Traum
/tʁaʊ̯m/masculine
The English word dream translates to German as Traum. Wiktionary also lists Draam.
Meaning: imaginary events seen while sleeping (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Traum | /tʁaʊ̯m/ | masculine |
| Draam |
A Traum refers to imaginary events seen while sleeping. Like in English, it can be used metaphorically to describe an ideal or a wonderful experience. For a dream that seems wishful or unrealistic, use the word Wunschtraum. If you are talking about a daydream or a reverie, use Träumerei. To describe a dream symbol, you can use the compound noun Traumsymbol. Finally, the phrase einen Traum verwirklichen means to fulfill a dream.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Traum is a masculine noun, which means it takes masculine articles such as der or ein. The plural form of Traum is Träume.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʁaʊ̯m/
Did you know?
- German distinguishes between different types of dreams using specific compounds, such as Albtraum for a nightmare, which literally translates to 'goblin-dream'.
- In German culture, the phrase Traumhaft is frequently used as an adjective to describe something as 'dreamlike' or exceptionally beautiful, such as a landscape or a wedding.
- The German word Traum shares the same ancient roots as the English 'dream', both tracing back to the Proto-Germanic *draumaz.
Examples in context
- Es war ein Traum.It was a dream.This sentence is useful for saying it was a dream using Traum.Tatoeba #7523347 by Yorwba, translation #4397612 by CK
- War es ein Traum?Was it a dream?This sentence is useful for asking if it was a dream using Traum.Tatoeba #11962746 by nexx, translation #1556970 by brymck
- Ist nur ein Traum.It's just a dream.This sentence is useful for saying it is just a dream using Traum.Tatoeba #528193 by kroko, translation #505809 by Alkrasnov
- Mein größter Traum ist es, einmal um die Welt zu reisen.My biggest dream is to travel around the world.
- 392 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking in the kitchen during breakfast.
- MaximilianDu siehst müde aus, Sarah.You look tired, Sarah.
- SarahJa, ich hatte einen schlimmen Traum.Yes, I had a bad dream.
- MaximilianMöchtest du darüber sprechen?Do you want to talk about it?
- SarahNein, der Traum war zu gruselig.No, the dream was too scary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dream” translations and entries Traum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Traum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
