousAdjectiveB2
Envy of a thing; jealousy about a person is eifersüchtig.
neugierigcurious, nosyAdjectiveB1
Can be a compliment or a complaint, exactly as in English.
neulichthe other dayAdverbB1
nichtignull and voidAdjectiveC1
notwendignecessaryAdjectiveB2
nämlichnamely, you seeAdverbB2
Never stands first in the sentence.
obdachloshomelessAdjectiveC1
objektivobjectiveAdjectiveB2
operierento operateVerbB2
ordentlichtidy, properAdjectiveB1
Colloquially also "quite a lot": ordentlich Arbeit.
orthodoxOrthodoxAdjectiveB2
oxidierento oxidiseVerbC1
packento packVerbA2
pflanzento plantVerbB1
pflegebedürftigin need of careAdjectiveC1
planmäßigaccording to scheduleAdjectiveC1
promovierento do a doctorateVerbC1
radioaktivradioactiveAdjectiveC1
raspelnto grateVerbC1
rastento restVerbB2
rauschento rustle, to roar softlyVerbB2
Also used of water and of radio static.
rechnento calculate, to reckonVerbB1
rechtskräftigfinal and bindingAdjectiveC1
recycelnto recycleVerbB1
Pronounced the English way; the participle is "recycelt".
reduziertreducedAdjectiveA2
regionalregional, localAdjectiveB2
reichlichplenty of, a goodAdjectiveC1
reklamierento complain, to return a faulty itemVerbB1
No ge- in the participle, because of -ieren.
renovierento redecorate, to renovateVerbB1
No ge- in the participle.
reproduzierento reproduce, to replicateVerbC1
rettento rescueVerbB1
retuschierento retouchVerbC2
Not separable, so no ge- in the participle.
rodelnto sledge, to tobogganVerbB2
Weak verb: rodelte, gerodelt.
rodento clear land, to grub upVerbC1
Stronger than fällen: the roots go too.
rohrawAdjectiveB1
rutschento slip, to slideVerbB1
rücksichtslosinconsiderate, ruthlessAdjectiveC1
rücksichtsvollconsiderateAdjectiveB2
rührento stirVerbB1
rührendmoving, touchingAdjectiveC1
saisonalseasonalAdjectiveC1
scannento scanVerbB1
schattigshadyAdjectiveB2
schicksmart, chicAdjectiveB2
schimpfento tell off, to grumbleVerbB2
schleifento sand, to grindVerbB2
schlüpfento hatchVerbB2
The same verb also means to slip into clothes.
schmutzigdirtyAdjectiveA2
schmückento decorateVerbB1
schreiento shout, to screamVerbB1
schrumpfento shrinkVerbC1
schuldigguiltyAdjectiveB2
schwarzfahrento travel without a ticketVerbC1
schweißento weldVerbC1
schwerhörighard of hearingAdjectiveC1
schwindeligdizzyAdjectiveB1
Used with the dative: mir ist schwindelig.
schwitzento sweatVerbB1
schwülhumid, muggyAdjectiveB2
A false friend for English ears: it has nothing to do with cool.
schälento peelVerbB1
seekrankseasickAdjectiveB2
segelnto sailVerbB1
selbständigself-employed; independentAdjectiveB1
Also spelled "selbstständig"; both are correct.
seriösreputable, seriousAdjectiveB2
A false friend: it means reputable, not "serious" in the sense of grave.
servierento serveVerbB1
No ge- in the participle.
sich ausruhento restVerbA2
Reflexive and separable at once.
sich beteiligento take partVerbB2
sich einlebento settle inVerbC1
sich einschreibento enrolVerbB2
sich engagierento get involvedVerbC1
sich entspannento relaxVerbB1
sich erholento recoverVerbB1
Reflexive, and inseparable.
sich gewöhnento get used toVerbB2
Takes an plus accusative.
sich kennenlernento get to know each otherVerbB1
sich kümmernto see to, to take care ofVerbB1
Reflexive, and takes "um" plus the accusative.
sich langweilento be boredVerbB1
Reflexive. "langweilig" is the adjective, boring.
