Notizbuch
/noˈtiːtsˌbuːχ/neuter
The English word notebook is Notizbuch in German. If unsure, use Notizbuch. Wiktionary also lists Notizheft and Merkheft.
Meaning: empty book able to be used for notes (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Notizbuch | /noˈtiːtsˌbuːχ/ | neuter |
| Notizheft | /noˈtiːt͡sˌhɛft/ | neuter |
| Merkheft | neuter | |
| Schmierheft | neuter |
The term refers to an empty book that can be used for writing notes.
What does it mean word for word?
Notizbuch is a compound word made of Notiz (note) and Buch (book).
Which one should you use?
While Notizbuch refers to a bound book, Notizheft or Merkheft often refers to a thinner, stapled or spiral-bound notebook typically used for school or quick exercises. Schmierheft is used for a notebook intended for rough work, scribbles or messy notes rather than formal record-keeping.
How does it change in a sentence?
Notizbuch is a neuter noun. The plural of Notizbuch is Notizbücher. In the dative plural case, the word becomes Notizbüchern.
How do you pronounce it?
/noˈtiːtsˌbuːχ/
Did you know?
- The word Buch in Notizbuch is a cognate of the English word 'book', but it also shares a root with 'beech', because early Germanic peoples wrote runes on beech wood tablets.
- While English uses 'note' for both a short message and a musical tone, the German Notiz is used only for written records. For musical notes, German uses the word Note.
- The word Schmierheft comes from the verb schmieren, which means both to smear or grease and to scribble. Calling a notebook a Schmierheft implies the writing inside is as messy as a grease stain.
Examples in context
- Wo ist mein Notizbuch?Where's my notebook?This sentence is useful for asking where your Notizbuch is.Tatoeba #5176605 by brauchinet, translation #3821988 by CK
- Wo ist dein Notizbuch?Where is your notebook?Tatoeba #7961838 by wolfgangth, translation #7957925 by tiziri
- Das ist mein Notizbuch.This is my notebook.This sentence is useful for stating that this is your Notizbuch.Tatoeba #1391945 by Dejo, translation #370564 by saeb
- Ich habe mein Notizbuch vergessenI forgot my notebook
- Mein Schreibheft ist vollMy notebook is full
- Ich brauche ein Heft zum NotierenI need a notebook for taking notes
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are preparing for a lecture at the university.
- JuliaHast du ein Notizbuch für die Vorlesung?Do you have a notebook for the lecture?
- JulianNein, ich muss noch ein Notizbuch kaufen.No, I still need to buy a notebook.
- JuliaIch habe ein leeres Notizbuch für dich.I have an empty notebook for you.
- JulianDas ist sehr nett von dir, Julia!That is very kind of you, Julia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “notebook” translations and entries Notizbuch, Notizheft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
