Seil
/zaɪ̯l/neuter
The English word rope can be translated into German as Seil. Wiktionary also lists Tau and Schnur.
Meaning: thick, strong string (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Seil | /zaɪ̯l/ /saɛ̯l/ (Austria) |
neuter |
| Tau | /taʊ̯/ | neuter |
| Schnur | /ʃnuːr/ | feminine |
The term refers to a thick, strong string.
Which one should you use?
Seil is the most common, general term for a rope used in various contexts like climbing or pulling. If you are referring to a much thicker, heavier rope, often used in maritime or industrial contexts, use Tau. For a thinner cord or string rather than a heavy rope, use Schnur.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Seil is Seile. The plural of Tau is Tauen, and the plural of Schnur is Schnüre. Note that Seil and Tau are neuter nouns, while Schnur is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/zaɪ̯l/
Did you know?
- One historical root for the word Tau is linked to the Proto-Indo-European word for 'smoke' or 'haze' and is a distant relative of the English word 'dew'.
- The word Seil is used in the common German expression am seidenen Faden hängen, which means to hang by a silk thread or be in a precarious position.
Examples in context
- Er zog am Seil.He pulled the rope.Tatoeba #12596636 by mayabe, translation #293363 by CK
- Wo ist das Seil?Where's the rope?Tatoeba #2710829 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2549199 by CK
- Lass das Seil los!Let go of the rope.Tatoeba #4132300 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #29430 by CK
- Könntest du mir bitte den Strick geben?Could you please hand me the rope?
- 102 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are preparing to tie down gear in a moving truck.
- LukasHast du ein Seil für die Kisten?Do you have a rope for the boxes?
- LauraJa, das Seil liegt im Kofferraum.Yes, the rope is in the trunk.
- LukasGut, ich hole es schnell.Good, I will get it quickly.
- LauraDanke, Lukas.Thanks, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rope” translations and entries Seil, Tau, Schnur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnur, Seil, Tau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
