Übung
/ˈyːbʊŋ/feminine
The English word 'exercise' can be translated into German as Übung, Training or Sport depending on the context.
Meaning: physical activity intended to improve strength and fitness (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Übung | /ˈyːbʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Training | /ˈtrɛːnɪŋ/ /ˈtreːnɪŋ/ |
neuter |
| Sport | /ʃpɔrt/ /sp-/ (Germany, Northern, archaic) |
masculine |
Sport is the most common way to describe the general concept of doing exercise for health. Training refers to structured, repetitive physical workouts. Übung is used for more abstract, academic or specific repetitive drills.
Which one should you use?
Training is used specifically for structured, repetitive physical workouts, such as those found in a gym. Übung is more abstract or academic than the other terms.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Übung is a feminine noun, Training is a neuter noun and Sport is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈyːbʊŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Übung to mean 'working out' at a gym. In German, this sounds like you are performing a specific repetitive drill or a classroom exercise.
Did you know?
- The German word Training is a loanword from English, but its pronunciation was shaped by the French word traîner, meaning 'to drag'.
- The word Sport is used in German to describe any form of physical activity for health, whereas in English 'sport' usually refers to a competitive game.
- In German, Übung can refer to a military drill, whereas Sport would never be used in a combat training context.
Examples in context
- Es bedarf der Übung.It needs exercise.This sentence shows that something requires Übung.Tatoeba #2235016 by Tamy, translation #42905 by mccarras
- Sport stärkt das Herz.Exercise strengthens the heart.This sentence illustrates how Sport can strengthen the heart.Tatoeba #12173393 by mhr, translation #12245529 by sundown
- Übung stärkt den Körper.Exercise makes your body strong.This sentence demonstrates how Übung makes the body strong.Tatoeba #2988768 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #26551 by CK
- Ich gehe dreimal pro Woche zum Training.I go to training three times a week.
- Lass uns etwas Sport treiben!Let's do some exercise!
- Es ist wichtig, genügend Bewegung in den Alltag zu integrieren.It is important to incorporate enough exercise into daily life.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are at the gym discussing their workout.
- FelixWelche Übung machst du heute?Which exercise are you doing today?
- LauraIch mache heute eine Übung für den Rücken.I am doing an exercise for my back today.
- FelixIst die Übung sehr schwer?Is the exercise very difficult?
- LauraNein, sie ist ganz einfach.No, it is quite easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exercise” translations and entries Übung, Training, Sport, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sport, Training, Übung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
