Blatt
/blat/neuter
The German word for leaf is Blatt. Wiktionary also lists Laubblatt.
Meaning: part of a plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Blatt | /blat/ | neuter |
| Laubblatt | /ˈlaʊ̯pˌblat/ | neuter |
The primary meaning of Blatt is a part of a plant. However, it is also used to refer to a single sheet of paper. When you want to describe the leaves of a plant collectively, especially in a poetic or artistic context, you may use Blätterwerk.
Which one should you use?
While Blatt refers to a single leaf, Laub is used to refer to the collective mass of leaves on a tree or on the ground.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Blatt is Blätter. Both Blatt and Laubblatt are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/blat/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Blatt is used to describe the flat part of a knife or sword, which in English is called the 'blade'.
- Beyond plants and paper, Blatt is used in anatomy to describe the thin, flat parts of certain organs, such as the ‘leaf’ of the epiglottis.
- German speakers use Blatt as a shorthand for Zeitungsblatt, meaning a newspaper or a specific periodical publication.
Examples in context
- Es fällt ein Blatt.A leaf is falling.This sentence shows the verb usage with Blatt.Tatoeba #3323339 by pne, translation #1148283 by cntrational
- Du hast ein Blatt im Haar.You've got a leaf in your hair.This sentence shows the use of Blatt in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #6381846 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6377471 by Hybrid
- Von was für einem Baum ist dieses Blatt?What type of tree is this leaf from?This sentence uses Blatt to ask about the origin of a specific leaf.Tatoeba #5952216 by brauchinet, translation #5951635 by mailohilohi
- Schau, wie die Blätter im Herbst ihre Farben ändern.Look how the leaves change their colors in autumn.
- Das Blätterwerk der Pflanze bildet einen dichten Schatten.The foliage of the plant creates a dense shade.
- Das Grün der Wälder und das Blattwerk der Bäume inspirieren meinen Malkurs.The green of the forests and the foliage of the trees inspire my painting class.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are walking in a park during autumn.
- LauraSchau, dieses Blatt ist ganz rot.Look, this leaf is completely red.
- MaximilianJa, das Blatt sieht wunderschön aus.Yes, the leaf looks beautiful.
- LauraMaximilian, pass auf, da liegt ein nasses Blatt.Maximilian, watch out, there is a wet leaf lying there.
- MaximilianDanke, ich bin fast darauf getreten.Thanks, I almost stepped on it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leaf” translations and entries Blatt, Laubblatt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
