Perle
/ˈpɛʁlə/feminine
The German word for pearl is Perle.
Perle refers to the rounded concretion produced by certain mollusks.
Meaning: rounded shelly concretion produced by certain mollusks (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Perle is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Perlen. When using the noun in the dative case, the feminine article changes to der Perle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɛʁlə/
Did you know?
- The German word Perle likely shares a root with the Latin word 'perna', which means 'leg' or 'claw'. This suggests the name originally described the shape of the shellfish rather than the jewel itself.
- The word perlen can also be used as a verb to describe the way water beads up and rolls off a surface.
- The phrase Perlen an die Schweine werfen means to waste something valuable on people who cannot appreciate it.
Examples in context
- Es ist nur eine nachgemachte Perle.It is merely an imitation pearl.This sentence demonstrates the use of Perle to describe an imitation.Tatoeba #2166493 by Tamy, translation #42528 by CS
- Er hörte auf, nach der Perle zu suchen.He stopped looking for the pearl.This sentence shows Perle as the object of a search.Tatoeba #870285 by Esperantostern, translation #299989 by Swift
- Hawaii wird oft "Die Perle der Südsee" genannt.Hawaii is often referred to as "The Pearl of the Pacific."This sentence shows how Perle is used in a metaphorical title.Tatoeba #734008 by Dejo, translation #34967 by mailohilohi
- Diese Halskette besteht aus echten Perlen.This necklace is made of real pearls.
- Das sind echte Perlen. Sie waren ein Geschenk von meiner Großmutter.Those are real pearls. They were a gift from my grandmother.
- Magst du lieber Perlen oder Diamanten?Do you prefer pearls or diamonds?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A jeweler's shop where Sarah is looking at jewelry.
- SarahIst diese Perle echt?Is this pearl real?
- MaximilianJa, sie ist eine echte Perle.Yes, it is a real pearl.
- SarahSie sieht sehr schön aus.It looks very beautiful.
- MaximilianDas freut mich, Sarah.I'm glad to hear that, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pearl” translations and entries Perle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Perle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