sich rasierento shaveVerbA2
sich verabredento arrange to meetVerbB1
sich verkleidento dress upVerbB1
sich verspätento be lateVerbB2
sich versöhnento make upVerbB2
sich vertragento get alongVerbB2
sich weiterbildento undertake further trainingVerbC1
sich äußernto comment, to express a viewVerbC1
siegento win, to be victoriousVerbB2
sinnvollsensible, meaningfulAdjectiveB2
sonnigsunnyAdjectiveA2
sowieas well asConjunctionC1
spendento donateVerbB2
staubsaugento vacuumVerbB1
stechento sting, to bite (of insects)VerbB1
Strong verb: sticht, stach, gestochen.
stockento be slow-movingVerbC1
stopfento darnVerbB2
The same verb also means to stuff something.
stornierento cancel a bookingVerbB2
strafbarpunishable, criminalAdjectiveC1
streichelnto strokeVerbB1
streichento paint (a wall)VerbB1
streichen – strich – gestrichen. Also means to delete.
streuento grit, to scatterVerbB2
strickento knitVerbB1
Weak verb: strickte, gestrickt.
sturstubbornAdjectiveB2
stürzento fall over, to plungeVerbB2
subjektivsubjectiveAdjectiveB2
subtrahierento subtractVerbB2
summento buzz, to humVerbB2
Often used impersonally, as here.
synchronisiertdubbedAdjectiveC1
säento sowVerbB2
sägento sawVerbB2
säumento hemVerbC1
Also means to line a road, as trees do.
talentierttalentedAdjectiveB2
tankento fill up, to refuelVerbA2
tapezierento wallpaperVerbB2
teilbardivisibleAdjectiveC1
tilgento pay off, to repayVerbC1
traurigsadAdjectiveA2
treufaithful, loyalAdjectiveB2
tröstento comfortVerbB2
umgangssprachlichcolloquialAdjectiveC1
umsonstfree of charge; in vainAdverbB1
Two meanings that are almost opposite in feel.
umsteigefreidirect, without changingAdjectiveC1
umsteigento change (trains)VerbA2
Separable, with "sein".
umtauschento exchange, to returnVerbA2
Separable. Keep the receipt — "der Kassenbon".
unbewusstunconscious, unawareAdjectiveC1
unehrlichdishonestAdjectiveB2
unfairunfairAdjectiveB1
ungefährapproximatelyAdverbA2
ungeradeoddAdjectiveB2
unhöflichimpoliteAdjectiveB1
unordentlichuntidyAdjectiveB1
unreifunripeAdjectiveB2
unruhigrestless, uneasyAdjectiveB2
unscharfout of focus, blurredAdjectiveB2
The opposite is scharf.
unschuldiginnocentAdjectiveB2
unsicherunsure; unsafeAdjectiveB1
The un- prefix negates any adjective.
unterlassento refrain from, to omitVerbC1
unterscheidento distinguishVerbB2
unterstützento supportVerbB2
unverpacktunpackaged, looseAdjectiveC1
unzufriedendissatisfiedAdjectiveB2
unzuverlässigunreliableAdjectiveB2
veganveganAdjectiveB1
veraltetobsolete, datedAdjectiveC1
verdampfento evaporateVerbC1
verdauento digestVerbC1
verdoppelnto doubleVerbC1
verdrängento repress, to displaceVerbC1
vererbento bequeath, to pass onVerbC1
verfügbaravailableAdjectiveB2
vergleichento compareVerbB1
vergleichen – verglich – verglichen.
verlassento leaveVerbB1
verlegento lay, to mislayVerbB2
Also to mislay something, and as an adjective, embarrassed.
verlobtengagedAdjectiveB2
verlängernto extend, to renewVerbB1
Inseparable: no ge- in the participle.
vermutento suspect, to assumeVerbB1
Inseparable.
vernähento fasten off, to sew in the endsVerbC2
Not separable, so the participle has no ge-.
verreisento go away, to travelVerbB1
verschlossenreserved, closed offAdjectiveC1
verschlüsselnto encryptVerbC1
verschmutzento pollute, to dirtyVerbB1
Inseparable.
