Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geschlechtsverkehr | /ɡəˈʃlɛçt͡sfɛɐ̯ˌkeːɐ̯/ | masculine |
| Verkehr | /fɛrˈkeːr/ | masculine |
The primary term for sexual intercourse is Geschlechtsverkehr. While this is a formal and somewhat clinical term, you will also encounter Verkehr used as a euphemism for sex. Note that Verkehr more commonly refers to traffic or commerce in most other contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
Geschlechtsverkehr is a compound word consisting of Geschlecht, meaning sex or gender and Verkehr, meaning traffic, contact or intercourse.
Which one should you use?
Geschlechtsverkehr is a formal, clinical term for sexual intercourse. In contrast, Verkehr can be used euphemistically to refer to sex, but it is much more frequently used to mean 'traffic' or 'commerce'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Geschlechtsverkehr is a formal and rare term. In everyday spoken German, people are much more likely to use the word Sex to refer to sexual intercourse. For a euphemistic, informal way to say 'to sleep with each other', you can use miteinander schlafen. If you are looking for vulgar slang, the term Vögeln is comparable to 'to screw' or 'to bone'. Other formal terms include Beischlaf, used when discussing physical intimacy and Vollzug der Ehe, which specifically means the 'consummation of marriage' in legal or official contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Geschlechtsverkehr and Verkehr are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʃlɛçtsfɛɐ̯ˌkeːɐ̯/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use Verkehr alone if you intend to mean 'social intercourse' or 'communication' in the English sense. In German, Verkehr primarily refers to traffic or commerce.
Did you know?
- The vulgar term vögeln literally means 'to bird', using the noun for a bird as a verb to describe the act of sex.
- The formal term Beischlaf is often used in German police reports and legal documents to describe sexual intercourse, as it literally translates to 'sleeping beside'.
- In German, the word Geschlecht does not only mean 'sex' in a biological sense, but also refers to 'lineage' or 'dynasty', as in a noble family line.
Examples in context
- Um Verletzung oder Unbehagen zu vermeiden, stellen Sie sicher, dass die Scheide vor dem Geschlechtsverkehr feucht ist.To avoid injury or discomfort, be sure that the vagina is lubricated before intercourse.This sentence is useful for showing the use of Geschlechtsverkehr in a medical or health context.Tatoeba #778063 by jakov, translation #775419 by corvard
- Ein Naturfreund ist, dessen innere und äußere Sinne noch aufeinander abgestimmt, der sich selbst im Erwachsenenalter noch ein kindlich Gemüt bewahrt. Mit dem Himmel und der Erde zu verkehren wird Teil seines täglich Brot.The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other, who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood. His intercourse with heaven and earth, becomes part of his daily food.This sentence demonstrates how Verkehr can be used in a non-sexual, metaphorical sense regarding connection with nature.Tatoeba #11646962 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7043433 by Hybrid
- Der rechtliche Vollzug der Ehe beinhaltet Geschlechtsverkehr.The legal consummation of marriage includes intercourse.
- Hast du gestern Abend Sex gehabt?Did you have sex last night?
- Die beiden haben miteinander geschlafen.They slept with each other.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a medical brochure together.
- JulianHier steht, dass Geschlechtsverkehr bei dieser Verletzung riskant ist.It says here that intercourse is risky with this injury.
- HannahDas klingt sehr förmlich formuliert, findest du nicht?That sounds very formally phrased, don't you think?
- JulianJa, aber es ist ein medizinischer Text.Yes, but it is a medical text.
- HannahStimmt, in diesem Kontext passt das Wort.True, the word fits in this context.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intercourse” translations and entries Geschlechtsverkehr, Verkehr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
