Gnom
/ɡnoːm/
The German word for gnome is Gnom.
Gnom is a noun used to refer to a dwarf or a goblin.
Meaning: dwarf, goblin (noun)
Which one should you use?
The informal word for gnome is Wichtel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡnoːm/
Did you know?
- The term Gnom was actually a scientific invention by the chemist and alchemist Paracelsus in the 16th century to categorize elemental spirits.
- The Gartenzwerg or garden gnome became a status symbol in Germany during the 19th century, reflecting a romanticized view of mining and rural life.
- In German folklore, Wichtel are often viewed as helpful household spirits who perform chores in secret, rather than just garden ornaments.
Examples in context
- Tom ist ein Gnom.Tom is a gnome.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a Gnom.Tatoeba #10028794 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10028602 by shekitten
- Ich bin ein Gnom.I am a gnome.This sentence is useful for identifying oneself as a Gnom.Tatoeba #13439022 by Waldelfe, translation #13438841 by Seael
- Der Gnom benutzte einen Pilz als Regenschirm.The gnome used a mushroom as an umbrella.This sentence is useful for seeing how Gnom is used in a narrative context.Tatoeba #14003515 by Rovo, translation #13999700 by rul
- Der Wichtel hilft gerne im Garten.The gnome enjoys helping in the garden.
- Der Zwerg ist im Wald verschwunden.The gnome disappeared in the forest.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are looking at a garden decoration.
- LukasSiehst du den kleinen Gnom?Do you see the little gnome?
- JuliaJa, der Gnom sieht lustig aus.Yes, the gnome looks funny.
- LukasSoll ich ihn kaufen?Should I buy him?
- JuliaJa, der Gnom passt perfekt in den Garten.Yes, the gnome fits perfectly in the garden.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Gnom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gnom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
