Albtraum
/ˈalptʁaʊ̯m/masculine
The English word nightmare is Albtraum in German. It is also spelled Alptraum. Wiktionary also lists Nachtmahr.
Meaning: dream (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Albtraum | /ˈalptʁaʊ̯m/ | masculine |
| Alptraum | /ˈalptʁaʊ̯m/ | masculine, alternative form |
| Nachtmahr | /ˈnaxtmaːɐ̯/ | feminine |
All three forms refer to a nightmare, a frightening or unpleasant dream.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Albtraum is composed of Alb, an old term for a goblin or demon and Traum, meaning dream.
Which one should you use?
Albtraum and Alptraum are both masculine nouns and are interchangeable, though Albtraum is the standard spelling. Nachtmahr is a feminine noun.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Albtraum is the standard word for nightmare in German. Alptraum is an alternative spelling. Nachtmahr is an archaic or literary term and is rarely used in everyday modern German.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Albtraum is die Albträume.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈalptʁaʊ̯m/
Did you know?
- The archaic term Nachtmahr shares a root with the English word 'mare' in 'nightmare', both stemming from the Old High German mara, meaning a press or crusher.
- The word Albtraum shares a root with the English word 'elf', as the Alb was once considered a type of supernatural elf.
- In modern German, Albtraum can be used to describe a person who is incredibly difficult or unpleasant to deal with.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Alptraum.This is a nightmare.This sentence is useful for stating that something is an Alptraum.Tatoeba #2217877 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2217183 by Hybrid
- Was für ein Alptraum!What a nightmare!This sentence is useful for expressing exclamation regarding an Alptraum.Tatoeba #2667433 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #579609 by CM
- Tom ist mein Albtraum.Tom is my nightmare.This sentence is useful for describing a person as an Albtraum.Tatoeba #13875234 by Naina, translation #9415751 by Ergulis
- Es war ein absoluter Albtraum!It was an absolute nightmare!
- Lass mich dir von dem Albtraum erzählen, den ich letzte Nacht hatte. Es war wirklich gruselig!Let me tell you about the nightmare I had last night. It was really creepy!
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are talking in the bedroom early in the morning.
- LauraJulian, ich hatte gerade einen Albtraum.Julian, I just had a nightmare.
- JulianOje, war der Albtraum sehr schlimm?Oh dear, was the nightmare very bad?
- LauraJa, er war wirklich beängstigend.Yes, it was really frightening.
- JulianKomm, ich setze mich zu dir.Come, I'll sit with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nightmare” translations and entries Albtraum, Alptraum, Nachtmahr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
