Heilbutt
/ˈhaɪ̯lbʊt/masculine
The English word 'halibut' is translated into German as Heilbutt. Wiktionary also lists Pferdezunge and Riesenscholle.
Meaning: flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Heilbutt | /ˈhaɪ̯lbʊt/ | masculine |
| Pferdezunge | ||
| Riesenscholle | ||
| Heiligbutt | masculine | |
| Heiligenbutt | masculine |
The term refers to the flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus.
Which one should you use?
While Heilbutt is the standard term, you may encounter Pferdezunge, which literally means 'horse tongue' and Riesenscholle, which is a descriptive term meaning 'giant plaice'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pferdezunge is a regional or colloquial name for the halibut.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three standard forms, Heilbutt, Heiligbutt and Heiligenbutt, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhaɪ̯lbʊt/
Did you know?
- The German word Heilbutt is a direct relative of the English 'halibut' because both were borrowed from Low German dialects.
- Using Pferdezunge in a luxury dining setting can make a speaker sound like a rustic fisherman rather than a refined guest.
- The word Butt in the name Heilbutt is a specific technical term for certain flatfish, whereas in English, the same sound is common slang for a person's backside.
Examples in context
- Der Heilbutt ist sehr groß.The halibut is very large.
- Ich möchte heute einen Heilbutt essen.I would like to eat a halibut today.
- Ein frischer Heilbutt ist köstlich.A fresh halibut is delicious.
Example conversation
A couple is looking at the menu in a seafood restaurant.
- FelixIst der Heilbutt heute frisch?Is the halibut fresh today?
- JuliaJa, er kommt direkt vom Fischer.Yes, it comes directly from the fisherman.
- FelixDann bestelle ich diesen Heilbutt.Then I will order this halibut.
- JuliaGute Wahl, Felix!Good choice, Felix!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “halibut” translations and entries Heilbutt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Heilbutt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
