Herbst
/hɛʁpst/masculine
The German word for autumn is Herbst. Wiktionary also lists Herbstzeit.
Meaning: season (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Herbst | /hɛʁpst/ | masculine |
| Herbstzeit | /ˈhɛʁpstˌt͡saɪ̯t/ | feminine |
The term is used to refer to the season of autumn. Common words associated with this time of year include Herbstlaub (autumn foliage), Kürbis (pumpkin), Nebel (fog), Regenschirm (umbrella), Drachen (kite) and Erntedankfest (harvest festival).
Which one should you use?
While Herbst refers to the season itself, Herbstzeit is often used to describe a specific period or duration of autumn-like weather or conditions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Herbst is a masculine noun. Herbstzeit is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɛʁpst/
Did you know?
- German uses the word Altweibersommer to describe a period of unusually warm, sunny weather in late Herbst.
- The word Herbst can be used metaphorically in German to describe the late stage of a person's life or the decline of a movement.
- The English word 'harvest' and the German Herbst share the same ancient root, both originally describing the time of reaping.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Herbst?Where's autumn?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of Herbst.Tatoeba #8231769 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11514227 by sundown
- Es kam der Herbst.Autumn arrived.This sentence is useful for describing the arrival of Herbst.Tatoeba #12437054 by mhr, translation #12450593 by sundown
- Ich mag den Herbst.I like autumn.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference for Herbst.Tatoeba #4231189 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10724903 by sundown
- In Berlin, der Herbst beginnt Mitte September und dauert bis Ende November.In Berlin, autumn starts in mid-September and lasts until the end of November.
- 226 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are talking about the weather during a walk.
- FelixDer Herbst ist endlich da.Autumn is finally here.
- HannahJa, es ist sehr windig.Yes, it is very windy.
- FelixMagst du den Herbst, Hannah?Do you like autumn, Hannah?
- HannahJa, die Farben sind toll.Yes, the colors are great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “autumn” translations and entries Herbst, Herbstzeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Herbst, Herbstzeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
