Leinen
/ˈlaɪ̯nən/neuter
The English word "linen" is translated into German as Leinen.
Leinen refers to thread or cloth made from flax fiber.
Meaning: thread or cloth made from flax fiber (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Leinen is the general term for the material, you can use the formal term Das Leinengewebe when you want to specifically emphasize the fabric aspect of the linen.
How does it change in a sentence?
Leinen is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaɪ̯nən/
Did you know?
- The term Leinwand specifically describes the heavy linen used as a canvas for paintings, and it is the root of the German word for a cinema screen.
- In German, the word Leinen can refer to the fabric, but the related term Leine often refers to a leash, a rope or a clothesline.
- The word Leinen shares an ancient root with the English word 'line', because both words trace back to the same botanical source of flax fibers.
Examples in context
- Die Mumien waren in Leinen eingeschlagen.The mummies were wrapped in linen.This sentence is useful for describing how mummies were wrapped in Leinen.Tatoeba #11078350 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7760471 by Hybrid
- Er gab mir ein halbes Dutzend Leinentaschentücher.He gave me a half dozen linen handkerchiefs.This sentence is useful for showing how someone gave a half dozen Leinen handkerchiefs.Tatoeba #2309201 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2266245 by _undertoad
- Er lochte ein Stück Leinen mit einem Stachelschweinstachel.Through a piece of linen he punched holes with a porcupine quill.This sentence is useful for describing punching holes through a piece of Leinen.Tatoeba #12472483 by Yorwba, translation #10968851 by Cangarejo
- Dieses Hemd besteht aus hochwertigem Leinen.This shirt is made of high-quality linen.
- Der Tisch ist mit einem schönen Leinengewebe bedeckt.The table is covered with a beautiful linen fabric.
- Ich habe heute ein neues Kleid aus Leinenstoff gekauft.I bought a new dress made of linen fabric today.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are in a kitchen shop looking at kitchen accessories.
- FelixIst das Leinen?Is that linen?
- JuliaJa, es ist hochwertiges Leinen.Yes, it is high-quality linen.
- FelixDas Leinen fühlt sich sehr gut an.The linen feels very good.
- JuliaEs sieht auch sehr elegant aus.It also looks very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “linen” translations and entries Leinen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Leinen, leinen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
