tanzen
/ˈtan(t)sən/
To dance in German is tanzen.
The verb tanzen means to move rhythmically to music. You may also encounter Schunkeln, which describes a specific type of dance movement where people sway from side to side.
Meaning: move rhythmically to music (verb)
Which one should you use?
While tanzen is the verb 'to dance', Tanz is the noun referring to a single dance or the concept of a dance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Low German-speaking areas of northern Germany, 'dance' is referred to as dansen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present form of tanzen is tanzt. The simple past tense of tanzen is tanzte, and the past participle of tanzen is getanzt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtan(t)sən/
Did you know?
- In a traditional German ballroom setting, it is often customary for a man to ask a woman to dance using the phrase Darf ich bitten?, which literally means 'May I request?'
- The word tanzen did not come directly from French to standard German. It traveled through Middle Low German or Middle Dutch first, which changed the starting sound from 'd' to 't'.
- The term Tanztee refers to a 'dance tea', a traditional social event where people dance and drink tea. These were historically popular as a more refined way to socialize than at a nightclub.
Examples in context
- Wie gut tanzen Sie?How well can you dance?This example shows how to ask someone about their ability to use tanzen.Tatoeba #1977792 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1977694 by Spamster
- Tom kann gut tanzen.Tom can dance well.This example uses tanzen to describe someone's ability.Tatoeba #4010067 by pullnosemans, translation #3921231 by CK
- Kann ich hier tanzen?Can I dance here?This example uses tanzen to ask for permission to dance in a specific location.Tatoeba #1833045 by Zaghawa, translation #510569 by CK
- Ich liebe es, zu tanzen.I love to dance.
- Wir werden heute Abend zusammen tanzen.We will dance together tonight.
- Beim Abschlussball wird traditionell viel getanzt.There is traditionally a lot of dancing at the prom.
- Lasst uns abzappeln!Let's dance!
- Die Leute schunkeln zu der Musik.People sway to the music.
- 270 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A lively party where music is playing.
- HannahMöchtest du mit mir tanzen?Would you like to dance with me?
- FelixJa, sehr gerne!Yes, I would love to!
- HannahDieses Lied ist perfekt zum Tanzen.This song is perfect for dancing.
- FelixDu hast recht, Hannah.You are right, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dance” translations and entries tanzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tanzen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
