Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| golden | /ˈɡɔl.dən/ |
| gülden | /ɡʏldən/ |
golden is an adjective used to describe something that is made of gold or relates to the color of gold. Note that while golden describes the quality or color, the word gold is the noun used to refer to the metal itself. If you specifically want to say "gold yellow," you should use the word goldgelb.
Which one should you use?
golden is the standard adjective. In certain grammatical contexts, such as when preceding a noun, you will see the inflected form goldene, as in goldene Eier (golden eggs). Additionally, gülden is a specialized poetic variation of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gülden is a poetic or archaic form used primarily in literature and elevated verse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form goldene is an inflected version of golden used when it precedes a noun in specific grammatical cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡɔl.dən/ (two syllables, stress on the first syllable)
Did you know?
- The archaic form gülden is not just a poetic choice for 'golden', it is also the root of the word for a historical unit of currency known as the 'gulden'.
- The term golden is often used in the phrase goldene Hochzeit to describe a 50th wedding anniversary.
- The word gold can also be used as a metaphor for something of the highest value, such as in the expression goldwert to describe advice that is 'worth its weight in gold'.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Golden Retriever.It's a golden retriever.This sentence uses golden in the context of a breed name.Tatoeba #5837372 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2439822 by Hybrid
- Diese Gänse legen goldene Eier.These geese lay golden eggs.This sentence uses the inflected form goldene to describe eggs.Tatoeba #4650490 by Manfredo, translation #4455255 by LB
- Maria hat langes, goldenes Haar.Mary has long golden hair.This sentence uses the inflected form goldenes to describe hair.Tatoeba #4115303 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4111789 by Hybrid
- Die formelle Einladung wird eine goldfarbene Prägung haben.The formal invitation will have gold-colored embossing.
- Ihr Schmuck ist größtenteils gold.Her jewelry is mostly gold.
- Der Rahmen des Bildes ist vergoldet.The frame of the picture is gold-plated.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are looking at jewelry in a store.
- SarahSchau mal, dieser goldene Ring ist wunderschön.Look, this golden ring is beautiful.
- JulianJa, aber er sieht sehr teuer aus.Yes, but it looks very expensive.
- SarahIch finde den goldenen Glanz toll.I think the golden shine is great.
- JulianDas stimmt, er passt gut zu dir.That's true, it suits you well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “golden” translations and entries golden, gülden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries golden, gülden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
