Lehrer
/ˈleːrər/
The English phrase 'male teacher' is Lehrer in German.
Which one should you use?
To specify a female teacher, you must use the feminine form Lehrerin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Lehrer is also Lehrer, meaning the word does not change its spelling in the plural nominative case. When Lehrer is the direct object of a sentence, it takes the masculine accusative ending -en, as in einen Lehrer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːrər/
Did you know?
- A Lehrer in Germany often holds a specific state-recognized title and status as a Beamter, meaning they are a lifelong civil servant with special legal protections.
- The word Lehrer shares its root with the English verb 'learn'. While they sound different, they both stem from the same Proto-Germanic concept of instruction and knowledge.
- If you are talking about a university professor, you should never use Lehrer, as that term is reserved for primary or secondary school teachers.
Examples in context
- Der Lehrer hat Schülerinnen.The male teacher has female students.Tatoeba #10690748 by carlosalberto, translation #10690720 by carlosalberto
- Der Lehrer ist sehr nett.The teacher is very kind.
- Ich frage den Lehrer.I will ask the teacher.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their new math instructor at school.
- HannahIst der neue Lehrer gut?Is the new teacher good?
- FelixJa, der Lehrer ist super.Yes, the teacher is great.
- HannahErklärt er alles gut?Does he explain everything well?
- FelixJa, er erklärt es sehr klar.Yes, he explains it very clearly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Lehrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lehrer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
