How to Say "Ivy" in German - How To Say Guide

Efeu

/ˈeːfɔʏ̯/masculine, neuter

The German word for ivy is Efeu.

Efeu refers to the plant of the genus Hedera.

Meaning: plant of the genus Hedera (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

Efeu is a noun that can be used as either a masculine or a neuter noun.

/ˈeːfɔʏ̯/

In German folklore, Efeu is often seen as a symbol of eternal life and fidelity because it clings tenaciously to its support.
Due to a linguistic quirk, the word Efeu was once mistakenly associated with the word for 'hay', which is Heu. This connection likely influenced how the word was shaped and spelled over centuries.
German literature often uses Efeu as a metaphor for a clinging or suffocating relationship, mirroring the plant's physical growth.

Ich habe den Efeu gestutzt.
I trimmed the ivy.
This sentence is useful for describing the action of trimming Efeu.
Tatoeba #12457870 by Waldelfe, translation #11875003 by Amastan
Efeu braucht sehr viel Wasser.
Ivy needs lots and lots of water.
This sentence is useful for stating the water requirements of Efeu.
Tatoeba #12459138 by Waldelfe, translation #10859417 by Amastan
Efeu breitet sich schnell aus.
Ivy spreads quickly.
This sentence is useful for describing how Efeu spreads.
Tatoeba #12737628 by Waldelfe, translation #10859443 by Amastan
Efeu sieht schön aus.
Ivy looks beautiful.
Das dichte Efeugrün schafft eine wunderbare Atmosphäre.
The dense green of the ivy creates a wonderful atmosphere.
11 more sentences on Tatoeba

Laura and Lukas are in a garden center looking at plants.

Sources

Wiktionary, “ivy” translations and entries Efeu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries Efeu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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