Bernstein
/ˈbɛrnˌʃtaɪ̯n/
The German word for amber is Bernstein.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Bernstein is the standard noun, the adjective bernsteinen is used to describe something of a brownish-yellow colour. Additionally, Amber is a female given name.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Bernstein is a masculine noun that takes the definite article der. To refer to multiple pieces of amber, use the plural form Bernsteine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛrnˌʃtaɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- The German word Bernstein contains a hidden connection to the English word 'brimstone'. Both words trace back to a common root related to burning.
- Because of its historical abundance in the Baltic region, Bernstein is deeply tied to the 'Amber Road' that connected the North Sea to the Mediterranean.
- In German culture, Bernstein is often associated with healing properties and is used in traditional folk medicine for treating inflammation.
Examples in context
- Bernstein ist fossiles Harz.Amber is fossilised resin.This sentence explains that Bernstein is fossilised resin.Tatoeba #4384086 by brauchinet, translation #6174149 by sundown
- Sieh nur, was ich gefunden habe! Einen Bernstein!Look what I've found! A piece of amber!This sentence shows how to express finding a piece of Bernstein.Tatoeba #11272989 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11444497 by sundown
- Ein in Bernstein eingeschlossener Dinosaurierschwanz wurde gefunden.The tail of a dinosaur has been found trapped in amber.This sentence describes an object being trapped in Bernstein.Tatoeba #6842939 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6547746 by Hybrid
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- MaximilianSchau mal, diese Kette aus Bernstein ist wunderschön.Look, this necklace made of amber is beautiful.
- SarahJa, ich liebe diesen warmen Bernstein-Ton.Yes, I love this warm amber tone.
- MaximilianSoll ich sie für dich kaufen, Sarah?Should I buy it for you, Sarah?
- SarahDas wäre ein tolles Geschenk, Maximilian!That would be a great gift, Maximilian!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Bernstein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bernstein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
