Brille
/ˈbʁɪlə/
In German, the word for glasses is Brille.
Brille is the common term used to refer to a pair of lenses worn to correct vision or to protect the eyes.
How does it change in a sentence?
In English, the word for eyeglasses is plural, but in German, Brille is a singular noun. To say "a pair of glasses," you use the singular indefinite article eine with Brille. While Brillen is the plural form, it is used only when referring to multiple pairs of glasses rather than a single pair.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁɪlə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the plural form Brillen when referring to a single pair of eyeglasses. Instead, you should use the singular Brille.
Did you know?
- In a very different context, the word Brille can also refer to a 'toilet seat'.
Examples in context
- Er trug eine Brille.He wore glasses.This sentence is useful for describing someone wearing Brille.Tatoeba #714316 by Manfredo, translation #293021 by CK
- Ist das Toms Brille?Are these Tom's glasses?This sentence is useful for asking if a certain Brille belongs to Tom.Tatoeba #12606423 by Waldelfe, translation #9509134 by CK
- Gib mir meine Brille.Give me my glasses.This sentence is useful for requesting your Brille.Tatoeba #1569033 by samueldora, translation #750652 by sctld
- Habe ich meine Brille drinnen vergessen?Did I leave my glasses inside?
- 458 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are in the living room.
- FelixLaura, siehst du meine Brille?Laura, do you see my glasses?
- LauraJa, sie liegt hier im Regal.Yes, they are lying here on the shelf.
- FelixDanke, ich kann sie ohne Brille nicht finden.Thanks, I can't find them without my glasses.
- LauraKein Problem, Felix.No problem, Felix.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Brille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Brille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
