Zigeuner
/t͡siˈɡɔɪ̯nɐ/masculine
The English word 'gypsy' is translated into German as Zigeuner. Wiktionary also lists Zigeunerin.
Meaning: a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zigeuner | /t͡siˈɡɔɪ̯nɐ/ | masculine |
| Zigeunerin | feminine |
The term is used to refer to a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group. However, it is widely regarded as a racial slur and is considered highly offensive in contemporary German society.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form is Zigeuner, while the feminine form is Zigeunerin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form for female gypsies is Zigeunerinnen.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsiˈɡɔɪ̯nɐ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Zigeuner as it is a racial slur. Instead, use the respectful term Sinti und Roma.
Did you know?
- Despite the offensive nature of Zigeuner, it survives in the names of some traditional German foods, such as 'Zigeunersteaks'.
- The word Zigeuner likely originates from the Greek word athínganoi, which means 'untouchable'.
- Historically, the term Zigeuner was often used in German literature to evoke Romanticized, exotic stereotypes that do not reflect the actual reality of the Romani people.
Examples in context
- Ziri mag Zigeunerinnen.Ziri likes Gypsy girls.This sentence is useful for seeing the feminine plural form of Zigeuner.Tatoeba #10682210 by Vortarulo, translation #10223717 by Amastan
- Die alte Zigeunerin bewegte ihre Hand über der Kristallkugel, schaute hinein und erblickte meine Zukunft.The old gypsy moved her hand over the crystal ball and, peering inside, beheld my future.This sentence shows the feminine singular form of Zigeuner in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #708230 by Esperantostern, translation #632111 by darinmex
- "Zigeuner" ist eine rassistische Beleidigung."Gypsy" is a racial slur.This sentence illustrates how the term Zigeuner is recognized as a racial slur.Tatoeba #10616269 by shekitten, translation #10616266 by shekitten
- Wir haben eine Rom-Familie eingeladen, um ihre Kultur zu präsentieren.We have invited a Roma family to present their culture.
- Die Diskriminierung der Angehörigen der Roma ist inakzeptabel.Discrimination against members of the Roma community is unacceptable.
- Meine Großeltern erzählten Geschichten über Zigeunerlager in ihrer Kindheit.My grandparents used to tell stories about Gypsy camps during their childhood.
- In unserer Nachbarschaft gibt es viele Sinti und Roma.There are many Sinti and Roma in our neighborhood.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a controversial historical novel in a cafe.
- SarahDer Roman handelt von einem Zigeuner.The novel is about a gypsy.
- MaximilianDas Wort Zigeuner ist heute sehr beleidigend.The word gypsy is very offensive today.
- SarahDas weiß ich, aber es steht im Buch.I know that, but it is in the book.
- MaximilianDennoch sollte man es nicht benutzen.Still, one should not use it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gypsy” translations and entries Zigeuner, Zigeunerin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zigeuner, Zigeunerin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
