Bindestrich
/ˈbɪndəʃtʁɪç/masculine
In German, the English term "dash" can be translated in several ways depending on its typographic function. If unsure, use Bindestrich. Wiktionary also lists Gedankenstrich and Querstrich.
Meaning: typographic symbol (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bindestrich | /ˈbɪndəʃtʁɪç/ | masculine |
| Gedankenstrich | /ɡəˈdaŋkənˌʃtʁɪç/ | masculine |
| Querstrich | /ˈkveːɐ̯ˌʃtʁɪç/ | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Bindestrich is a compound of binden (to bind/tie) and Strich (line/stroke). The word Gedankenstrich is a compound of Gedanken (thoughts) and Strich (line/stroke).
Which one should you use?
Use Bindestrich specifically for the short hyphen used to join words or syllables. Use Gedankenstrich for the longer dash used to indicate a break in thought or a parenthetical pause.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms, Bindestrich, Gedankenstrich and Querstrich, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɪndəʃtʁɪç/
Did you know?
- While Bindestrich refers to a hyphen, the root verb binden is also used for tying someone up with ropes.
- The term Querstrich extends the concept of a 'dash' far beyond punctuation, as it is the standard term for a minus sign in mathematics.
- The word Strich is shared by both punctuation and art, as it describes a single brushstroke in a painting.
Examples in context
- Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Bindestrich und einem Gedankenstrich?What's the difference between a hyphen and a dash?Tatoeba #12623941 by Yorwba, translation #12418470 by ddnktr
- Der Gedankenstrich ist mein Lieblingssatzzeichen.The dash is my favourite punctuation mark.Tatoeba #1496029 by duke, translation #11035559 by sundown
- Ich habe einen Bindestrich in meinem Nachnamen.I have a hyphen in my last name.
- Es ist ein Querstrichlein, kein Minuszeichen.It's a hyphen, not a minus sign.
- Vergiss den Bindestrich in der Telefonnummer nicht.Don't forget the dash in the phone number.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are checking a written address.
- LukasIst das ein Bindestrich oder ein Komma?Is that a dash or a comma?
- HannahEs ist ein Bindestrich.It is a dash.
- LukasOkay, ich schreibe es so auf.Okay, I will write it down like that.
- HannahGut, so ist es richtig.Good, that is correct.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dash” translations and entries Bindestrich, Gedankenstrich, Querstrich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
