Rauchen verboten
/ˈʁaʊ̯xən fɛɐ̯ˈboːtn̩/word by word
The German phrase for "no smoking" is Rauchen verboten.
Rauchen verboten is a phrase used in notices to indicate that smoking cigarettes is not permitted.
Meaning: phrase used in notices indicating that the smoking of cigarettes is not permitted (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the gerund Rauchen (smoking) and the adjective verboten (forbidden).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, verboten is a predicative adjective used in an elliptical sentence, meaning "Smoking is forbidden".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaʊ̯xən fɛɐ̯ˈboːtn̩/
Did you know?
- The use of rauchen to mean inhaling tobacco was not an original German concept but a calque of the French word 'fumer'.
- The word verboten has become a loanword in English, often used to describe something that is strictly forbidden by an authority.
- While Rauchen verboten is the standard sign, German has a separate word räuchern specifically for the process of smoking meats or fish.
Examples in context
- Auf dem Schild steht: „Rauchen verboten!“The sign says "no smoking".This sentence shows how to quote a sign that says Rauchen verboten.Tatoeba #7046793 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7046656 by Hybrid
- Im Restaurant hängt ein Schild, auf dem „Rauchen verboten!“ steht.There's a no-smoking sign inside the restaurant.This sentence describes a no-smoking sign hanging in a restaurant using Rauchen verboten.Tatoeba #7046780 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7046659 by Hybrid
- Rauchen verboten.No smoking.This is a simple example of the phrase Rauchen verboten used on its own.Tatoeba #1867642 by Manfredo, translation #2053899 by halfb1t
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are entering a public building.
- JulianSchau mal, hier ist Rauchen verboten.Look, smoking is forbidden here.
- LauraDas ist gut, ich mag keinen Rauch.That's good, I don't like smoke.
- JulianIch sehe das Schild dort drüben.I see the sign over there.
- LauraJa, da steht ganz klar: Rauchen verboten.Yes, it clearly says: no smoking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no smoking” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (rauchen, verboten) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rauchen, verboten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
