gesund
/ɡəˈzʊnt/
The English word healthy is translated into German as gesund.
gesund is used to describe someone or something enjoying good health. It is also frequently used in the phrase gesund leben to express the concept of living a healthy lifestyle or maintaining one. In certain contexts, gesund can also mean 'sane', although the word vernünftig is more common when one wants to express being 'sensible'.
Meaning: enjoying good health (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, gesund changes its ending depending on the gender and case of the noun it modifies. For example, you may see the feminine or plural form gesunde or the masculine, plural or dative form gesunden.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈzʊnt/
Did you know?
- In Germany, if you sneeze, people will say Gesundheit, which is the noun form of gesund. While English speakers say 'bless you', Germans literally wish you 'health'.
- The word gesund is a cognate of the English word 'sound', as used in the phrase 'safe and sound'. Both words originate from the Proto-Germanic root *sundaz.
- If someone is recovering from an illness, Germans often wish them Gute Besserung, rather than simply saying they hope the person becomes gesund again.
Examples in context
- Er sieht gesund aus.He looks healthy.This sentence shows how to use gesund to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #1314719 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #295923 by CK
- Der Baum ist gesund.That tree is healthy.This sentence illustrates the use of gesund when describing a tree.Tatoeba #2089169 by Esperantostern, translation #8962175 by Nylez
- Das ist sehr gesund.It's very healthy.This sentence demonstrates the use of gesund to describe a general state or object.Tatoeba #2988803 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2249358 by CK
- Sie führt eine gesunde LebensweiseShe leads a healthy lifestyle
- Er ist in vitaler VerfassungHe is in a healthy state
- Sie ist gesundheitsbewusst und achtet auf ihre ErnährungShe is health-conscious and pays attention to her nutrition
- Sie ist sehr munter und gesundShe is very lively and healthy
- Er ist pumperlgesundHe is extremely healthy
- 192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about their lifestyle.
- LauraIch fühle mich heute sehr gesund.I feel very healthy today.
- LukasDas ist gut, Laura. Was machst du?That is good, Laura. What are you doing?
- LauraIch esse viel Obst und bleibe gesund.I eat a lot of fruit and stay healthy.
- LukasIch sollte das auch öfter tun.I should do that more often too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “healthy” translations and entries gesund, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gesund, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
