Wache
/ˈvaxə/
The German word for 'guard' is Wache.
Wache refers to a person who or thing that protects something. If you want to refer specifically to the person performing the role of a guard (the human agent), Wächter is often a more precise term than Wache.
Meaning: person who or thing that protects something (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Wache is a feminine noun. To express the action of standing guard or keeping watch, the standard idiomatic phrase is Wache halten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvaxə/
Did you know?
- The German word Wache is a cognate of the English word 'wake', as both originate from the Proto-West Germanic word for staying awake.
- In a historical context, the Nachtwache was not just for security but served as a living alarm system to warn citizens of fire.
- While Wache means 'guard', it is also used in German to describe a police station or a guardhouse, shifting the meaning from the person to the building itself.
Examples in context
- Draußen ist eine Wache.A guard is outside.This sentence shows how to indicate the presence of a guard outside.Tatoeba #2323634 by BraveSentry, translation #2280257 by CK
- Tom und Maria hielten abwechselnd Wache.Tom and Mary took turns standing guard.This sentence illustrates the expression of taking turns standing guard.Tatoeba #2746335 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2640994 by CK
- Ich halte jetzt Wache. Leg dich etwas hin!I'll stand guard now. Go get some sleep.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to say one is currently standing guard.Tatoeba #3061078 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3061073 by CK
- Der Wächter patrouilliert durch das Gebäude.The guard is patrolling the building.
- Der Aufseher kontrolliert den Eingang zum Museum.The guard is checking the entrance to the museum.
- Der Wächter dort steht wie ein Baum!That guard over there stands like a tree!
- Der Türsteher lässt nur Leute mit Reservierungen in die Bar.The bouncer only allows people with reservations into the bar.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are walking past a museum entrance.
- JulianSiehst du die Wache am Eingang?Do you see the guard at the entrance?
- SarahJa, die Wache sieht sehr streng aus.Yes, the guard looks very strict.
- JulianVielleicht ist er nur sehr konzentriert.Maybe he is just very focused.
- SarahDas mag sein, Julian.That might be, Julian.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Wache, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wache, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
