Ebenholz
/ˈeːbənhɔlts/
The English phrase 'ebony' is translated into German as Ebenholz.
Ebenholz is used to describe a deep, dark black colour. It also refers to the wood itself.
Meaning: deep, dark black colour (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ebenholz is a compound of eben, meaning even or smooth and Holz, meaning wood.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Ebenholz is neuter, meaning it is used with the definite article das (e.g., das Ebenholz).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeːbənhɔlts/
Did you know?
- The root eben is related to the English word 'even'. Both stem from an ancient root meaning 'flat' or 'equal'.
- The word Ebenholz comes from the Latin word ebenus combined with the German word Holz.
- In German, Ebenholz is strictly a noun, but it can be used as an adjective in compound nouns. For example, an 'ebony piano' would be described as an Ebenholzklavier.
Examples in context
- In einer Kunstausstellung bewunderte sie einen eleganten Tisch mit einer Platte aus Ebenholz.At an art exhibition, she admired an elegant table with an ebony top.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are looking at furniture in a store.
- HannahSchau mal, dieser Schrank ist ebenholz.Look, this cabinet is ebony.
- FelixJa, die Farbe sieht sehr elegant aus.Yes, the color looks very elegant.
- HannahFindest du Ebenholz zu dunkel für das Zimmer?Do you think ebony is too dark for the room?
- FelixNein, das passt perfekt zu unseren Wänden.No, that fits our walls perfectly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ebenholz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ebenholz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
