kreativ
/kreaˈtiːf/
The English word "creative" can be translated into German using kreativ. Wiktionary also lists originell.
Meaning: original, expressive, and imaginative (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| kreativ | /kreaˈtiːf/ |
| originell | /oʁiɡiˈnɛl/ |
The term is used to describe someone or something that is original, expressive and imaginative.
Which one should you use?
While kreativ refers to the ability to create or invent, originell is used more specifically to describe something that is clever, novel or stands out from the crowd.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, kreativ takes various endings depending on the gender, case and article of the noun it modifies, such as kreative for feminine or plural nouns in the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/kreaˈtiːf/
Did you know?
- In German, if someone is called originell, it can sometimes be a polite way of saying they are 'eccentric' or 'weird' rather than just imaginative.
- If you want to say someone is 'uncreative' in a more formal or slightly more biting way, you might use geistlos, which literally translates to 'spiritless'.
- In professional contexts, Germans might use the English loanword 'creative' as a noun to describe a person working in advertising or design.
Examples in context
- Tom ist sehr kreativ.Tom is very creative.This sentence is useful for describing Tom's creativity using kreativ.Tatoeba #8885310 by wolfgangth, translation #2273586 by CK
- Du bist sehr kreativ.You're really creative.This sentence is useful for describing your own creativity using kreativ.Tatoeba #10029444 by wolfgangth, translation #5916529 by CK
- Ich bin nicht kreativ.I'm not creative.This sentence is useful for stating a lack of creativity using kreativ.Tatoeba #3337590 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3330599 by CK
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are discussing a school project.
- MaximilianDeine Idee für das Plakat ist echt kreativ.Your idea for the poster is really creative.
- HannahDanke, Maximilian! Ich liebe es zu malen.Thanks, Maximilian! I love to paint.
- MaximilianWir brauchen mehr kreativ denkende Leute im Team.We need more creative thinkers in the team.
- HannahDann helfe ich dir gerne beim nächsten Mal.Then I'll gladly help you next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “creative” translations and entries kreativ, originell, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
