Geschenk
/ɡəˈʃɛŋk/
The German word for a present is Geschenk.
Meaning: to put (something) forward in order for it to be seen, to show, exhibit (verb)
Which one should you use?
While Geschenk is the common, standard word for a gift, you may encounter Präsent, which is a formal synonym used in professional or high-end contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Geschenk. To express the plural, use Geschenke. If you need the genitive singular (meaning 'of the present'), use des Geschenks.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʃɛŋk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use Geschenk to mean 'present' in the sense of being currently existing or being physically in attendance. For those meanings, use words like gegenwärtig or anwesend instead.
Did you know?
- The word Geschenk can be used sarcastically to describe a difficult person or a burden. Calling someone ein echtes Geschenk in a sneering tone means they are actually a nuisance.
- While a Geschenk is a gift, the term Aufmerksamkeit literally means 'attention' but is used to describe a small, thoughtful token of appreciation. It is the word used when a gift is meant to show you are thinking of someone rather than celebrating an occasion.
- The verb schenken means 'to give' specifically as a gift, whereas geben is a general term for giving. This means German distinguishes between handing someone an object and gifting it at a grammatical level.
Examples in context
- Danke für das Geschenk.Thank you for the present.This sentence shows how to express thanks for a Geschenk.Tatoeba #830123 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #274353 by CK
- Ich kaufe ein Geschenk.I'm buying a present.This sentence illustrates the act of buying a Geschenk.Tatoeba #8320839 by MisterTrouser, translation #13001752 by araneo
- Tom bekam ein Geschenk.Tom was given a present.This sentence describes a situation where someone received a Geschenk.Tatoeba #10912993 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10912972 by CK
- Kann jemand das Geschenk für den Chef einpacken?Can somebody wrap the present for the boss?
- Das Präsent für den Jubilar wird heute Abend überreicht.The present for the jubilar will be presented tonight.
- Ich habe für dich ein Geschenk!I have a present for you!
- 239 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are at a birthday party.
- LauraSchau mal, ich habe ein Geschenk für dich!Look, I have a present for you!
- LukasOh, danke Laura! Was ist das?Oh, thank you Laura! What is it?
- LauraEs ist ein kleines Geschenk aus Italien.It is a small present from Italy.
- LukasDas ist so nett von dir!That is so kind of you!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Geschenk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
