recyceln
/ˌʁiˈsaɪ̯kl̩n/
The English verb 'recycle' can be translated into German as recyceln or wiederverwerten. If unsure, use recyceln.
Meaning: to break down and reuse component materials (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| wiederverwerten | /ˈviːdɐfɛɐ̯ˌveːɐ̯tn̩/ |
| recyceln | /ˌʁiˈsaɪ̯kl̩n/ |
Both terms mean to break down and reuse component materials.
Which one should you use?
wiederverwerten is the more formal and traditional German term, frequently used in official or technical contexts regarding waste management. In contrast, recyceln is a more modern term.
How does it change in a sentence?
recyceln is a weak verb, which means it follows standard conjugation patterns, such as recycelte and recycelt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌʁiˈsaɪ̯kl̩n/
When do people say it?
In Germany, many beverage containers come with a small deposit called Pfand.
Did you know?
- The 'Pfand' system is so ingrained that people often leave their empty bottles next to public bins for others to collect and recycle for the money.
- In Germany, the act of recycling is often associated with the 'Green Dot' symbol, or Der Grüne Punkt, which indicates the manufacturer paid for the recycling of the packaging.
- The English word 'recycle' and the German recyceln are linguistic cousins, both stemming from the Latin 'circulus' meaning 'circle'.
Examples in context
- Wir sollten mehr recyceln.We should recycle more.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea that we should recycle more using recyceln.Tatoeba #7154204 by Luiaard, translation #7154206 by Luiaard
- Kann man Eierkartons recyceln?Can you recycle egg cartons?This sentence is useful for asking if egg cartons can be recycled using recyceln.Tatoeba #8454342 by Luiaard, translation #8454344 by Luiaard
- Nicht wegwerfen! Das können wir wiederverwerten!Don't throw it away. We can recycle it.This sentence is useful for stating that something can be recycled using wiederverwerten.Tatoeba #12279927 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10140941 by DJ_Saidez
- Bitte recyceln Sie den Plastikmüll.Please recycle the plastic waste.
- Lass uns gemeinsam recyclen und die Umwelt schützen.Let's recycle together and protect the environment.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are standing in front of the trash bins.
- JuliaWir müssen die Glasflaschen recyceln.We have to recycle the glass bottles.
- MaximilianJa, das ist wichtig für die Umwelt.Yes, that is important for the environment.
- JuliaKannst du bitte den Papierkorb leeren?Can you please empty the paper bin?
- MaximilianGerne, ich mache das sofort.Gladly, I will do that immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recycle” translations and entries wiederverwerten, recyceln, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
