Elfe
/ˈɛlfə/
The German word for elf is Elfe.
Elfe is a noun used in fantasy contexts to refer to a magical, typically forest-guarding creature.
Meaning: fantasy: magical, typically forest-guarding creature (noun)
Which one should you use?
Elfen is the plural form used to refer to multiple elves. In some contexts, you might encounter the informal term Wichtel to describe specific types of elves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Elfe is Elfen. If you wish to use the related adjective meaning elf-like, you can use elfenhaft.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛlfə/
Did you know?
- The German word for nightmare, Albtraum, literally translates to 'elf dream' because of the ancient belief that an Alb sat on a sleeper's chest.
- The German word Elfe is actually a loanword from English that entered the language in the 18th century.
- In German, the word Elfe is a feminine noun, meaning any magical creature described this way is grammatically treated as a woman.
Examples in context
- Maria ist eine Elfe.Mary is an elf.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as an Elfe.Tatoeba #6564842 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6323167 by Hybrid
- Ich glaube, ich habe im Wald eine Elfe gesehen.I think I saw an elf in the forest.This sentence is useful for describing the sighting of an Elfe in a forest.Tatoeba #13603615 by Waldelfe, translation #3536214 by Hybrid
- „Du hast ja keine Ahnung, welche Probleme ich als Elfe aufgrund meiner Ohren habe“, beklagte sich Maria, die Waldelfe."You have no idea what sort of problems my ears cause me as an elf girl," complained Maria, the forest elf.This sentence is useful for describing the perspective of an Elfe regarding physical traits.Tatoeba #5698171 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6029557 by Huskion
- Die Elfe bewachte den geheimen Schatz.The elf guarded the secret treasure.
- Die Elfen tanzten in der Mondnacht.The elves danced in the moonlit night.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new fantasy novel at a cafe.
- SarahIn der Geschichte gibt es eine Elfe.There is an elf in the story.
- JulianIst die Elfe gut geschrieben?Is the elf well written?
- SarahJa, sie ist sehr mutig.Yes, she is very brave.
- JulianDas klingt nach einem guten Buch.That sounds like a good book.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Elfe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Elfe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
