Bunker
/ˈbʊŋkɐ/masculine
The German word for 'bunker' is Bunker. If unsure, use Bunker. Wiktionary also lists Schutzkeller.
Meaning: hardened shelter designed to protect the inhabitants from falling bombs or other attacks (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bunker | /ˈbʊŋkɐ/ | masculine |
| Schutzkeller | masculine |
The noun Bunker refers to a hardened shelter designed to protect the inhabitants from falling bombs or other attacks. Related to this, the verb bunkern can be used colloquially to mean hoarding or stocking up on goods (like food or supplies) in large quantities. Additionally, bunkern can refer to the maritime action of a vessel taking a load of coal or fuel oil for its engine.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Bunker is Bunker, meaning the word does not change in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʊŋkɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Bunker was originally borrowed from English, where it referred to a coal bin or a sand trap on a golf course rather than a military fortification.
- Berlin is home to the Führerbunker, and the city has turned several other wartime bunkers into public museums or art galleries.
- In modern German slang, bunkern is often used specifically when talking about hoarding snacks or sweets in a secret hiding place, such as a bedroom.
Examples in context
- Ein Bunker schützt nicht vor Viren.A bunker won't protect you from viruses.This example uses Bunker to show that a shelter does not protect against viruses.Tatoeba #12703641 by Yorwba, translation #8770916 by Hybrid
- Der Affe schloss sich im Bunker ein.The monkey locked himself in the bunker.This example uses Bunker to describe an animal locking itself inside a shelter.Tatoeba #12703637 by Yorwba, translation #5789404 by Eccles17
- Der Schutzbunker bietet Schutz vor Angriffen und gefährlichen Umweltbedingungen.The protective bunker offers shelter from attacks and dangerous environmental conditions.
- Der Sicherheitsbunker ist mit modernster Technologie ausgestattet, um höchsten Schutz zu gewährleisten.The security bunker is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure the utmost protection.
- Lass uns im Bunker Schutz vor dem Sturm suchen.Let's seek shelter from the storm in the bunker.
- Der Bunker ist aus dickem Beton gebaut.The bunker is built of thick concrete.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at a historical site.
- MaximilianSiehst du dort den alten Bunker?Do you see that old bunker over there?
- SarahJa, er sieht sehr massiv aus.Yes, it looks very massive.
- MaximilianWir können ihn uns später ansehen.We can take a look at it later.
- SarahDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bunker” translations and entries Bunker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bunker, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
