Stadt
/ʃtat/feminine
The English word 'city' translates to German as Stadt. If unsure, use Stadt. Wiktionary also lists Großstadt.
Meaning: large settlement (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stadt | /ʃtat/ | feminine |
| Großstadt | /ˈɡʁoːsʃtat/ | feminine |
A Stadt is a large settlement. When you are referring to a specific city, it is common to use the definite article die before the city's name, such as in die Stadt Köln (the city of Cologne). You can use the adjective schön to describe a city as beautiful.
Which one should you use?
While Stadt can mean both 'city' and 'town', Großstadt specifically refers to a large city or metropolis.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, Stodt is used instead of Stadt.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Stadt is Städte. Because Stadt is a feminine noun, its article changes to der in the genitive and dative cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtat/
Did you know?
- In many German cities, the central shopping district is referred to simply as die City, using the English word as a loanword.
- The word Großstadt is not just a description but a technical classification in Germany for cities with a population over 100,000.
- The word Stadt is a distant cousin to the English word 'stead', as seen in 'homestead' or 'instead'.
Examples in context
- Die Stadt ist schön.The city is beautiful.This sentence shows how to describe a city as beautiful using Stadt.Tatoeba #1342387 by Esperantostern, translation #4889851 by warrenbisch
- Die Stadt ist klein.The city is small.Tatoeba #7246211 by dost, translation #2002501 by bichodebola
- Ich mag diese Stadt.I like this city.Tatoeba #8280147 by Luiaard, translation #6981359 by aln
- Berlin ist eine beeindruckende MetropoleBerlin is an impressive metropolis
- Hamburg ist eine GroßstadtHamburg is a city
- Lass uns in die Stadt gehenLet's go into the city
- Ich gehe heute in die CityI'm going to the city today
- Ich habe viele deutsche Städte besuchtI have visited many German cities
- Berlin ist eine schöne StadtBerlin is a beautiful city
- 1220 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing their travel plans.
- FelixWelche Stadt möchtest du besuchen?Which city would you like to visit?
- LauraIch möchte eine Stadt am Meer sehen.I want to see a city by the sea.
- FelixLaura, Berlin ist keine Stadt am Meer.Laura, Berlin is not a city by the sea.
- LauraDu hast recht, Felix.You are right, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “city” translations and entries Stadt, Großstadt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Großstadt, Stadt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
