Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus | /ˈbeːlaˌʁʊs/ /ˈbɛlaˌʁʊs/ |
neuter |
| Weißrussland | /ˈvaɪ̯sˌʁʊslant/ /ˌvaɪ̯sˈʁʊslant/ |
neuter |
| Belorussland | /beloˈʁʊslant/ | East, Germany, neuter |
| Weißruthenien | neuter, obsolete | |
| Wiissrussland | Alemannic German, neuter |
The term refers to the country of Belarus. While the traditional name Weißrussland is still common in German media and everyday speech, it is a literal translation of 'White Russia'.
Which one should you use?
Belarus is the preferred official term used in modern diplomatic and political contexts to respect the country's self-designation. In contrast, Weißrussland is the traditional German name. Weißruthenien is an obsolete form. Wiissrussland is a specific Alemannic-German variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Belorussland is used in East Germany. Weißrussland is commonly used throughout Germany, particularly in the eastern regions, while some western areas of Germany may prefer the term Belarus. Wiissrussland is an Alemannic-German form.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of the country name, such as Belarus and Weißrussland, are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈbeːlaˌʁʊs/'}
Did you know?
- The German term Weißrussland is a linguistic relative of the Afrikaans Wit-Rusland and the Icelandic Hvíta-Rússland.
- The shift from Weißrussland to Belarus in German official documents mirrors a global trend of using a country's own endonym over an exonym.
Examples in context
- Tom ist in Belarus.Tom is in Belarus.This sentence is useful for showing the location of a person using Belarus.Tatoeba #13482907 by Vortarulo, translation #11896189 by Adelpa
- Prigoschin ging nach Weißrußland.Prigozhin went to Belarus.This sentence is useful for describing movement to the country using Weißrussland.Tatoeba #13555232 by Waldelfe, translation #11880202 by Amastan
- Was ist die Hauptstadt von Weißrußland?What's the capital of Belarus?This sentence is useful for asking about the capital of the country using Weißrussland.Tatoeba #12431415 by Waldelfe, translation #8612852 by shekitten
- Ich habe einen Freund aus Weißrussland.I have a friend from Belarus.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at a map in a cafe.
- MaximilianIst Belarus ein Nachbarland von Polen?Is Belarus a neighboring country of Poland?
- SarahJa, das stimmt.Yes, that is correct.
- MaximilianMöchtest du einmal nach Belarus reisen?Would you like to travel to Belarus someday?
- SarahVielleicht irgendwann einmal.Maybe sometime.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “belarus” translations and entries Belarus, Weißrussland, Belorussland, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Belarus, Weißrussland, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
