Knopf
/knɔpf/masculine
The German word for button is Knopf.
Knopf refers to a small disc used as a fastener on clothing, but it is also used for control knobs found on devices like a radio or a stove.
Meaning: knob or small disc serving as a fastener (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Knopf is Knöpfe.
How do you pronounce it?
/knɔpf/
Did you know?
- The phrase den Knopf lösen can be used figuratively to mean solving a difficult problem or breaking a deadlock.
- The word Knopf stems from an ancient word meaning a 'lump' or 'clod' of earth.
- While English speakers use 'button' for many electronic controls, a German speaker might specifically use the word Taste for a computer key or a piano key to avoid confusion with a physical 'Knopf'.
Examples in context
- Mir fehlt ein Knopf.I'm missing a button.This sentence is useful for saying you are missing a Knopf.Tatoeba #6813483 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6588055 by Eccles17
- Dir fehlt ein Knopf.You have a button missing.This sentence is useful for saying someone else is missing a Knopf.Tatoeba #12659444 by Waldelfe, translation #10357753 by CK
- Der Knopf löste sich.The button came off.This sentence is useful for describing a Knopf that came off.Tatoeba #1863284 by Tamy, translation #33425 by CK
- Kannst du bitte auf den Knopf drücken?Can you please press the button?
- Kannst du mir zeigen, wo die Taste zum Starten ist?Can you show me where the start button is?
- 167 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah is helping Felix get dressed for a party.
- HannahFelix, dieser Knopf an deinem Hemd ist locker.Felix, this button on your shirt is loose.
- FelixOh nein, kannst du ihn schnell annähen?Oh no, can you sew it on quickly?
- HannahJa, ich nehme nur kurz einen Knopf aus dem Set.Yes, I'll just take a button from the set.
- FelixVielen Dank, Hannah!Thank you very much, Hannah!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “button” translations and entries Knopf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Knopf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
