Schnurrbart
/ˈʃnʊʁˌbaːɐ̯t/
The German word for mustache is Schnurrbart.
Schnurrbart refers to the hair grown on a person's upper lip.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Schnur, meaning string or cord and Bart, meaning beard.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is Schnurrbärte. When used as a direct object in the accusative case, the masculine noun takes the ending -en, such as in einen Schnurrbart.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃnʊʁˌbaːɐ̯t/
Did you know?
- The term may originate from the idea of a 'purring beard', relating to the Low German word schnurren which means to purr like a cat.
- Historically, the 'Kaiserbart' was a specific style of pointed Schnurrbart popularized by Emperor Wilhelm II, which became a symbol of Prussian military authority.
- While Schnurrbart is the standard term, Germans sometimes use the word Oberlippenbart to be clinically precise about the hair being on the 'upper lip'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist Ihr Schnurrbart?Where's your mustache?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's Schnurrbart.Tatoeba #11973189 by Naina, translation #11895813 by ddnktr
- Er hat einen Schnurrbart.He has a mustache.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has a Schnurrbart.Tatoeba #8493903 by Luiaard, translation #8480004 by CH
- Ich habe einen Schnurrbart.I have a mustache.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a Schnurrbart.Tatoeba #10084314 by wolfgangth, translation #5856393 by CK
- Sein Schnurrbart verleiht ihm ein seriöses Aussehen.His mustache gives him a serious appearance.
- Schau mal, Erich hat sich einen neuen Schnauzer zugelegt!Hey, look, Erich got himself a new mustache!
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are looking at an old photograph.
- JuliaWer ist der Mann mit dem Schnurrbart?Who is the man with the mustache?
- LukasDas ist mein Großvater.That is my grandfather.
- JuliaEr hat einen sehr ordentlichen Schnurrbart.He has a very neat mustache.
- LukasJa, er war sehr stolz darauf.Yes, he was very proud of it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schnurrbart, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnurrbart, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