verschreibento prescribeVerbB1
Inseparable. Reflexive it means to make a slip of the pen.
verschweigento keep quiet aboutVerbC1
versprechento promiseVerbB1
verstoßento breach, to violateVerbC1
Takes gegen.
vertrauento trustVerbB1
Takes a dative for the person.
vertrautfamiliarAdjectiveB2
verunsichertunsettled, made uncertainAdjectiveC1
verurteilento convict, to sentenceVerbC1
verwechselnto mix up, to confuseVerbB2
verzeihento forgiveVerbB2
Takes the dative for the person.
verzweifeltdesperateAdjectiveC1
veröffentlichento publishVerbB2
vielen Dankmany thanksPhraseA1
voraussichtlichexpected, estimatedAdverbB1
The word every German station announcement uses.
vorhinjust now, a moment agoAdverbB1
vorschlagento suggest, to proposeVerbB1
Separable and strong: du schlägst vor, vorgeschlagen.
vorübergehendtemporaryAdjectiveC1
wahrnehmento perceive, to take upVerbC1
Also to keep an appointment: einen Termin wahrnehmen.
warnento warnVerbB1
warumwhyQuestion wordA1
wasserdichtwaterproofAdjectiveB2
webento weaveVerbC1
Strong in the participle: gewebt or gewoben.
weder … nochneither … norPhraseB2
Already negative, so no further nicht is added.
weglaufento run awayVerbB1
wegwerfento throw awayVerbB1
wehmütigwistfulAdjectiveC1
weidento grazeVerbC1
weiterleitento forwardVerbB2
welkento wiltVerbC1
wenwhom (accusative)Question wordA1
widerlegento refute, to disproveVerbC1
widerrufento withdraw, to revokeVerbC1
widersprechento contradict, to disagreeVerbB1
Inseparable, and it takes a dative.
wiederverwertento reuse, to recycleVerbC1
wildwildAdjectiveB1
willkommenwelcomeAdjectiveA1
windigwindyAdjectiveA2
winkento waveVerbB1
wirksameffective, validAdjectiveC1
würfelnto diceVerbB2
würzento seasonVerbB1
wütendfuriousAdjectiveB1
Much stronger than "böse".
zahmtameAdjectiveB1
zapfento draw, to pull (a beer)VerbB2
Not the noun der Zapfen, a cone.
zeltento campVerbB1
zentralcentralAdjectiveB1
zerbrechlichfragileAdjectiveB1
zitierento quote, to citeVerbB2
zitternto shake, to trembleVerbB2
zoomento zoomVerbB1
Weak verb: zoomte, gezoomt.
zugebento admitVerbB2
zurückhaltendrestrained, reticentAdjectiveC1
zusammenlegento foldVerbB1
Separable: legt zusammen.
zuschneidento cut outVerbB2
Separable: schneidet zu.
zustimmento agreeVerbB1
Separable, and it takes a dative for the person.
zuverlässigreliableAdjectiveB1
zuversichtlichconfident, optimisticAdjectiveC1
zwaradmittedly, it is trueAdverbC1
Almost always paired with a following aber.
zweifelnto doubtVerbB2
zweitenssecondlyAdverbB2
zwitschernto chirp, to twitterVerbB2
Used impersonally as often as with a subject.
zähtough, viscousAdjectiveC1
Also of meat, and of a slow negotiation.
ängstlichanxious, fearfulAdjectiveB2
ärgerlichannoying, annoyedAdjectiveB2
Covers both the feeling and what causes it.
übelsick, nauseous; badAdjectiveB1
The dative pattern again. As an ordinary adjective it means nasty.
überfordertoverwhelmed, out of your depthAdjectiveC1
A very common word and hard to translate in one: it means the demand exceeded what the person could give.
überholento overtakeVerbB1
überlegento consider, to think overVerbB1
übertreibento exaggerateVerbB1
Inseparable: übertrieben, no ge-.
überweisento transferVerbB1
überweisen – überwies – überwiesen, inseparable.