Regenbogen
/ˈʁeːɡənˌboːɡən/masculine
The German word for rainbow is Regenbogen. If unsure, use Regenbogen. Wiktionary also lists Ragaboga and Räjeböje.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regenbogen | /ˈʁeːɡənˌboːɡən/ | masculine |
| Ragaboga | masculine | |
| Räjeböje | masculine |
The term refers to a multicolored arch appearing in the sky.
What does it mean word for word?
Regenbogen is a compound noun made of Regen, meaning rain and Bogen, meaning arch or bow.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ragaboga and Räjeböje are alternative forms of the word.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Regenbogen is a masculine noun. When it functions as the direct object of a sentence (the accusative case), the definite article changes from der Regenbogen to den Regenbogen and the indefinite article ein changes to einen Regenbogen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁeːɡənˌboːɡən/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Bogen does not just mean 'arch' but also refers to a 'bow' used in archery or a 'sheet' of paper.
- In German folklore, the ends of a Regenbogen were once believed to lead to a hidden treasure. This is similar to the Irish myth about the leprechaun's pot of gold.
- The Old High German form reginbogo proves that the specific 'rain-bow' compound structure has existed in German for over a millennium.
Examples in context
- Hast du den Regenbogen gesehen?Did you see the rainbow?This sentence shows how to use the accusative form Regenbogen when asking a question.Tatoeba #8686672 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8394209 by CK
- Kein Regenbogen ohne etwas Regen.You can't have a rainbow without a little rain.This sentence demonstrates how to use the noun in a general statement.Tatoeba #2324782 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2320324 by Hybrid
- Tom sah einen dreifachen Regenbogen.Tom saw a triple rainbow.This sentence illustrates the use of the noun when describing a specific sighting.Tatoeba #8659853 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1523547 by Spamster
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are standing on a balcony after a rain shower.
- FelixSchau mal, dort ist ein Regenbogen!Look, there is a rainbow!
- SarahOh, er ist wirklich wunderschön.Oh, it is truly beautiful.
- FelixDer Regenbogen sieht sehr groß aus.The rainbow looks very large.
- SarahJa, das Wetter ist jetzt toll.Yes, the weather is great now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries Regenbogen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Regenbogen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
