Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Federmäppchen | neuter | |
| Mäppchen | /ˈmɛpçən/ | neuter |
| Federkasten | masculine | |
| Griffelschachtel | feminine | |
| Federpennal | /ˈfeːdɐ.pɛˌnaːl/ | neuter |
| Schlampermäppchen | neuter | |
| Federmappe | /ˈfeːdɐˌmapə/ | feminine |
| Federkästchen | neuter | |
| Federtasche | feminine |
A pencil case is an object purposed to contain stationery. While there are many ways to refer to this object, Federmäppchen is the most common and standard term used in schools and everyday life. You may also use Etui to refer to a pencil case.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Federmäppchen is a compound of Feder (pen/quill) and Mäppchen (little pouch/folder).
Which one should you use?
While Federmäppchen is the standard, Schlampermäppchen is a colloquial term often implying the case is used by someone a bit messy or disorganized. Other forms include Federmappe (feminine), Federkästchen (neuter), Federpennal (neuter), Federtasche (feminine), Federkasten (masculine) and Griffelschachtel (feminine).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria and parts of southern Germany, you will mainly hear Der Bleistiftkasten used for a pencil case.
How does it change in a sentence?
Federmäppchen is a neuter noun. Its plural form is also Federmäppchen.
Did you know?
- The word Griffelschachtel uses Griffel, an archaic term for a stylus or scratching tool. This term evokes the ancient practice of writing on wax tablets rather than paper.
- The word Mappe in Mäppchen comes from the Latin 'mappa', which originally meant a 'napkin' or 'cloth'.
- The word Pennal in Federpennal is derived from the Latin word 'penna' meaning 'feather'. This is a linguistic relative of the English word 'pen'.
Examples in context
- Tom braucht eine neue Federmappe.Tom needs a new pencil case.This sentence shows that Tom needs a new Federmappe.Tatoeba #10282066 by wolfgangth, translation #6660945 by CK
- Mein Federmäppchen ist voller Farbstifte.My pencil case is full of colouring pencils.This sentence describes a Federmäppchen that is full of colouring pencils.Tatoeba #5404075 by Sherinni, translation #10999901 by sundown
- Ich habe meine Federmappe zu Hause liegenlassen.I forgot my pencil case at home.This sentence mentions leaving a Federmappe at home.Tatoeba #8646312 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4351102 by AlanF_US
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are checking their school supplies at home.
- JulianHast du mein Federmäppchen gesehen?Have you seen my pencil case?
- SarahNein, ich habe dein Federmäppchen nicht gefunden.No, I haven't found your pencil case.
- JulianOh, es liegt unter dem Tisch.Oh, it is lying under the table.
- SarahGut, dann können wir jetzt gehen.Good, then we can go now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil case” translations and entries Federmäppchen, Mäppchen, Federpennal, Federmappe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mäppchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
