Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wiese | /ˈviːzə/ | feminine |
| Weide | /ˈvaɪ̯də/ | feminine |
| Aue | /aʊ̯ə/ | feminine |
While these terms all refer to types of open fields, they describe different functions or locations. Wiese is a meadow used for hay or wildflowers. The word Koppel is primarily used for a paddock or enclosure, but it can also refer to a type of meadow used for grazing livestock.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on how the land is used. Wiese refers specifically to a meadow used for hay or wildflowers, whereas Weide refers specifically to a pasture used for grazing animals. Additionally, Aue refers specifically to a meadow located in a river's floodplain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the term Au is more common. In Plattdeutsch, the word for meadow is Wisch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Wiese is Wiesen. The plural form of Weide is Weiden, and the plural form of Aue is Auen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈviːzə/
Did you know?
- The word for meadow, Wiese, is the same word used for the famous Munich Oktoberfest, which is locally called the Wiesn.
- The German word for pasture, Weide, is a homonym that is also the word for a 'willow' tree.
Examples in context
- Die Wiese war bunt.The meadow was colorful.This sentence describes the colors of the meadow.Tatoeba #9523036 by Taam, translation #9523038 by Taam
- Auf der Wiese wachsen Blumen.Flowers are growing in the meadow.This sentence describes flowers growing in the meadow.Tatoeba #3631455 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3631901 by patgfisher
- Schafe grasten auf der Wiese.Sheep were grazing in the meadow.This sentence describes sheep grazing on the meadow.Tatoeba #8596719 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8596724 by CM
- Das Pferd graste friedlich auf der Wiese.The horse grazed peacefully in the meadow.
- Ich spazierte durch die duftende Wiese und genoss den Sonnenuntergang.I strolled through the fragrant meadow and enjoyed the sunset.
- Die Kinder spielten fröhlich auf der weiten Wiese neben dem Fluss.The children happily played on the vast meadow next to the river.
- Die Kuhherde graste friedlich auf der Koppel.The herd of cows peacefully grazed in the meadow/paddock.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are walking in the countryside.
- HannahSieht die Wiese nicht wunderschön aus?Doesn't the meadow look beautiful?
- JulianJa, sie ist sehr groß und grün.Yes, it is very large and green.
- HannahLass uns dort ein Picknick machen.Let's have a picnic there.
- JulianDas ist eine tolle Idee, Hannah.That is a great idea, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meadow” translations and entries Wiese, Weide, Aue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Aue, Weide, Wiese, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
