Knoten
/ˈknoːtən/masculine
The English word 'knot' is Knoten in German.
Knoten refers to a looping. A common related term is Armbandknoten, which means 'bracelet knot'. You may also encounter the idiom Knoten im Kopf, which describes a state of mental confusion or being unable to think clearly.
Meaning: looping (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Knoten is also Knoten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈknoːtən/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Knoten can be used to refer to a person, particularly a child, who is seen as being somewhat thick or plump. This stems from a linguistic tendency to describe people using words for inflated or bulky objects.
- The word Knoten is a linguistic relative of the German word Genosse, which means 'comrade' or 'associate'.
- The German language uses Knoten not just for strings, but also to describe the feeling of a 'knot in the stomach' when someone is nervous.
Examples in context
- Ich zog den Knoten fest.I tightened the knot.This sentence is useful for describing the act of tightening the Knoten.Tatoeba #11828034 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5938412 by CK
- Kriegst du diesen Knoten auf?Can you untie this knot?This sentence is useful for asking if someone can untie the Knoten.Tatoeba #2993784 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2751089 by sharptoothed
- Dieser Knoten geht nicht auf.This knot is impossible to untie.This sentence is useful for stating that a Knoten cannot be untied.Tatoeba #13326582 by Waldelfe, translation #10902036 by CK
- Ich habe einen Knoten in meinem Seil.I have a knot in my rope.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are setting up a tent in the garden.
- HannahJulian, kannst du diesen Knoten bitte prüfen?Julian, can you please check this knot?
- JulianJa, der Knoten sieht sehr sicher aus.Yes, the knot looks very secure.
- HannahGut, dann halten wir das Zelt so fest.Good, then we will hold the tent steady like this.
- JulianDein Knoten ist wirklich perfekt geworden.Your knot turned out really perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knot” translations and entries Knoten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Knoten, knoten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
