Eichel
/ˈaɪ̯çl̩/feminine
The German word for acorn is Eichel.
Eichel is the most common and straightforward term used to refer to the fruit of the oak tree.
Meaning: fruit of the oak tree (noun)
Which one should you use?
You may encounter the diminutive Eichelchen in informal settings among family and close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Eichel is Eicheln.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯çl̩/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might confuse Eichel with the word Eichhörnchen (squirrel) because they share the same root, but they are distinct words.
Did you know?
- In German medical terminology, the word Eichel is also used to refer to the glans penis.
- German folklore often associates the Eichel with strength and endurance because of the longevity of the oak tree.
- In traditional German regions, acorns were historically used as a source of fodder for pigs during winter.
Examples in context
- Das Eichhörnchen da hat meine Eichel geklaut!That squirrel stole my acorn!Tatoeba #13058469 by Yorwba, translation #10135301 by CheckPointOne
- Das Eichhörnchen setzte sein Eichelhelmchen auf.The squirrel put his acorn helmet on.Tatoeba #3511277 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3511274 by Hybrid
- Wenn er eine Eichel isst, verwandelt sich Mario in ein Flughörnchen.When he eats an acorn, Mario transforms into a flying squirrel.Tatoeba #5528753 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5523495 by Hybrid
- Schau nur, da liegt eine kleine Eichel!Look, there's a little acorn lying there!
- Die Eichel ist von einem Eichhörnchen versteckt worden.The acorn has been hidden by a squirrel.
- Gibt es viele Eicheln in diesem Park?Are there many acorns in this park?
- Ja, hier wimmelt es nur so vor Eichelchen!Yes, it's teeming with little acorns here!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park in autumn.
- HannahSchau mal, eine Eichel liegt auf dem Boden.Look, an acorn is lying on the ground.
- JulianJa, die Eichel ist sehr groß.Yes, the acorn is very large.
- HannahIch sammle die Eichel für meine Bastelarbeit.I am collecting the acorn for my craft project.
- JulianDas wird bestimmt hübsch werden, Hannah.That will surely turn out pretty, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acorn” translations and entries Eichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Eichel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
