Grimoire
The English phrase 'grimoire' can be translated into German as Grimoire or Zauberbuch.
Meaning: book of instructions in the use of alchemy or magic (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Grimoire | |
| Zauberbuch | [ˈt͡saʊ̯bɐˌbuːx] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to a book of instructions used in the practice of alchemy or magic.
What does it mean word for word?
The native German term Zauberbuch is a compound noun. It is composed of Zauber, meaning magic or spell and Buch, meaning book.
Which one should you use?
Grimoire is a loanword often used in a specialized or literary context. In contrast, Zauberbuch is the standard, native German word for a book of magic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Grimoire is neuter, meaning you use the article das (e.g., das Grimoire).
Did you know?
- The root of Zauberbuch, the word Zauber, is closely related to the English word 'dazzle'. Both stem from a root meaning to be blinded or confused by a bright light.
- In German folklore, the idea of a Zauberbuch is often linked to the 'Faust' legend, where the protagonist signs a contract with Mephistopheles to gain forbidden knowledge.
- In German, the adjective zauberhaft is used to describe something 'enchanting' or 'lovely' without implying actual magic.
Examples in context
- Eine Grimoire ist ein Zauberbuch.A grimoire is a book of magic.This sentence is useful for defining the term Grimoire as a magic book.Tatoeba #9150293 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7752475 by Hybrid
- Ich studiere die Inhalte dieses alten Zauberkunstbuches.I am studying the contents of this ancient grimoire.
- Hast du das Zauberbuch gelesen? Es enthält erstaunliche Zauberformeln!Have you read the grimoire? It contains astonishing spells!
- Lass uns in das Hexenbuch schauen, vielleicht finden wir ein interessantes Ritual.Let's take a look at the grimoire, maybe we'll find an interesting ritual.
- Magiebücher sind immer voller faszinierender Geheimnisse.Grimoires are always filled with fascinating secrets.
- Sie sucht ein Grimoire für ihre Magie.She is looking for a grimoire for her magic.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are looking at an old book in a library.
- LukasWas ist das für ein Buch, Laura?What kind of book is this, Laura?
- LauraDas ist ein Grimoire aus dem Mittelalter.This is a grimoire from the Middle Ages.
- LukasKann man daraus wirklich zaubern?Can you actually cast spells from it?
- LauraDas steht in diesem Grimoire geschrieben.That is written in this grimoire.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grimoire” translations and entries Zauberbuch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
