Kugelschreiber
/ˈkuːɡəlˌʃraɪ̯bər/
The English phrase ball point pen is Kugelschreiber in German.
A Kugelschreiber is a pen that uses a small rotating ball to dispense ink onto paper.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Kugel (ball) and Schreiber (writer/pen), literally meaning "ball writing instrument".
Which one should you use?
While Kugelschreiber refers to a ball point pen, do not confuse it with Füller, which refers specifically to a fountain pen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal situations, you can use the common colloquial abbreviation Kuli or the general informal word Stift to mean pen. Kuli is a very common colloquial abbreviation for Kugelschreiber.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and takes the article der. Note that Kugelschreiber is used for both singular and plural forms without changing its spelling.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkuːɡəlˌʃraɪ̯bər/
Did you know?
- German laws regarding bureaucracy often specify a dokumentenecht or 'document-proof' ink, which sometimes makes the ink in a standard Kugelschreiber unacceptable for official legal forms.
- In German schools, students are traditionally taught to write using a Füller rather than a Kugelschreiber to help develop better handwriting and posture.
- The word Schreiber in Kugelschreiber refers to the act of writing or the tool itself, stemming from an old occupational title for a scribe or clerk.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche einen Kugelschreiber.I need a ball point pen.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a Kugelschreiber.Tatoeba #3032072 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2631776 by Joseph
- Ich habe meinen Kugelschreiber verloren und schreibe jetzt mit einem Bleistift.I've lost my ball-point pen and am now writing with a pencil.This sentence is useful for explaining that you lost your Kugelschreiber.Tatoeba #2393950 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2997938 by pne
- Ich habe einen Kugelschreiber, aber ich möchte einen anderen.I have a ball-point pen, but I want another.This sentence is useful for stating that you have one Kugelschreiber but want a different one.Tatoeba #360863 by Wolf, translation #33634 by Eldad
- Ich habe meinen Kugelschreiber verloren.I lost my ball point pen.
- Hast du noch einen Kuli? Ich habe meinen vergessen.Do you have another ball point pen? I forgot mine.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are in a library.
- SarahJulian, hast du einen Kugelschreiber für mich?Julian, do you have a ball point pen for me?
- JulianJa, hier ist ein blauer Kugelschreiber.Yes, here is a blue ball point pen.
- SarahVielen Dank, der ist sehr praktisch.Thank you very much, it is very practical.
- JulianGerne, Sarah. Viel Erfolg beim Lernen!You're welcome, Sarah. Good luck with your studying!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Kugelschreiber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
