international
/ˌɪntɐnat͡si̯oˈnaːl/
The English word 'international' can be translated into German as international. Wiktionary also lists zwischenstaatlich.
Meaning: between, concerning, or transcending multiple nations (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| international | /ˌɪntɐnat͡si̯oˈnaːl/ |
| zwischenstaatlich | /ˈt͡svɪʃn̩ˌʃtaːtlɪç/ |
The adjective is used to describe things that are between, concerning or transcend multiple nations.
Which one should you use?
While international refers to things involving multiple nations generally, the word zwischenstaatlich specifically refers to relations or matters occurring between states (intergovernmental).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective international changes its ending depending on the noun it modifies. It takes the ending -e in the feminine singular nominative and accusative cases, as seen in eine internationale Gemeinschaft. It also takes the ending -en in many inflected forms, such as the masculine accusative or in plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɪntɐnatsi̯oˈnaːl/
Did you know?
- In German, the word international is often used to describe a person's background or style, implying a cosmopolitan worldliness that goes beyond mere citizenship.
- While international is a common loanword, the German word zwischenstaatlich is a linguistic calque. It was constructed by directly translating the Latin components 'inter-' and 'state' into German 'zwischen' and 'Staat'.
- If you are describing an 'international' organization that is actually a 'supranational' body like the EU, Germans might use supranational instead of international to show it transcends individual state control.
Examples in context
- Meine Hochschule ist international.My university is international.This sentence is useful for describing a university using international.Tatoeba #12084733 by mayabe, translation #9675531 by ravensfeather
- Drogen sind ein internationales Problem.Drugs are an international problem.This sentence is useful for describing a problem using international.Tatoeba #13867866 by Vortarulo, translation #13875989 by rul
- Das ist eine internationale Gemeinschaft.This is an international community.This sentence is useful for describing a community using international.Tatoeba #520001 by Espi, translation #452098 by sacredceltic
- Das ist ein international anerkannter Standard.This is an internationally recognized standard.
- Unsere Firma hat weltweit Niederlassungen.Our company has branches worldwide.
- Das Festival zieht jedes Jahr Besucher aus aller Welt an.The festival attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
- 102 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing a news report at a cafe.
- LukasHast du die internationalen Nachrichten heute gesehen?Did you see the international news today?
- JuliaNein, was ist denn passiert?No, what happened?
- LukasEs gibt ein großes internationales Ereignis in Europa.There is a major international event in Europe.
- JuliaDas klingt wirklich sehr wichtig.That sounds really important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “international” translations and entries international, zwischenstaatlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries international, zwischenstaatlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
