Schmetterling
/ˈʃmɛtərlɪŋ/masculine
The English word butterfly is Schmetterling in German. Wiktionary also lists Waifåita and Falter.
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schmetterling | /ˈʃmɛtərlɪŋ/ | masculine |
| Waifåita | ||
| Falter | /ˈfaltɐ/ | masculine, poetic |
| Tagfalter | /ˈtaːkˌfaltɐ/ | masculine |
| Summervogel | Alemannic German, masculine | |
| Fifalter | Alemannic German, masculine |
The primary way to refer to this insect is with the noun Schmetterling.
Which one should you use?
Schmetterling is the standard, everyday word used in most situations. Falter is a more poetic or literary term that can refer generally to either butterflies or moths. In Alemannic German, you may encounter the terms Summervogel or Fifalter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic German areas, the word Summervogel is used to mean butterfly. The term Fifalter is also a regional Alemannic variant.
How does it change in a sentence?
All these nouns are masculine. For the standard word, the plural form is Schmetterlinge. Because Schmetterling is a masculine noun, it takes the ending -en in the accusative case, such as in the phrase einen Schmetterling.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃmɛtərlɪŋ/
Did you know?
- According to an old folk belief, butterflies were thought to be attracted to milk or even used by witches to steal cream.
- The term Tagfalter specifically refers to butterflies that fly during the day, distinguishing them from nocturnal moths.
Examples in context
- Ich sah einen Schmetterling.I saw a butterfly.This sentence demonstrates the use of the accusative form of Schmetterling.Tatoeba #13465404 by mhr, translation #13592101 by araneo
- Wie lange lebt ein Schmetterling?How long does a butterfly live?This sentence shows how to use Schmetterling when asking about its lifespan.Tatoeba #4536253 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4536145 by CK
- Du bist ein schöner Schmetterling.You are a beautiful butterfly.This sentence shows how to use Schmetterling in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #582613 by jakov, translation #68974 by CM
- In den deutschen Wäldern können Sie wunderschöne Schmetterlinge beobachten.In German forests, you can observe beautiful butterflies.
- Der Falter flatterte von Blume zu Blume.The butterfly fluttered from flower to flower.
- Komm her, Falterchen, ich befördere dich vorsichtig auf die Blume.Come here, little butterfly, I'll gently place you on the flower.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are walking through a flower garden.
- SarahSchau mal, ein bunter Schmetterling!Look, a colorful butterfly!
- FelixJa, der Schmetterling ist wunderschön.Yes, the butterfly is beautiful.
- SarahEr fliegt direkt auf die Blume.It is flying directly onto the flower.
- FelixEin toller Anblick für uns beide.A great sight for both of us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries Schmetterling, Falter, Tagfalter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Falter, Schmetterling, Tagfalter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
