Make-up
/ˈmɛɪ̯kap/neuter
The English phrase "makeup" can be translated into German as Schminke or Make-up.
Meaning: cosmetics, colorants and other substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Make-up | /ˈmɛɪ̯kap/ /ˈmeːkap/ |
neuter |
| Schminke | /ˈʃmɪŋkə/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to cosmetics, or substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance. If you want to describe the act of applying cosmetics, you can use the verb schminken. To describe a person who is wearing cosmetics, you use the adjective geschminkt.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In a theatrical context, particularly in the eastern regions of Germany, the word Maske is used to refer to both stage makeup and theatrical prosthetics.
How does it change in a sentence?
Schminke is a feminine noun and takes the article die. Make-up is a neuter noun and takes the article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɛɪ̯kap/
Did you know?
- In professional German stage settings, a 'Maskenbildner' is the specific title for a professional makeup artist, blending the words for 'mask' and 'maker'.
- While Make-up is used in fashion and beauty, using the word Schminke to describe a person's appearance can sometimes imply they are wearing an excessive or garish amount.
- The German word Schminke is etymologically linked to the idea of 'stroking' or 'spreading' a substance, likely from the Middle Low German verb 'smēken'.
Examples in context
- Schminke macht schon etwas aus.Makeup makes a difference.This sentence shows how Schminke can be used to say that makeup makes a difference.Tatoeba #2978324 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2978048 by Hybrid
- Maria trägt reichlich Schminke.Mary is wearing a lot of makeup.This sentence uses Schminke to describe someone wearing a lot of makeup.Tatoeba #4448340 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3442418 by CK
- Layla fand das Make-up so toll.Layla loved the makeup so much.This sentence uses Make-up to show someone liked the makeup.Tatoeba #13079392 by Vortarulo, translation #7189754 by OsoHombre
- Die Kosmetikindustrie ist weltweit sehr erfolgreich.The cosmetics industry is very successful worldwide.
- Bitte tragen Sie Ihre Schminke auf, bevor die Veranstaltung beginnt.Please apply your makeup before the event starts.
- Hast du dein Make-up für die Party schon aufgetragen?Have you already applied your make-up for the party?
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is getting ready for a party in the living room.
- JulianIst das neue Make-up gut?Is the new makeup good?
- JuliaJa, ich liebe dieses Make-up.Yes, I love this makeup.
- JulianEs sieht sehr natürlich aus.It looks very natural.
- JuliaDanke, Julian.Thanks, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “makeup” translations and entries Make-up, Schminke, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Make-up, Schminke, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
