Amerika
/aˈmeːʁika/
The English phrase 'america' is translated into German as Amerika.
Amerika refers to the landmass consisting of the North and South American continents. To refer specifically to North America as a whole, use Nordamerika. The adjective for American is Amerikanisch.
Which one should you use?
While Amerika refers to the landmass, if you are referring to the United States of America, you may use the acronym die USA.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement towards the landmass, use the preposition 'nach', as in nach Amerika. For describing a static location, such as being 'in America', use the preposition 'in', as in in Amerika.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈmeːʁika/
Did you know?
- When discussing the USA, Germans frequently use the phrase die Staaten, which literally means 'the states', as a shorthand for the country.
- In German colloquial speech, the term Yankee is sometimes used as a slightly mocking or stereotyping synonym for someone from Amerika.
- Unlike in English where 'American' can refer to anyone from the Americas, the German adjective amerikanisch is almost exclusively used to describe things related to the USA.
Examples in context
- Er war in Amerika.He has been to America.This sentence is useful for showing someone has visited Amerika.Tatoeba #1196801 by BraveSentry, translation #288837 by CK
- Er ging nach Amerika.He went to America.This sentence is useful for showing movement toward Amerika.Tatoeba #1559814 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1559780 by sam_m
- Er will nach Amerika.He wants to go to America.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to go to Amerika.Tatoeba #2772344 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #252995 by CK
- Ich plane eine Reise in die Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika.I am planning a trip to the United States of America.
- Ich träume davon, die USA zu besuchen.I dream of visiting the USA.
- Ich habe vor, nach Amerika zu reisen. Wie sieht es bei dir aus?I plan to travel to America. How about you?
- Die amerikanische Küche ist bekannt für ihre Vielfalt.American cuisine is known for its diversity.
- 333 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a geography documentary.
- FelixWusstest du, dass Amerika riesig ist?Did you know that America is huge?
- HannahJa, die Natur in Amerika ist beeindruckend.Yes, the nature in America is impressive.
- FelixMöchtest du einmal nach Amerika reisen?Would you like to travel to America someday?
- HannahJa, das wäre ein tolles Abenteuer.Yes, that would be a great adventure.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Amerika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
