Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | /asˈfalt/ /ˈasfalt/ |
masculine |
| Pflaster | /ˈpflastɐ/ (standard) /ˈflastɐ/ |
neuter |
| Steinpflaster | neuter | |
| Kopfsteinpflaster | [ˈkɔp͡fʃtaɪ̯nˌp͡flastɐ] (narrow) | neuter |
| Straßenpflaster | [ˈʃtʁaːsn̩ˌp͡flastɐ] (narrow) | neuter |
| Straßenbelag | masculine | |
| Strassenbelag | Liechtenstein, Switzerland, masculine | |
| Fahrbahndecke | feminine |
The terms used for pavement in German depend on whether you are describing the material or the specific type of surface. Asphalt refers to a smooth, bitumen-based surface, while Pflaster is used for surfaces made of individual paving stones or bricks. Straßenbelag is a technical or formal term used to describe the actual material layer covering a road surface.
Which one should you use?
Within the category of stone surfaces, Kopfsteinpflaster is a specific type of Pflaster consisting of large, rounded stones, which are often found in historic European old towns. Other stone-based terms include Steinpflaster and Straßenpflaster.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the spelling Strassenbelag is used instead of Straßenbelag.
How do you pronounce it?
/asˈfalt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use the word 'pavement' to mean the sidewalk (the pedestrian path), but in German, Pflaster or Asphalt refers to the material of the road itself. To refer to the pedestrian walkway, use Gehweg or Bürgersteig instead.
Did you know?
- The word Pflaster is used both for the 'pavement' of a road and for a medical 'plaster' or adhesive bandage.
- The German Bürgersteig for sidewalk literally means 'citizen's step' or 'citizen's path'.
- The word Kopfsteinpflaster literally translates to 'head-stone pavement'. It refers to the rounded stones that look like the tops of heads.
Examples in context
- Im Dunkeln glänzt das nasse Pflaster, und eine funzelige Laterne schaukelt im Wind.In the darkness, the wet pavement glistens, and a dim lantern sways in the wind.Tatoeba #12797006 by Yorwba, translation #9841447 by AlanF_US
- Wie barfüßige Strandspaziergänge bestätigen können, erwärmt oder kühlt sich Sand schneller als Gestein oder Asphalt.As barefoot beach walks can confirm, sand warms or cools quicker than rocks or pavement.Tatoeba #6787583 by eik_dahms, translation #6558276 by Hybrid
- Die Kinder malen mit Kreide auf dem Asphalt.Children are drawing on the pavement with chalk.Tatoeba #10263281 by DiffEquation, translation #5472678 by CM
- Bitte bleiben Sie auf dem GehwegPlease stay on the pavement
- Wo ist der nächste Bürgersteig?Where is the nearest pavement?
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are talking about a road construction site.
- JuliaDer Asphalt hier ist total kaputt.The asphalt here is totally broken.
- FelixJa, sie müssen den Asphalt bald erneuern.Yes, they have to renew the asphalt soon.
- JuliaWann fangen sie mit dem Asphalt an?When are they starting with the asphalt?
- FelixIch glaube, am Montag kommt der neue Asphalt.I think the new asphalt is coming on Monday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pavement” translations and entries Asphalt, Pflaster, Kopfsteinpflaster, Straßenpflaster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
