Biene
/ˈbiːnə/feminine
The German word for bee is Biene. Wiktionary also lists Imme and Beivogl (Styrian).
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Biene | /ˈbiːnə/ | feminine |
| Imme | /ˈɪmə/ | feminine, poetic |
| Beivogl (Styrian) | masculine | |
| Biine | Alemannic German, feminine | |
| Bii | Alemannic German, feminine | |
| Imp | feminine |
The word refers to the insect. A common German idiom for describing someone who is very industrious is fleißig wie eine Biene, which translates to 'busy as a bee'.
Which one should you use?
While Biene is the standard term, Imme is a poetic or literary way to refer to the insect. In certain Alemannic German dialects, you may encounter the variants Biine or Bii.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Imme should be reserved for poetry or literary contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Styria, the masculine form Beivogl is used. In Alemannic German dialects, the variants Biine and Bii are used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form Biene is feminine. The plural form is Bienen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbiːnə/
Did you know?
- The Styrian term Beivogl literally translates to 'bee bird', reflecting a unique regional way of categorizing the insect.
- The word Imme can refer to a single bee or to an entire swarm of bees.
Examples in context
- Eine Biene summt herum.A bee is buzzing around.This sentence illustrates the action of a Biene buzzing.Tatoeba #1904279 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1904264 by CK
- Eine Biene kam hereingeflogen.A bee flew in.This sentence describes a Biene flying into a space.Tatoeba #12870921 by Waldelfe, translation #7899817 by Nudl
- Sie ist fleißig wie eine Biene.She is as busy as a bee.This sentence uses the idiom involving Biene to describe industriousness.Tatoeba #2322993 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #311807 by CK
- Schau mal, da fliegt eine Biene!Look, there's a bee flying!
- Pass auf, da summt eine Hummel!Be careful, there's a bumblebee buzzing!
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are sitting in a garden.
- LukasSchau mal, eine Biene!Look, a bee!
- JuliaSie ist sehr hübsch.She is very pretty.
- LukasJa, aber sie ist auch gefährlich.Yes, but she is also dangerous.
- JuliaKeine Sorge, Lukas, sie sticht nicht.Don't worry, Lukas, she won't sting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bee” translations and entries Biene, Imme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Biene, Imme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
