Rasenmäher
/ˈʁaːzn̩ˌmɛːɐ/masculine
The English phrase "lawnmower" is Rasenmäher in German. Wiktionary also lists Mähmaschine.
Meaning: a device to cut grass (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rasenmäher | /ˈʁaːzn̩ˌmɛːɐ/ /ˈʁaːzn̩ˌmeːɐ/ |
masculine |
| Mähmaschine | /ˈmɛːmaˌʃiːnə/ | feminine |
A lawnmower is a device used to cut grass.
What does it mean word for word?
Rasenmäher is a compound of Rasen (lawn/grass) and Mäher (mower).
Which one should you use?
Rasenmäher refers specifically to a lawnmower, whereas Mähmaschine is a more general term for a mowing machine and is often used for larger agricultural machinery.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Rasenmäher is identical to its singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaːzn̩ˌmɛːɐ/
Did you know?
- In Germany, there are strict local ordinances called Sperrzeiten that forbid using a Rasenmäher on Sundays and public holidays to ensure quiet for others.
- German grammar allows for the creation of an endless chain of nouns, meaning Rasenmäher can be part of a much longer word like Rasenmäherstoppautomat, a lawnmower stop automatic.
- The word Mäher is a homonym that can refer to both a machine and a person who mows. In a historical context, it refers to the peasant who cut the grain by hand.
Examples in context
- Wo kann ich einen Rasenmäher kaufen?Where can I buy a lawnmower?This sentence is useful for asking where to purchase a Rasenmäher.Tatoeba #7551899 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6954655 by CK
- Könntet ihr mir euren Rasenmäher leihen?Could you lend me your lawnmower?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow someone's Rasenmäher.Tatoeba #12952902 by Waldelfe, translation #9763925 by CK
- Weil der Rasenmäher kaputt ist, mäht Tom das Gras mit einer Sense.Because the lawnmower has packed up, Tom is cutting the grass with a scythe.This sentence shows the consequence of a Rasenmäher being broken.Tatoeba #10027601 by Melang, translation #11235342 by sundown
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are in the garden.
- LukasWo ist mein Rasenmäher?Where is my lawnmower?
- SarahEr steht in der Garage, Lukas.It is in the garage, Lukas.
- LukasDanke, ich muss den Garten machen.Thanks, I need to do the garden.
- SarahSoll ich dir helfen?Should I help you?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lawnmower” translations and entries Rasenmäher, Mähmaschine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
