Rucksack
/ˈʁʊkzak/masculine
The German word for backpack is Rucksack.
Rucksack refers to a bag worn on a person's back, such as those used for hiking.
Meaning: worn on a person's back, e.g., for hiking (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Rucksack is the standard term for a hiking or heavy-duty backpack, a smaller, everyday backpack used for school or work is often called a Tagesrucksack or simply a Schulrucksack.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word Gepäck is used more commonly in southern Germany, specifically in Bavaria.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Rucksack is Rucksäcke. Because Rucksack is a masculine noun, it takes the accusative ending -en when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as den Rucksack.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁʊkzak/
Did you know?
- In German hiking culture, the specific way one packs a Rucksack to balance weight is often treated as a formal skill called Packtechnik.
- The Russian word for backpack, рюкзак (rjukzak), is derived from the German Rucksack.
Examples in context
- Gib mir den Rucksack!Give me the backpack.This sentence is useful for practicing the accusative form of Rucksack.Tatoeba #8069295 by Luiaard, translation #3151483 by CK
- Ist das dein Rucksack?Is this backpack yours?This sentence is useful for asking about ownership of a Rucksack.Tatoeba #12391219 by mhr, translation #12284076 by mollydot
- Hast du einen Rucksack?Do you have a backpack?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a Rucksack.Tatoeba #8456923 by Luiaard, translation #6786253 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo finde ich einen Rucksack?Excuse me, where can I find a backpack?
- Ich habe mein Gepäck im Rucksack verstautI packed my belongings in my backpack
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are preparing for a mountain hike.
- FelixDer Rucksack ist sehr schwer.The backpack is very heavy.
- HannahSoll ich den Rucksack tragen?Should I carry the backpack?
- FelixNein, Hannah, du hast schon viel zu tragen.No, Hannah, you are already carrying a lot.
- HannahDann trage ich ihn heute nicht.Then I won't carry it today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backpack” translations and entries Rucksack, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rucksack, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
