Ofen
/ˈoːfən/masculine
The English word oven is translated into German as Ofen. Wiktionary also lists Backofen and Backrohr.
Meaning: chamber used for baking or heating (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ofen | /ˈoːfən/ | masculine |
| Backofen | masculine | |
| Backrohr | /ˈbakˌʁoːɐ̯/ | neuter |
Ofen is a general term for a chamber used for baking or heating. It can refer to a kitchen oven, but it is also used to describe a wood-burning stove or a furnace.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Backofen is a compound of backen (to bake) and Ofen (oven).
Which one should you use?
While Ofen can refer to any kind of oven, such as a furnace or a stove, Backofen specifically refers to the appliance used for baking in a kitchen. Backofen literally means 'baking oven'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Backrohr is a colloquial term for a kitchen oven.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Backrohr is a term for a kitchen oven common in parts of Austria and Southern Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ofen and Backofen are masculine nouns, while Backrohr is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːfən/
Did you know?
- The name of the city of Pest in Hungary was translated into German as Ofen because the original name meant 'furnace'.
- While 'oven' in English is straightforward, the German term Backrohr literally translates to 'baking tube'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe was im Ofen.I've got something in the oven.This sentence is useful for saying you have something in the Ofen.Tatoeba #2465790 by Zaghawa, translation #2062955 by CK
- Es sind Kekse im Ofen.There are cookies in the oven.This sentence is useful for stating there are cookies in the Ofen.Tatoeba #2318598 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2318287 by Hybrid
- Das Brot backt im Ofen.The bread's baking in the oven.This sentence is useful for describing bread baking in the Ofen.Tatoeba #2291523 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2268006 by _undertoad
- Können Sie bitte den Ofen vorheizen?Could you please preheat the oven?
- Kannst du bitte den Ofen anmachen?Can you please turn on the oven?
- Gut, dass der Backofen bereits vorgeheizt ist.It's good that the oven is already preheated.
- Der Ofen ist kaputt. Können wir trotzdem kochen?The oven is broken. Can we still cook?
- Gestern habe ich einen leckeren Auflauf im Backofen zubereitet.Yesterday, I prepared a delicious casserole in the oven.
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a modern kitchen, Maximilian and Sarah are preparing dinner.
- MaximilianIst der Ofen schon heiß?Is the oven already hot?
- SarahJa, der Ofen ist bereit.Yes, the oven is ready.
- MaximilianSoll ich das Fleisch in den Ofen legen?Should I put the meat in the oven?
- SarahJa, bitte, Maximilian.Yes, please, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oven” translations and entries Ofen, Backofen, Backrohr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Backofen, Backrohr, Ofen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
