Insel
/ˈɪnzəl/feminine
The German word for island is Insel. If unsure, use Insel. Wiktionary also lists Insle and Insl.
Meaning: area of land completely surrounded by water (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Insel | /ˈɪnzəl/ | feminine |
| Insle | Alemannic German, feminine | |
| Insl | feminine |
Insel is a feminine noun used to describe an area of land completely surrounded by water.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Alemannic-German dialect, you may see the form Insle. The form Insl is also used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Insel is Inseln. When using the genitive case, the feminine noun Insel becomes der Insel and the genitive form with an indefinite article is einer Insel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɪnzəl/
Did you know?
- The word Insel is actually a linguistic 'guest' in German. It was borrowed from Latin, replacing older native Germanic words like 'ouwe' and 'wert' that used to mean island.
- In German, the concept of an 'island' is used metaphorically in the phrase eine Insel der Seligkeit, meaning 'an island of bliss' or a remote utopia.
- While Insel is the standard term, you might see the word Werder used for a river island in Germany. This term is still used today for specific geographical names and locations.
Examples in context
- Das ist keine Insel.That is not an island.This sentence is useful for using the negative form of Insel.Tatoeba #4987749 by atwupack, translation #4986231 by Airvian
- Zypern ist eine Insel.Cyprus is an island.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific island using Insel.Tatoeba #6000133 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6000123 by Hybrid
- Island ist eine Insel.Iceland is an island.This sentence is useful for stating that Iceland is an island using Insel.Tatoeba #8240946 by Luiaard, translation #6976445 by Hybrid
- 301 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are planning a vacation.
- HannahMöchtest du auf eine Insel reisen?Would you like to travel to an island?
- FelixJa, eine kleine Insel im Mittelmeer wäre toll.Yes, a small island in the Mediterranean would be great.
- HannahIch suche schon nach einer schönen Insel.I am already looking for a beautiful island.
- FelixLass mich bitte bei der Suche helfen.Please let me help you with the search.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “island” translations and entries Insel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Insel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
