Magie
/maˈɡiː/feminine
In German, magic is translated as Magie.
Magie refers to magic as a mystical force, a field of study or the concept of the supernatural. If you are referring to an illusion performed to give the appearance of magic, you can also use the related adjective magisch, which means having supernatural qualities or producing extraordinary, wonderful results.
Meaning: illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Magie refers to the concept or art of magic, use the masculine noun der Zauber when referring to a specific magical spell or the act of performing magic tricks. To describe the practice of performing magic, especially with a potentially sinister or suspicious connotation, use the noun Zauberei. For a stage magician's trick, Germans use the compound noun Zaubertrick instead of a phrase involving Magie.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Magie is a feminine noun. The masculine noun der Zauber is used for a specific spell or enchantment.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈɡiː/
Did you know?
- The word Zauber is closely related to the old German word zobbern, which meant to chatter or talk nonsense, suggesting that early magic was viewed as deceptive speech.
- In German, the verb zaubern can be used to describe the act of cooking a quick meal, as in 'zaubern' a dinner, implying the food appeared almost by magic.
- When talking about a specific spell, Germans use der Zauberspruch, which literally means 'the magic speech'.
Examples in context
- Ich glaube an Magie.I believe in magic.This sentence shows how to express a belief in Magie.Tatoeba #3386599 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2294003 by CK
- Glaubt Tom an Magie?Does Tom believe in magic?This sentence is a question about whether someone believes in Magie.Tatoeba #3513352 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3511429 by CK
- Magie ist eine Illusion.Magic is an illusion.This sentence defines Magie as an illusion.Tatoeba #11235999 by mborus, translation #5964422 by mailohilohi
- Ich habe eine große Leidenschaft für Magie.I have a great passion for magic.
- Seine Zauberei hat das Publikum verblüfft.His magic tricks amazed the audience.
- Das war eine unglaubliche Darbietung voller Wunder.That was an incredible performance full of magic.
- Gestern haben wir uns mit dem Thema Okkultismus und Magie beschäftigt.Yesterday, we delved into the topic of occultism and magic.
- Das Feuerwerk war ein wahrer Zauber!The fireworks were pure magic!
- Glaubst du wirklich an Hexerei und Magie?Do you really believe in witchcraft and magic?
- Mit ein wenig Hokuspokus können wir das in einen Kuchen verwandeln.With a little hocus-pocus, we can turn it into a cake.
- Schau dir das an, eine Schneekugel mit fallendem Glitzer. Magie, Magie!Look at this, a snow globe with falling glitter. Magic, magic!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are watching a street magician perform.
- LukasWie macht er diese Magie?How does he do this magic?
- SarahEs ist nur ein Trick, Lukas.It is just a trick, Lukas.
- LukasDas sieht aber wie echte Magie aus.But that looks like real magic.
- SarahDas ist die Kunst der Täuschung.That is the art of deception.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “magic” translations and entries Magie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
