Sklaverei
/sklavəˈʁaɪ̯/feminine
The English phrase slavery is translated into German as Sklaverei.
Sklaverei is a noun used to describe the institution or practice of owning human beings.
Meaning: institution or practice of owning human beings (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, Sklaverei follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns. In the genitive and dative cases, the form changes to der Sklaverei.
How do you pronounce it?
/sklavəˈʁaɪ̯/
Did you know?
- The word Sklave shares a common root with the word Slav, referring to the Slavic peoples. In the early Middle Ages, the trade of these people in Central Europe influenced the linguistic development of the word for 'slave' in German and English.
- The suffix -erei can sometimes give a word a slightly derogatory or trivializing undertone, which can make the term Sklaverei sound more like a 'business of slavery' in specific linguistic contexts.
- In a historical or legal context, German speakers might use the term Leibeigenschaft to refer to 'serfdom', a distinct form of bondage that was legally different from the concept of Sklaverei.
Examples in context
- Sklaverei war dort legal.Slavery was legal there.This sentence shows the use of Sklaverei to describe a legal state.Tatoeba #11973081 by Naina, translation #806861 by Source_VOA
- Lincoln war gegen die Sklaverei.Lincoln was opposed to slavery.This sentence illustrates how Sklaverei is used when expressing opposition.Tatoeba #815493 by al_ex_an_der, translation #29642 by CK
- Amerika schaffte die Sklaverei 1863 ab.America did away with slavery in 1863.This sentence demonstrates the use of Sklaverei in the context of abolition.Tatoeba #596388 by samueldora, translation #67549 by CK
- Die Sklaverei ist eine dunkle Periode der Geschichte.Slavery is a dark period of history.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are discussing a history book in the library.
- FelixDieses Buch handelt von der Sklaverei.This book is about slavery.
- JuliaWelche Zeitspanne wird genau beschrieben?Which time period is specifically described?
- FelixEs geht um Sklaverei im alten Rom.It is about slavery in ancient Rome.
- JuliaDas klingt nach einem interessanten Thema.That sounds like an interesting topic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slavery” translations and entries Sklaverei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
