Gerüst
/ɡəˈʁʏst/neuter
The English phrase "scaffolding" is translated into German as Gerüst. Wiktionary also lists Baugerüst.
Meaning: system of tubes or poles used to support people and material (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gerüst | /ɡəˈʁʏst/ | neuter |
| Baugerüst | /ˈbaʊ̯ɡəˌʁʏst/ | neuter |
Gerüst refers to a system of tubes or poles used to support people and material. Beyond its physical meaning, it is also used metaphorically to describe an abstract framework, such as a skeleton of a story or a logical structure. In a formal context, the term Bau- und Gerüsttechnik is used to mean construction and scaffolding technology.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Baugerüst is a compound of Bau (construction) and Gerüst (scaffolding/framework).
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Gerüst and Baugerüst are neuter nouns. The plural of Gerüst is Gerüste. When using the genitive case, Gerüst can take the ending -es to become des Gerüstes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʁʏst/
Did you know?
- If you are fully prepared for a difficult task, you might say you are gerüstet for it. This adjective literally comes from the same root as the word for 'scaffolding'.
- In German, if you are talking about a 'skeleton' in a biological or structural sense, you might use Gerüst instead of the more common medical term Skelett.
- In German literature and philosophy, a Gerüst is often used to describe the rigid societal norms or legal systems that 'hold up' a civilization.
Examples in context
- Das Gerüst ist wegen des Windes umgefallen.The scaffolding fell because of the wind.This sentence is useful for describing how a Gerüst might fall due to wind.Tatoeba #12623955 by Yorwba, translation #11677505 by tieguy
- Die Honigwaben-Struktur verleiht dem Gerüst seine Standfestigkeit.The honeycomb structure gives the scaffolding its sturdiness.This sentence is useful for explaining how a structure provides stability to a Gerüst.Tatoeba #12623957 by Yorwba, translation #2844467 by Wierdmin
- Der Schwarzmilan saß auf dem Gerüst und sah uns neugierig zu.The black kite sat on the scaffolding and watched us with curious intent.This sentence shows an example of an animal sitting on a Gerüst.Tatoeba #12623960 by Yorwba, translation #11161758 by sabretou
- Die Bau- und Gerüsttechnik hat sich in den letzten Jahren weiterentwickelt.Construction and scaffolding technology has advanced in recent years.
- Vielleicht hast du jetzt genug Informationen, um über Gerüste auf Deutsch zu sprechen und zu verstehen!Perhaps you now have enough information to talk about and understand scaffolding in German!
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are standing on the street watching construction workers.
- JuliaSiehst du das große Gerüst dort?Do you see that large scaffolding there?
- MaximilianJa, das Gerüst sieht sehr stabil aus.Yes, the scaffolding looks very stable.
- JuliaMaximilian, pass auf, wenn du daran vorbeiläufst!Maximilian, watch out when you walk past it!
- MaximilianKeine Sorge, ich bin vorsichtig.Don't worry, I am being careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scaffolding” translations and entries Gerüst, Baugerüst, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
