Schnürsenkel
/ˈʃnyːɐ̯ˌzɛŋkl̩/masculine
The English phrase 'shoelace' is translated into German as Schnürsenkel. Wiktionary also lists Schuhband and Schnürband.
Meaning: for fastening a shoe (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schnürsenkel | /ˈʃnyːɐ̯ˌzɛŋkl̩/ /ˈʃnyːɐ̯ˌzɛŋkəl/ |
masculine |
| Schuhband | neuter | |
| Schnürband | neuter | |
| Senkel | /ˈzɛŋkl̩/ /ˈzɛŋkəl/ |
masculine |
| Schnur | /ʃnuːr/ | feminine |
The terms used for a shoelace are for the purpose of fastening a shoe.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schnürsenkel is a compound of Schnüren (to lace or string) and Senkel (lace or string).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Schnürsenkel is identical in both its singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃnyːɐ̯ˌzɛŋkl̩/
Did you know?
- The word Senkel has a surprisingly heavy ancestry, originating from an old word for a weighted fishing net or an anchor. It shares a root with the verb senken, which means 'to sink'.
- While Schnürsenkel is common, Germans also use Schuhband, which literally means 'shoe ribbon' or 'shoe band'.
- German has a specific verb Schnüren for the act of lacing shoes, which is distinct from the general word for 'tying' a knot.
Examples in context
- Warte kurz. Mein Schnürsenkel ist offen.Wait a minute. My shoelace is undone.This sentence is useful for noting that a Schnürsenkel is undone.Tatoeba #3265982 by Trinkschokolade, translation #12016284 by sundown
- Entschuldigen Sie, Ihr Schnürsenkel ist offen.Excuse me, your shoelace is undone.This sentence is useful for telling someone that their Schnürsenkel is undone.Tatoeba #7815481 by manese, translation #10012987 by sundown
- Mein Schnürsenkel hat sich in der Rolltreppe verfangen.My shoelace got caught in the escalator.This sentence is useful for describing a situation where a Schnürsenkel got caught in an escalator.Tatoeba #756078 by Zaghawa, translation #529758 by kebukebu
- Ich musste meine Schleife neu binden.I had to retie my shoelace.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are getting ready to leave the house.
- HannahLukas, hast du einen Ersatz-Schnürsenkel?Lukas, do you have a spare shoelace?
- LukasNein, warum fragst du?No, why are you asking?
- HannahMein linker Schnürsenkel ist leider gerissen.My left shoelace has unfortunately ripped.
- LukasIch schaue schnell im Schrank nach.I'll quickly look in the cupboard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoelace” translations and entries Schnürsenkel, Schuhband, Schnürband, Senkel, Schnur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnürsenkel, Schuhband, Senkel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
