Gans
/ɡans/feminine
The German word for goose is Gans.
The word refers to a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae. In a colloquial context, the phrase dumme Gans can be used to call someone a silly goose.
Meaning: a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Gans is Gänse.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡans/
Did you know?
- The phrase Gänsemarsch refers to a 'goose step' or marching in a single file line. While it describes a formal military gait, it is often used today to describe a tedious queue of people.
- German has a specific term Gänsebraten for roast goose, which is a traditional centerpiece for Christmas dinners in many German households.
- In the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale 'The Golden Goose', the goldene Gans is the catalyst for a series of comical mishaps involving people stuck together.
Examples in context
- Du bist eine dumme Gans!You're a silly goose!This sentence shows how to use Gans to call someone a silly goose.Tatoeba #6928939 by brauchinet, translation #6928346 by Eccles17
- Ein Fuchs riss die Gans.A fox killed the goose.Tatoeba #10361462 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10361260 by CK
- Ein Ganter ist eine männliche Gans.A gander is a male goose.This sentence explains that a gander is a male Gans.Tatoeba #12531864 by Vortarulo, translation #10888741 by megamanenm
- Die Gänse fliegen in V-Formation über den Himmel.The geese are flying in a V-formation across the sky.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are walking through a park near a pond.
- SarahSiehst du die weiße Gans dort?Do you see the white goose there?
- FelixJa, sie sieht sehr friedlich aus.Yes, it looks very peaceful.
- SarahDie Gans frisst gerade Gras.The goose is eating grass right now.
- FelixSie ist wirklich ein schönes Tier.It is truly a beautiful animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goose” translations and entries Gans, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
