Lapislazuli
/lapɪsˈlaːtsuli/masculine
The English phrase lapis lazuli is translated into German as Lapislazuli. Wiktionary also lists Lapis Lazuli and Lasurstein.
Meaning: precious blue stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lapislazuli | /lapɪsˈlaːtsuli/ | masculine |
| Lapis Lazuli | masculine | |
| Lasurstein | masculine | |
| Lazurit | neuter |
This noun refers to a precious blue stone.
Which one should you use?
While Lapislazuli refers to the gemstone as a whole, the term Lazurit is the specific scientific mineral name for the blue component of the stone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun Lapislazuli takes the definite article der.
How do you pronounce it?
/lapɪsˈlaːtsuli/
Did you know?
- In German art history, the pigment made from this stone is called Ultramarin. This name literally means 'beyond the sea', referring to the stone's historical import from Afghanistan.
- The word Lapislazuli is a loanword from Latin, which in turn adapted the phrase from Persian.
- In German, the term Lasur refers to a translucent glaze or paint. This terminology is derived from the same root as Lazurit because the pigment was historically used for such effects.
Examples in context
- Das Schmuckstück enthält einen Lapislazuli.The piece of jewelry contains a lapis lazuli.
- Hier gibt es eine Mine, in der Lapislazuli abgebaut wird.There is a mine here where lapis lazuli is mined.
- Der Lapislazuli glänzt in der Vitrine.The lapis lazuli shines in the display case.
- Sie hat einen Ring mit Lapislazuli gekauft.She bought a ring with lapis lazuli.
- Dieser Lapislazuli hat eine sehr tiefe Farbe.This lapis lazuli has a very deep color.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are looking at jewelry in a small shop.
- LauraSchau mal, dieser Lapislazuli ist wunderschön!Look, this lapis lazuli is beautiful!
- LukasJa, der Stein hat ein tolles Blau.Yes, the stone has a great blue.
- LauraMeinst du, der Lapislazuli passt zu mir?Do you think the lapis lazuli suits me?
- LukasAbsolut, er sieht sehr elegant aus.Absolutely, it looks very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lapis lazuli” translations and entries Lapislazuli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lapislazuli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
