Hölle
/ˈhœlə/feminine
In German, hell is translated as Hölle. If unsure, use Hölle. Wiktionary also lists Brand.
Meaning: abode for the condemned (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hölle | /ˈhœlə/ | feminine |
| Brand | masculine |
Hölle refers to the abode for the condemned. Like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to describe an extremely unpleasant or chaotic situation in daily life. The related adjective höllisch is used to describe things that are hellish or extremely unpleasant.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Hölle is feminine. When referring to the theological place of punishment, it is almost always used with the definite article die Hölle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhœlə/
Did you know?
- The adjective hell in German means 'bright' or 'light', which is the exact opposite of the English 'hell'. This can lead to humorous misunderstandings for beginners when they see the word written.
- In German, the term höllisch is frequently used as an intensifier for positive things, such as höllisch gut for 'extremely good'.
- While Hölle is the standard word for hell, Germans often use the phrase die Hölle los sein to describe a scene of extreme chaos, such as a crowded party or a loud protest.
Examples in context
- Zur Hölle mit ihm!The hell with him!Tatoeba #1245402 by Esperantostern, translation #843521 by sacredceltic
- Zur Hölle mit denen!To hell with them.Tatoeba #1693244 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1647862 by Spamster
- Krieg ist die Hölle.War is hell.Tatoeba #2195472 by Tamy, translation #2195466 by Hybrid
- Die Sonne scheint hellThe sun is shining brightly
- Das Büro ist lichtdurchflutetThe office is flooded with light
- Die Ausstellungsräume sind strahlend hellThe exhibition rooms are brightly lit
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are discussing a scary movie.
- JuliaDas Ende des Films war schrecklich.The end of the movie was terrible.
- JulianJa, die Hauptfigur landet in der Hölle.Yes, the main character ends up in hell.
- JuliaDas ist eine sehr düstere Vorstellung.That is a very gloomy vision.
- JulianIch finde das passend für die Geschichte.I think that fits the story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hell” translations and entries Hölle, Brand, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
