Apfel
/ˈapfəl/masculine
The English word "apple" is Apfel in German. Wiktionary also lists Öpfel and Àpfel.
Meaning: fruit of Malus domestica (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Apfel | /ˈapfəl/ | masculine |
| Öpfel | Alemannic German, masculine | |
| Àpfel | masculine | |
| Epfe | masculine |
The word refers to the fruit of Malus domestica.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the word Öpfel is often used to mean apple.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Apfel is Äpfel. In the dative plural, the word takes an additional -n to become Äpfeln. When used as a direct object in the accusative case, the masculine noun Apfel remains Apfel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapfəl/
Did you know?
- The English word 'apple' and the German Apfel both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root *h₂ébōl, proving they are distant siblings.
- The phrase der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm is a common idiom meaning 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree', used to describe children who are like their parents.
- In German fairy tales, the goldener Apfel often serves as a symbol of discord or a prize of high value, mirroring the Greek myth of the Apple of Discord.
Examples in context
- Sie aß den Apfel.She ate the apple.This sentence is useful for describing someone eating the Apfel.Tatoeba #4831461 by Tadayoshi, translation #2638590 by CH
- Wo ist der Apfel?Where is the apple?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Apfel.Tatoeba #8293346 by GuidoW, translation #5228494 by solejar
- Ist der Apfel rot?Is the apple red?This sentence is useful for asking about the color of the Apfel.Tatoeba #2223113 by Espi, translation #2221046 by bluemanshoe
- 525 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are in the kitchen.
- SarahMöchtest du einen Apfel?Would you like an apple?
- MaximilianJa, ich esse gerne einen Apfel.Yes, I like eating an apple.
- SarahHier ist ein grüner Apfel für dich.Here is a green apple for you.
- MaximilianDanke, Sarah!Thanks, Sarah!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apple” translations and entries Apfel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Apfel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
