Taube
/ˈtaʊ̯.bə/feminine
The German word for pigeon is Taube. Wiktionary also lists Tauber and Täuber.
Meaning: bird of the dove and pigeon family Columbidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taube | /ˈtaʊ̯.bə/ | feminine |
| Tauber | /ˈtaʊ̯.bər/ | masculine |
| Täuber | /ˈtɔʏ̯.bər/ | masculine |
| Tauberich | masculine | |
| Täuberich | masculine | |
| Täubin | /ˈtɔʏ̯.bɪn/ | feminine |
| Täubchen | /ˈtɔʏ̯pçən/ | diminutive, neuter |
| Kolumbide | masculine | |
| Taubenvogel | masculine |
Taube is the general term for a bird in the dove and pigeon family (Columbidae). For a more technical or descriptive way to refer to a bird of this family, you can use Taubenvogel. If you are referring specifically to a city pigeon, the term Stadttaube is used.
Which one should you use?
The forms Tauber, Täuber, Tauberich and Täuberich are masculine, while Täubin is feminine. Täubchen is a neuter diminutive used to describe a small or cute pigeon.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Taube is Tauben.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈtaʊ̯.bə/.
Did you know?
- The word Taube is a homonym for the adjective taub, which means 'deaf'.
- The English place name 'Dover' shares the same ancient root as the German Tauber when the latter refers to water.
- In German folklore and idioms, the Taube is often contrasted with the 'hawk' to symbolize the struggle between peace and aggression.
Examples in context
- Die Taube ist weggeflogen.The pigeon has flown away.This sentence shows the movement of the Taube.Tatoeba #644078 by samueldora, translation #282732 by kebukebu
- Auf dem Dach sitzt eine Taube.There's a pigeon on the roof.This sentence describes the location of a Taube on a roof.Tatoeba #12111220 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12084077 by sundown
- Eine Taube sitzt auf dem Dach.A pigeon is sitting on the roof.This sentence describes a Taube sitting on a roof.Tatoeba #12111221 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12084078 by sundown
- Die Stadttauben sind in den Parks und auf den Plätzen zu sehen.The city pigeons can be seen in parks and squares.
- Schau mal, ein kleines Täubchen sitzt auf dem Zaun!Look, a little pigeon is sitting on the fence!
- In der Stadt gibt es viele Tauben.There are many pigeons in the city.
- Die Stadttaube landete auf dem Dach.The city pigeon landed on the roof.
- Schau mal, ein Täubchen landet auf deinem Balkon!Look, a little pigeon is landing on your balcony!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are walking through a city square.
- HannahSchau mal, da ist eine weiße Taube!Look, there is a white pigeon!
- LukasDie Taube sieht wirklich schön aus.The pigeon looks really beautiful.
- HannahSoll ich der Taube etwas Brot geben?Should I give the pigeon some bread?
- LukasNein, das ist hier leider verboten.No, unfortunately that is forbidden here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pigeon” translations and entries Taube, Tauber, Täuber, Täubin, Täubchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Taube, Tauber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
