Sternbild
/ˈʃtɛʁnbɪlt/neuter
The English word constellation can be translated into German as Sternbild, Konstellation or Asterismus.
Meaning: arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or pattern, or a division of the sky including it (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sternbild | /ˈʃtɛʁnbɪlt/ | neuter |
| Konstellation | feminine | |
| Asterismus | masculine |
All three terms refer to an arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or pattern, or a division of the sky including it.
What does it mean word for word?
The common term Sternbild is a compound word made of Stern (star) and Bild (image or picture).
Which one should you use?
Sternbild is the standard, everyday term used for a constellation. Konstellation is used in more technical or abstract contexts, often metaphorically to describe a specific arrangement of people or circumstances.
How does it change in a sentence?
The terms change in the plural as follows: the neuter Sternbild becomes Sternbilder, the feminine Konstellation becomes Konstellationen and the masculine Asterismus becomes Asterismen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtɛʁnbɪlt/
Did you know?
- While Sternbild describes the stars, the German word for the zodiac is Tierkreis, which literally translates to 'animal circle'.
- In German poetry and romantic literature, Sternbild is often used as a symbol for destiny or an inescapable fate written in the sky.
- The word Konstellation was borrowed into German from the Late Latin word cōnstēllātiō.
Examples in context
- Der Große Hund ist ein Sternbild.The Great Dog is a constellation.This sentence uses Sternbild to identify a specific constellation.Tatoeba #6569735 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8565310 by sundown
- Weißt du, zu welchem Sternbild Sirius gehört?Do you know which constellation Sirius is in?This sentence uses Sternbild to ask about the location of a star.Tatoeba #6774684 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12209013 by sundown
- Der Große Bär ist ein Sternbild des Nordhimmels.Ursa Major is a constellation in the northern sky.This sentence uses Sternbild to describe a constellation within the northern sky.Tatoeba #11827576 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9755427 by BilalBouy
- Das Orion-Sternbild ist im Winter besonders gut zu sehen.The Orion constellation is particularly visible in winter.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are looking at the night sky.
- JuliaKannst du ein Sternbild erkennen?Can you recognize a constellation?
- LukasJa, ich glaube, das dort ist Orion.Yes, I think that one over there is Orion.
- JuliaWelches Sternbild ist dein Liebling?Which constellation is your favorite?
- LukasIch mag das Sternbild Kassiopeia sehr.I like the constellation Cassiopeia a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constellation” translations and entries Sternbild, Konstellation, Asterismus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Asterismus, Konstellation, Sternbild, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
