Kohle
/ˈkoːlə/feminine
The German word for coal is Kohle. Wiktionary also lists kuin and Steinkohle.
Meaning: uncountable: carbon rock (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kohle | /ˈkoːlə/ | feminine |
| kuin | ||
| Steinkohle | feminine |
Kohle is an uncountable noun meaning carbon rock. In colloquial German, Kohle can be used as a slang term for money.
Which one should you use?
While Kohle refers to mineral coal, Steinkohle is used specifically to refer to hard coal (mineral coal) as opposed to brown coal (lignite). Holzkohle is the specific term for charcoal made from wood. Additionally, Koks is a colloquial term for coal that specifically refers to coke.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoːlə/
Did you know?
- Despite the similarity in sound, 'Kohle' and 'Kohl' (cabbage) are distinct words, so do not confuse your fuel with your vegetables.
- In historical German contexts, the word Kohle was often used to describe the glowing embers of a fire rather than just the raw mineral.
- The word Kohle is an exact cognate of the English word 'coal', meaning they share the same linguistic ancestor.
Examples in context
- Die Kohle ist alle.We've run out of coal.This sentence is useful for saying that you have run out of Kohle.Tatoeba #12712628 by Yorwba, translation #4397500 by CK
- Tom tat Kohle in den Ofen.Tom put some coal into the stove.This sentence shows how to say someone put Kohle into a stove.Tatoeba #9779742 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6568976 by Hybrid
- Kohle ist besonders wichtig.Coal is especially important.This sentence demonstrates how to state that Kohle is particularly important.Tatoeba #12822723 by Waldelfe, translation #5736034 by CM
- Die deutsche Industrie verwendet viel Kohle.German industry uses a lot of coal.
- Diese Region hat reichhaltige Steinkohlevorkommen.This region has abundant bituminous coal deposits.
- Der Großteil der Stromerzeugung basiert auf Braunkohle.The majority of electricity generation is based on lignite.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are looking at an old heating system.
- JulianBrauchen wir noch mehr Kohle?Do we need more coal?
- SarahJa, der Vorrat ist fast leer.Yes, the supply is almost empty.
- JulianIch hole die Kohle im Keller.I will get the coal from the basement.
- SarahDanke, Julian. Das ist sehr nett.Thanks, Julian. That is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coal” translations and entries Kohle, Steinkohle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kohle, Steinkohle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
