Axt
/akst/feminine
The English word axe is translated into German as Axt. Wiktionary also lists Ax and Beil.
Meaning: tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Axt | /akst/ | feminine |
| Ax | ||
| Beil | /baɪ̯l/ | neuter |
The term refers to the tool used for chopping or splitting. Related verbs include abhacken or fällen for the act of felling or chopping, while streichen or beseitigen can be used when describing the act of terminating or reducing something in a ruthless or rough manner.
Which one should you use?
Axt is the general term for an axe. In contrast, Beil typically refers to a smaller, lighter hatchet or hand axe.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Axt is a feminine noun, meaning it uses the articles die (the) or eine (an). Beil is a neuter noun, which uses the articles das (the) or ein (a).
How do you pronounce it?
/akst/
Did you know?
- The German word Beil is derived from the Proto-Germanic word for 'to bite'. This suggests that ancient speakers viewed the tool as something that bites into the wood.
- While Axt is the standard term, the regional Bavarian dialect uses the diminutive form Beichl for a small axe.
Examples in context
- Das ist eine Axt.This is an axe.This sentence is useful for identifying an object as an Axt.Tatoeba #12877203 by Waldelfe, translation #12796269 by sundown
- Tom schärfte seine Axt.Tom sharpened his axe.This sentence shows the verb used with Axt.Tatoeba #7000102 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6570760 by Hybrid
- Wir fällen Bäume mit der Axt.We cut trees with an axe.This sentence demonstrates using Axt to describe the tool used for cutting trees.Tatoeba #6804285 by manese, translation #3676537 by sundown
- Um den Baum zu fällen, benötige ich eine Axt.To fell the tree, I need an axe.
- Kannst du mir bitte das Beil geben? Ich muss Holz hacken.Could you please give me the axe? I need to chop some wood.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are preparing firewood in the garden.
- FelixJulia, wo ist die Axt?Julia, where is the axe?
- JuliaDie Axt liegt dort im Schuppen.The axe is over there in the shed.
- FelixIch kann sie dort leider nicht sehen.Unfortunately, I can't see it there.
- JuliaSie steht hinter dem Holzstapel, Felix.It's standing behind the woodpile, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “axe” translations and entries Axt, Beil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Axt, Beil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
