Helm
/hɛlm/masculine
The English phrase helmet is translated into German as Helm.
Helm is used to refer to a protective head covering. You can specify the type of helmet by combining it with other nouns, such as Der Motorradhelm for the motorcycle helmet, Der Fahrradhelm for the bicycle helmet, Der Stahlhelm for the steel helmet, Der Skihelm for the ski helmet, Der Visierhelm for the visor helmet or Der Sturzhelm for the crash helmet. Additionally, Der Schutzhelmnachbau can be used to refer to a helmet reproduction.
Meaning: protective head covering (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Helm is the general term for a helmet, Schutzhelm is a specific term used to emphasize protection, often in occupational or safety-related contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Helm is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Helme. The related term Schutzhelm is also a masculine noun, and its plural form is Schutzhelme.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɛlm/
Did you know?
- The word Helm is a direct cognate of the English 'helm', which originally meant a helmet before it shifted to refer to a ship's steering wheel.
- In German poetry and old songs, Helm is often used as a symbol of chivalry and guardianship, mirroring its role in Middle High German literature.
- The word Helm can also be a German surname, often originating from a nickname for someone who worked as an armorer or wore a distinctive helmet.
Examples in context
- Gib mir den Helm.Give me the helmet.This sentence is useful for requesting a helmet.Tatoeba #6088900 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6088874 by mailohilohi
- Du hast meinen Helm.You've got my helmet.This sentence is useful for stating that someone possesses a helmet.Tatoeba #5854239 by dasbeispielholz, translation #3331061 by CK
- Tom trug keinen Helm.Tom didn't have his helmet on.This sentence is useful for describing that someone was not wearing a helmet.Tatoeba #10166321 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10166107 by CK
- Bitte tragen Sie Ihren Helm auf der Baustelle.Please wear your helmet on the construction site.
- Die Bauarbeiter tragen Schutzhelme, um ihre Sicherheit zu gewährleisten.The construction workers wear protective helmets to ensure their safety.
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are preparing to go cycling.
- LukasHast du deinen Helm dabei?Do you have your helmet with you?
- HannahJa, mein Helm liegt im Korb.Yes, my helmet is in the basket.
- LukasGut, Sicherheit geht vor.Good, safety comes first.
- HannahLass uns endlich losfahren!Let's get going finally!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “helmet” translations and entries Helm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Helm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
