How to Say "Roots" in German - How To Say Guide

Wurzeln

The German word for roots is Wurzeln.

In German, as in English, Wurzeln can be used metaphorically to refer to a person's ancestry or ethnic origins.

Meaning: ancestors (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

Wurzeln is the plural form of Wurzel, which literally means 'root'.

The singular form of the noun is Wurzel.

In German folklore, certain 'roots' like Wurzeln of the mandrake were historically believed to have magical properties and could scream when pulled from the earth.
German has a specific word Heimat for the place where one's Wurzeln are, which describes a deep emotional sense of belonging that has no single-word equivalent in English.
The German expression aus den Wurzeln reißen means to 'tear someone up by the roots', used not just for plants but to describe the trauma of forced migration or displacement.

Maria hat polnische Wurzeln.
Mary has Polish roots.
This sentence shows how to use Wurzeln to describe ethnic origins.
Tatoeba #5072959 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11744253 by sundown
Möhren und Rüben sind essbare Wurzeln.
Carrots and turnips are edible roots.
This sentence uses Wurzeln in a botanical context regarding edible parts of plants.
Tatoeba #12527983 by mayabe, translation #35861 by CM
Quadratische Gleichungen haben zwei Wurzeln.
Quadratic equations have 2 roots.
This sentence demonstrates the use of Wurzeln in a mathematical context.
Tatoeba #8986680 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7778216 by Hybrid
Ich interessiere mich für die Wurzeln dieser Tradition.
I am interested in the roots of this tradition.
Diese Ideen haben ihre Ursprünge in der antiken Philosophie.
These ideas have their roots in ancient philosophy.
Meine Familie hat tiefe Wurzeln in dieser Stadt.
My family has deep roots in this city.
Ich erforsche meine kulturelle Herkunft.
I'm exploring my cultural roots.
Mein Großvater erzählt immer Geschichten über unsere Familienwurzeln.
My grandfather always tells stories about our family roots.
Die Wurzeln dieser alten Zivilisation lassen sich über Tausende von Jahren zurückverfolgen.
The roots of this ancient civilization can be traced back thousands of years.
Das Verstehen der Wurzeln einer Sprache hilft dabei, ihre Kultur zu begreifen.
Understanding the roots of a language helps in comprehending its culture.
14 more sentences on Tatoeba

Felix and Laura are discussing their family histories.

Sources

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