Magier
/ˈmaːɡi̯ɐ/masculine
The English phrase mage translates to German as Magier. Wiktionary also lists Zauberer and Zauberin.
Meaning: magician, wizard or sorcerer (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Magier | /ˈmaːɡi̯ɐ/ | masculine |
| Zauberer | /ˈt͡saʊ̯bəʁɐ/ | masculine |
| Zauberin | /ˈt͡saʊ̯.bə.ʁɪn/ | feminine |
Magier is often used casually, particularly among fans of fantasy literature and games. It typically implies a practitioner of magic or a scholar of the arcane.
Which one should you use?
Magier is used for a mage or a scholar of the arcane, whereas Zauberer is more commonly used for a wizard or someone performing magic tricks (a magician).
How does it change in a sentence?
Magier is a masculine noun that also serves as its own plural form for mages. The feminine form of Magier is Magierin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaːɡi̯ɐ/
Did you know?
- If a German speaker describes someone as being zauberhaft, they are not calling them a wizard, but are instead saying they are 'enchanting' or 'charming'.
- The feminine form Zauberin is created through haplology, where the 'er' from Zauberer is dropped before adding the feminine suffix -in.
- In German gaming culture, a Magier is typically someone who learns through study and books, while a Zauberer may possess innate or spontaneous powers.
Examples in context
- He, ich bin keine Kriegerin für die soziale Gerechtigkeit! Ich bin eine Magierin für die soziale Gerechtigkeit!Hey, I am not a social justice warrior! I'm a social justice mage!This sentence uses the term Magier in a playful context.Tatoeba #10503429 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10502846 by shekitten
- Der Magier aus dem fernen Land zeigt sein Können.The mage from the distant land displays his skills.
- Der Magier im Film ist sehr mächtig.The magician in the movie is very powerful.
- Er spielt einen alten Magier in dem Spiel.He plays an old mage in the game.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fantasy novel they are reading.
- MaximilianIst der Magier in diesem Buch gut?Is the magician in this book good?
- SarahJa, Maximilian, er ist ein sehr kluger Magier.Yes, Maximilian, he is a very wise mage.
- MaximilianIch finde die Geschichte toll.I find the story great.
- SarahDas freut mich, dass es dir gefällt.I am glad that you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mage” translations and entries Magier, Zauberer, Zauberin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Magier, Zauberer, Zauberin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
