Klebstoff
/ˈkleːpˌʃtɔf/masculine
The English word 'glue' can be translated into German as Klebstoff, Leim or Kleber.
Meaning: sticky adhesive substance (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Klebstoff | /ˈkleːpˌʃtɔf/ | masculine |
| Leim | /laɪ̯m/ | masculine |
| Kleber | /ˈkleːbɐ/ | masculine |
All three forms refer to a sticky adhesive substance. The verb kleben can mean both the action of gluing something or the state of being sticky, such as a surface. The verb leimen specifically means to join things with glue.
What does it mean word for word?
Klebstoff is a compound noun consisting of kleben (to stick) and Stoff (substance or material), literally meaning 'adhesive substance'.
Which one should you use?
Klebstoff is the technical term for an adhesive substance. Kleber is the common, everyday word for glue used in most casual contexts. Leim often refers to specific traditional or organic glues, such as flour paste or wood glue and can specifically refer to animal-based glue.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Kleber is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkleːpˌʃtɔf/
Did you know?
- The term Kleber is not just a noun for the substance but can also be used to describe a person who is 'sticky' or someone who clings to others.
- The word Leim is a linguistic relative of the English word 'slime', both tracing back to the same ancient root meaning 'smooth' or 'sticky'.
- Because Leim historically refers to animal-based glues, it is the specific term used in traditional instrument making and bookbinding.
Examples in context
- Benutze nicht zu viel Klebstoff.Don't use too much glue.This sentence shows how to advise against using too much of the formal Klebstoff.Tatoeba #6670788 by ocha, translation #6670637 by Hybrid
- Laß den Kleber eine Stunde trocknen.Let the glue dry for about an hour.This sentence demonstrates how to use the common Kleber when talking about drying time.Tatoeba #13602897 by Waldelfe, translation #11894723 by CK
- Dieser Kleber hält keinen Kunststoff.This glue does not adhere to plastic.This sentence shows how to use the common Kleber when discussing its effectiveness on a material.Tatoeba #498090 by Espi, translation #60719 by CK
- Bitte verwenden Sie Klebstoff, um die beiden Teile zusammenzufügen.Please use glue to join the two pieces together.
- Kannst du mir den Leim geben?Can you pass me the glue?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are working on a school project at a table.
- MaximilianHannah, hast du den Klebstoff für das Modell?Hannah, do you have the glue for the model?
- HannahJa, ich habe den Klebstoff hier gefunden.Yes, I found the glue here.
- MaximilianSuper, dann können wir jetzt weitermachen.Great, then we can continue now.
- HannahPass auf, der Klebstoff klebt an deinen Fingern.Watch out, the glue is sticking to your fingers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glue” translations and entries Klebstoff, Leim, Kleber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kleber, Klebstoff, Leim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
