Palast
/paˈlast/masculine
The English word 'palace' can be translated into German as Palast or Schloss.
Meaning: large, lavish residence (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Palast | /paˈlast/ | masculine |
| Schloss | /ʃlɔs/ | neuter |
Both words refer to a large, lavish residence. Palast is a direct translation used for magnificent buildings used by royalty and often carries a connotation of being an imposing, official or even somewhat impersonal structure, such as a grand administrative building or a 'People's Palace'.
Which one should you use?
While Palast often refers to grand, monumental or official buildings like a city palace or a government palace, Schloss is the more common word for a stately residence or a palace located in a park or countryside setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Palast is Paläste, and the plural form of Schloss is Schlösser.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈlast/
Did you know?
- German uses the word Schloss to describe the lock on a door and the grand residence of a prince, using the exact same word and spelling.
- In German, Schloss is used for both a romantic fairy-tale castle and a grand baroque palace, whereas English usually distinguishes between 'castle' and 'palace'.
- While Palast describes a lavish building, the related German word Pfalz historically referred to the imperial palace of a traveling monarch.
Examples in context
- Er führte mich zum Palast.He guided me to the palace.This sentence shows how to use Palast to describe being guided to a palace.Tatoeba #2747630 by Tamy, translation #2746150 by spiritofwonder
- Hast du den Palast gesehen?Did you see the palace?This sentence uses Palast to ask if someone has seen the palace.Tatoeba #12708311 by Waldelfe, translation #12154480 by CK
- Der Palast hat einen hohen Turm.The palace has a tall tower.This sentence uses Palast to describe a palace with a tall tower.Tatoeba #1536369 by al_ex_an_der, translation #19750 by CK
- Das Schloss Sanssouci in Potsdam ist ein beeindruckendes Beispiel für preußische Architektur.Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam is an impressive example of Prussian architecture.
- Der Palast der Republik in Berlin war ein Symbol der DDR und diente als Sitz der Volkskammer.The Palace of the Republic in Berlin was a symbol of the GDR and served as the seat of the Volkskammer.
- Das Prachtschloss am Starnberger See ist ein beliebtes Ausflugsziel für Touristen.The magnificent palace at Lake Starnberg is a popular excursion destination for tourists.
- Die Residenz Würzburg ist ein beeindruckendes Barockschloss in Bayern und ein UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe.The Würzburg Residence is an impressive Baroque palace in Bavaria and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are visiting a historic city.
- HannahSchau mal, ist das ein Palast?Look, is that a palace?
- MaximilianJa, das ist ein sehr berühmter Palast.Yes, that is a very famous palace.
- HannahKönnen wir in den Palast gehen?Can we go into the palace?
- MaximilianKlar, Maximilian zeigt dir die Tickets.Sure, Maximilian will show you the tickets.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “palace” translations and entries Palast, Schloss, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
