Gepäck
/ɡəˈpɛk/neuter
The English word 'luggage' is translated into German as Gepäck. Wiktionary also lists Gepäckstück and Reisegepäck.
Meaning: traveller's containers (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gepäck | /ɡəˈpɛk/ | neuter |
| Gepäckstück | neuter | |
| Reisegepäck | neuter |
The term refers to a traveller's containers.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Gepäck is a compound consisting of the prefix ge- (which is often used to form nouns from verbs) and Pack (meaning pack or package).
Which one should you use?
While Gepäck refers to luggage in general, Gepäckstück is used when you want to count individual items, such as 'two pieces of luggage'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Gepäck is an uncountable mass noun in German, just like in English and does not typically take a plural form. All forms provided, Gepäck, Gepäckstück and Reisegepäck, are neuter.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈpɛk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to pluralize Gepäck as Gepäcke, but the word is used as an uncountable noun.
Did you know?
- In older German literature, the word Pack was sometimes used as a derogatory term for a crowd of people or a 'rabble', far removed from the idea of suitcases.
- To describe a luggage tag, Germans use the word Gepäckanhänger, which combines 'luggage' with Anhänger, meaning 'trailer' or 'follower'.
- In German airports, you will see the word Gepäckausgabe to mark the baggage claim area. It literally translates to 'luggage issuance'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist unser Gepäck?Where's our luggage?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of your Gepäck.Tatoeba #12625750 by mhr, translation #13616811 by araneo
- Hier ist mein Gepäck.Here's my luggage.This sentence is useful for stating that your Gepäck is here.Tatoeba #925482 by Sudajaengi, translation #7071677 by verymuchso
- Ich habe kein Gepäck.I don't have any luggage.This sentence is useful for saying that you do not have any Gepäck.Tatoeba #10164988 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10164827 by ddnktr
- Haben Sie Ihr Gepäck bereits abgeholt?Have you collected your luggage already?
- Das Reisegepäck wird am Ausgang kontrolliert.The luggage will be inspected at the exit.
- Hilfst du mir bitte, die Koffer ins Auto zu laden?Could you please help me load the suitcases into the car?
- Wir haben unsere Gepäckstücke am Gepäckband abgeholt.We collected our luggage at the baggage claim.
- 102 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the train station after arriving.
- JuliaWo ist unser Gepäck, Lukas?Where is our luggage, Lukas?
- LukasEs steht dort drüben.It is standing over there.
- JuliaHilfst du mir mit dem Gepäck?Will you help me with the luggage?
- LukasJa, ich helfe dir gerne.Yes, I am happy to help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luggage” translations and entries Gepäck, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
