Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kondom | /kɔnˈdoːm/ | neuter |
| Präservativ | /ˌpʁɛzɛʁvaˈtiːf/ /ˌpʁeː-/ |
neuter |
| Präser | /ˈpʁɛːzɐ/ | masculine |
| Pariser | /paˈʁiːzɐ/ | masculine |
| Gummi | /ˈɡʊmi/ | colloquial, neuter |
| Fuffzicher | East, German, colloquial, masculine | |
| Verhüterli | Switzerland, colloquial, neuter | |
| Ficktüte | feminine, vulgar | |
| Nahkampfsocke | /ˈnaːkamp͡fˌzɔkə/ | feminine, slang |
| Überzieher | [ˈʔyːbɐˌtsiːɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
The term refers to a flexible sleeve worn on the penis.
Which one should you use?
Kondom is the standard term, whereas Präservativ is a more formal or medical alternative. In casual conversation, people often use the colloquial term Gummi. Historically, Pariser was also widely used across German-speaking regions to refer to condoms. For a humorous or slang effect, one might use Nahkampfsocke, while Ficktüte is a highly vulgar option.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kondom is the standard term used in most situations. Präservativ is the most formal or medical choice. Gummi is common in colloquial, everyday speech. Nahkampfsocke is slang, and Ficktüte is a vulgar term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the colloquial term Verhüterli is used. In East Germany, the colloquial masculine term Fuffzicher is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kondom and Präservativ are both neuter nouns. Präser is a masculine noun. Gummi and Verhüterli are neuter nouns, while Ficktüte and Nahkampfsocke are feminine nouns. Pariser, Fuffzicher and Überzieher are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔnˈdoːm/
Did you know?
- The humorous term Nahkampfsocke translates literally to 'close combat sock', treating the object like a piece of military equipment.
- The colloquial term Pariser is thought to refer to the city of Paris, but its exact historical connection to the product remains a mystery to linguists.
- While Präservativ is a neuter noun, its shortened colloquial form Präser changes gender to masculine.
Examples in context
- Das ist kein Gummi.This isn't a condom.This sentence uses Gummi to show a negative.Tatoeba #9400926 by Yorwba, translation #12325145 by Miktsoanit
- Hast du einen Gummi?Do you have a condom?This sentence uses Gummi to ask a question.Tatoeba #614315 by virgil, translation #1613 by brauliobezerra
- Das Kondom ist gerissen.The condom broke.This sentence uses Kondom to describe a broken one.Tatoeba #13048265 by Vortarulo, translation #3445181 by mervert1
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking in the bedroom before intimacy.
- MaximilianIch glaube, ich habe noch ein Kondom.I think I still have a condom.
- SarahGut, bitte benutz unbedingt eines.Good, please definitely use one.
- MaximilianJa, ich hole schnell das Kondom aus der Schublade.Yes, I'll quickly get the condom from the drawer.
- SarahAlles klar, ich warte auf dich.All right, I'll wait for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condom” translations and entries Kondom, Präservativ, Präser, Pariser, Gummi, Nahkampfsocke, Überzieher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
