Donau
/ˈdoːnaʊ̯/
The German phrase for "danube river" is Donau.
Donau refers to the name of the second longest river in Europe.
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, the name of the river is used with the definite article die. However, when used after a dative preposition such as an (at/on), the article changes from die to der, resulting in der Donau.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdoːnaʊ̯/
Did you know?
- The German word Donau is a linguistic relative of the Proto-Celtic name Dānowyos. This shows the river's name was adopted into early Germanic speech from Celtic peoples who lived along its banks.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe es, entlang der Donau spazieren zu gehen.I love taking walks along the Danube River.
- Die Donau ist einer der längsten Flüsse in Europa.The Danube River is one of the longest rivers in Europe.
- Wir haben eine Schifffahrt auf der Donau gemacht.We went on a boat trip on the Danube River.
- An der Donau gibt es viele malerische Städte.There are many picturesque towns along the Danube River.
- Die Donau fließt durch viele Länder.The Danube flows through many countries.
- Wir machen eine Schifffahrt auf der Donau.We are taking a boat trip on the Danube.
- Die Donau ist ein sehr langer Fluss.The Danube is a very long river.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are planning a vacation in Europe.
- MaximilianWollen wir eine Reise auf der Donau machen?Do we want to take a trip on the Danube?
- JuliaDas ist eine tolle Idee, Maximilian!That is a great idea, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDie Donau bietet viele schöne Städte.The Danube offers many beautiful cities.
- JuliaJa, ich freue mich sehr darauf.Yes, I am looking forward to it very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Donau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Donau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
