Geißblatt
/ˈɡaɪ̯sˌblat/neuter
The English word honeysuckle is translated into German as Geißblatt. Wiktionary also lists Heckenkirsche.
Meaning: plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geißblatt | /ˈɡaɪ̯sˌblat/ | neuter |
| Heckenkirsche | /ˈhɛkn̩ˌkɪʁʃə/ | feminine |
The term refers to the honeysuckle plant. You may also see the specific terms Japanisches Geißblatt for Japanese honeysuckle and Chinesisches Geißblatt for Chinese honeysuckle.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Geißblatt is a compound consisting of Geiß (meaning goat) and Blatt (meaning leaf).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Heckenkirsche is Heckenkirschen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡaɪ̯sˌblat/
Did you know?
- The term Geißblatt is an example of a 'folk name', where the appearance of the leaf was thought to resemble a goat's ear.
- While English uses 'honey' to describe the sweet nectar, the German Geißblatt ignores the sweetness entirely in favor of the goat connection.
- The word Heckenkirsche literally translates to 'hedge cherry', even though the plant is not a type of cherry.
Examples in context
- Das Spalier war mit Heckenkirschen bewachsen.The trellis was covered with honeysuckle.This sentence shows how to describe a trellis covered with Heckenkirsche.Tatoeba #11552573 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9977554 by sundown
- Das Aroma des Geißblatts erfüllt die Luft – es duftet süß und erinnert an den Sommer.The aroma of honeysuckle fills the air – it smells sweet and reminiscent of summer.
- Das Geißblatt duftet im Garten sehr süß.The honeysuckle smells very sweet in the garden.
- Ich pflanze ein Geißblatt an den Zaun.I am planting a honeysuckle by the fence.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are walking through a botanical garden.
- HannahSchau mal, das Geißblatt blüht wunderschön!Look, the honeysuckle is blooming beautifully!
- FelixJa, die Farbe ist wirklich toll.Yes, the color is really great.
- HannahIch mag den Duft vom Geißblatt sehr.I like the scent of honeysuckle very much.
- FelixIch auch, es riecht so süß.Me too, it smells so sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honeysuckle” translations and entries Geißblatt, Heckenkirsche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
