Buch
/buːx/
The English word 'book' is translated into German as Buch.
Buch refers to a written work consisting of many pages bound together in a cover.
Which one should you use?
While Buch is the standard term, you might use der Schmöker to describe a book that is particularly enjoyable or engrossing to read. For more academic or profound works, the term das Werk is typically used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Buch is neuter, which means it takes the definite article das (as in das Buch). The plural form of Buch is Bücher.
How do you pronounce it?
/buːx/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Buch is a neuter noun, do not use the masculine accusative form einen Buch to mean 'a book'. Instead, use the correct neuter form ein Buch.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Buch can refer to both a 'book' and the 'beech' tree. This is because early Germanic peoples used beech wood tablets for writing before paper became available.
- In German legal and official contexts, the term Buch is used in Grundbuch, which is a land registry or 'ground book' used to track property ownership.
- German speakers use the phrase ein offenes Buch to describe a person who is transparent and easy to read, mirroring the English idiom 'an open book'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe ein interessantes Buch zum Lesen ausgewählt.I have chosen an interesting book to read.
- Gönn dir mal wieder einen guten Schmöker.Treat yourself to a good book.
- Dieses Buch ist sehr interessant.This book is very interesting.
- Ich lese gerade ein neues Buch.I am reading a new book right now.
- Hast du das Buch schon gelesen?Have you read the book already?
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are talking in a library.
- LukasHannah, welches Buch liest du?Hannah, which book are you reading?
- HannahEin Buch über die Geschichte Deutschlands.A book about the history of Germany.
- LukasIst das Buch langweilig?Is the book boring?
- HannahNein, es ist wirklich spannend.No, it is really exciting.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Buch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
