Geist
/ɡaɪ̯st/masculine
In German, the English word 'ghost' can be translated as Geist. Wiktionary also lists Gespenst and Spuk.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geist | /ɡaɪ̯st/ | masculine |
| Gespenst | /ɡəˈʃpɛnst/ | neuter |
| Spuk | /ʃpuːk/ | masculine |
| Erscheinung | /ɛɐ̯ˈʃaɪ̯nʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Gehuuri | Alemannic German, neuter |
The word refers to a spirit appearing after death. German also uses the loanword ghosten to describe the modern social phenomenon of cutting off all communication with someone without explanation.
Which one should you use?
Gespenst is the specific word used for a spooky, visual apparition or a frightening ghost in a story. Spuk refers to the phenomenon of haunting or the act of spooking rather than the entity itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Gehuuri is a neuter noun used in Alemannic-German.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Geist is Geister, and the plural form of Gespenst is Gespenster.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaɪ̯st/
Did you know?
- The word Geist is surprisingly related to the Persian word zešt, which means 'ugly' or 'hateful'.
- The German word Geisterstunde describes the 'ghost hour', traditionally midnight, when spirits are believed to be most active.
- In German, the noun Geist does not only mean a spooky spirit, but is also the standard word for 'mind' or 'intellect'.
Examples in context
- Bist du ein Geist?Are you a ghost?This sentence uses Geist to ask if someone is a ghost.Tatoeba #1841920 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1841748 by CK
- Ich bin kein Geist.I'm not a ghost.This sentence uses Geist to state that one is not a ghost.Tatoeba #13460057 by Vortarulo, translation #11040564 by CK
- Tom sah einen Geist.Tom saw a ghost.This sentence uses Geist to say that Tom saw a ghost.Tatoeba #1526283 by Espi, translation #1488471 by Spamster
- Letzten Halloween haben wir uns einen Gruselfilm angesehen und es gab viele Geister darin!Last Halloween, we watched a horror movie and there were many ghosts in it!
- Mein Großvater erzählte mir eine Geschichte über ein Gespenst, das in einem alten Schloss spuken soll.My grandfather told me a story about a ghost that is said to haunt an old castle.
- 106 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are visiting an old house.
- FelixGlaubst du, dass hier ein Geist wohnt?Do you believe a ghost lives here?
- LauraNein, das ist nur deine Einbildung, Felix.No, that is just your imagination, Felix.
- FelixAber ich habe gerade einen Geist gesehen!But I just saw a ghost!
- LauraHör auf, mich zu erschrecken, Laura!Stop scaring me, Laura!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries Geist, Gespenst, Spuk, Erscheinung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Erscheinung, Geist, Gespenst, Spuk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
