Schlüsselband
neuter
The German word for lanyard is Schlüsselband. Wiktionary also lists Trageband and Umhängeband.
Meaning: cord worn around the neck, shoulder, or wrist which is attached to a small object to be carried (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Schlüsselband | neuter |
| Trageband | neuter |
| Umhängeband | neuter |
A lanyard is a cord worn around the neck, shoulder or wrist to carry a small object. In office or school contexts, the standard term for a lanyard used to hold ID cards or keys is Schlüsselband.
What does it mean word for word?
Schlüsselband is a compound of Schlüssel (key) and Band (strap, ribbon or band). Trageband is a compound of tragen (to carry) and Band (strap or band).
Which one should you use?
Schlüsselband is the most common term when the lanyard is specifically used to hold keys or ID badges.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms, Schlüsselband, Trageband and Umhängeband, are neuter nouns.
Did you know?
- If you use a lanyard to carry a camera, you would not use Schlüsselband, but rather Kameragurt. In German, the word Gurt is preferred for heavy-duty or functional straps that support weight, whereas Band implies something lighter and more ribbon-like.
- The word Band can also mean 'volume' as in a book series, though in the context of a Schlüsselband, it only refers to the strap.
- Because German allows for endless compound nouns, you can create a highly specific word for a lanyard, such as Ausweisband specifically for an identity card.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche ein Schlüsselband für meine Arbeitsausweise.I need a lanyard for my work ID cards.
- Das Schlüsselband ist blau.The lanyard is blue.
- Ich brauche ein neues Schlüsselband.I need a new lanyard.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are looking for his lost keys in the office.
- FelixHast du mein Schlüsselband gesehen?Have you seen my lanyard?
- JuliaEs liegt auf deinem Schreibtisch, Felix.It is lying on your desk, Felix.
- FelixDanke, Julia! Ich war so abgelenkt.Thanks, Julia! I was so distracted.
- JuliaKein Problem, das passiert jedem mal.No problem, that happens to everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lanyard” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
