Pfadfinder
/ˈpfaːtˌfɪndɐ/
The English word scout is translated into German as Pfadfinder.
Pfadfinder refers to a member of scouting organizations.
Meaning: member of scouting organizations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Pfadfinder is a compound of Pfad (path) and Finder (finder), which literally means 'pathfinder'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Pfadfinder functions as both the singular masculine form and the plural form for a group of scouts. To refer specifically to a single female scout, use the form Pfadfinderin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpfaːtˌfɪndɐ/
Did you know?
- To describe a military scout, Germans use the word Späher instead of Pfadfinder.
- A common colloquialism for a Pfadfinder in Germany is Pfadi, which is used mostly in Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- In Germany, the tradition of Pfadfinder often involves the use of a Halstuch, a neckerchief that identifies the specific local group by its color.
Examples in context
- Bist du wirklich Pfadfinder?Are you a real boy scout?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they are a real Pfadfinder.Tatoeba #12672466 by Waldelfe, translation #11890856 by CK
- Die Anzahl der Mitglieder der Pfadfindergruppe nahm zu.The membership of the Boy Scout troop swelled.This sentence is useful for discussing the membership growth of a Pfadfinder group.Tatoeba #1877712 by Tamy, translation #33758 by AlanF_US
- Mary hat sich viele Abzeichen als Pfadfinderin verdient.Mary earned many badges as a girl scout.This sentence is useful for describing how someone earned badges as a Pfadfinderin.Tatoeba #5390743 by Yakuwari, translation #5390533 by Hybrid
- Die Pfadfinderorganisation feiert ihr 100-jähriges Bestehen.The scout organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
- Die Gruppe der Späher hat die Aufgabe, das Gebiet zu erkunden.The group of scouts has the task of exploring the territory.
- Kommst du mit zur Pfadi-Tour am Wochenende?Are you coming on the scout trip this weekend?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about their childhood hobbies.
- MaximilianWarst du früher ein Pfadfinder?Were you a scout in the past?
- LauraNein, aber mein Bruder war einer.No, but my brother was one.
- MaximilianIch war auch lange ein Pfadfinder.I was also a scout for a long time.
- LauraDas klingt nach einer tollen Zeit.That sounds like a great time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Pfadfinder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
