Oliven
The English word "olives" is translated into German as Oliven.
Oliven refers to the small oval fruits with a pit that are often eaten pickled.
Which one should you use?
Oliven is the plural form, whereas the singular form is Olive. If you are speaking in a formal or scientific context, you may use Die Olivenfrucht to specifically mean "olive fruit".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Olive is feminine. In the singular, you can say einer Olive for "an olive". When using the plural form Oliven, it is used with the feminine definite article die (as in die Oliven).
Did you know?
- If you are looking for the tree itself, Germans almost exclusively use the word Ölbaum, which literally translates to 'oil tree'.
- While Oliven are common in Germany, the country has a long history of attempting to grow them in the warmer regions of the south, though most are still imported from the Mediterranean.
- German supermarkets often categorize Oliven under antipasti, a loanword from Italian, rather than using a native German word for appetizers.
Examples in context
- Am Ölbaum wachsen Oliven.The olive tree gives olives.This sentence shows that olives grow on an olive tree.Tatoeba #11988117 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7323446 by MessDjaaf
- Oliven wachsen an Ölbäumen.Olives grow on olive trees.This sentence shows that olives grow on olive trees.Tatoeba #12864778 by Waldelfe, translation #11684929 by tieguy
- Kannst du mir die Oliven reichen?Can you pass me the olives?This sentence is useful for asking someone to pass the Oliven.Tatoeba #5707930 by halfdan, translation #5707932 by halfdan
- Ich möchte gern eine Platte mit den Oliven bestellen.I would like to order a plate of olives.
- Können Sie mir bitte Informationen über die Olivenfrucht geben?Could you please provide me with information about the olive fruit?
- Hast du gestern die Oliven probiert?Did you try the olives yesterday?
- Können wir bitte etwas mehr Olivenringe auf die Pizza legen?Could we please have more olive rings on the pizza?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are preparing a snack platter.
- MaximilianSollen wir noch Oliven kaufen?Should we buy some olives too?
- JuliaJa, wir haben leider keine mehr.Yes, unfortunately we don't have any left.
- MaximilianMagst du grüne oder schwarze Oliven?Do you like green or black olives?
- JuliaIch mag am liebsten die grünen.I prefer the green ones.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
