Papier
/paˈpiːɐ̯/neuter
The German word for paper is Papier.
Papier refers to the material itself, such as the substance used for writing or printing.
Meaning: sheet material (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Papier refers to the material, Blatt (das Blatt) is the term more commonly used when you are talking about a single physical sheet of paper.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Papier is a neuter noun, so it is used with the definite article das. The plural form is Papiere, which is used when referring to multiple sheets or different types of paper.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpiːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- In formal German bureaucracy, the term Papierkrieg literally means 'paper war' and describes an overwhelming amount of tedious paperwork.
- If you are at a store and ask for Papier, you might be directed to the stationary section, but if you ask for Blätter, you might find yourself in a gardening section looking at leaves.
- German uses the word Schmierpapier to describe 'scrap paper', which literally translates to 'smear paper'.
Examples in context
- Das Papier ist weiß.The paper is white.This sentence is useful for describing the color of Papier.Tatoeba #880702 by Esperantostern, translation #853345 by adalpari
- Dieses Papier ist rau.This paper is rough.This sentence is useful for describing the texture of Papier.Tatoeba #2935940 by Tamy, translation #59056 by CK
- Ich zerriss das Papier.I tore up the paper.This sentence is useful for describing an action performed on Papier.Tatoeba #5967799 by Ronja, translation #5966543 by mailohilohi
- Bitte reichen Sie mir das Papier.Please pass me the paper.
- Kannst du mir bitte das Blatt geben?Can you please give me the paper?
- Hast du ein Stück Papier für mich?Do you have a piece of paper for me?
- 270 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are in the office preparing for a meeting.
- LukasHast du noch ein Blatt Papier?Do you have another sheet of paper?
- HannahJa, hier ist ein Stück Papier für dich.Yes, here is a piece of paper for you.
- LukasVielen Dank, Hannah!Thank you very much, Hannah!
- HannahGerne, Lukas!You're welcome, Lukas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paper” translations and entries Papier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
