Quellen
/ˈkvɛln̩/
The English phrase "sources" is translated into German as Quellen.
Quellen is the most common and neutral term for "sources" in German. It can be used in formal contexts. If you want to specifically emphasize that the sources are related to information, you may use Informationsquellen. In academic or scientific contexts, the term Referenzen is often used to indicate references or the sources being cited. When discussing the actual list of references or a bibliography in formal writing, you can use Literaturverzeichnis or Quellenangaben.
Which one should you use?
While Quellen is the general term for "sources", Informationsquellen is used when the focus is specifically on information-related sources and Referenzen is preferred in academic settings to mean "references".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form Quellen is used for both the nominative and accusative cases in the plural. The compound noun Quellenangabe is frequently used to refer to the act of citing a source or the citation itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkvɛln̩/
Did you know?
- The word Quellen is the same word used for natural springs where water emerges from the ground. In German, a source of information is conceptualized as a spring of knowledge.
- The word quellen can also be used as a verb meaning 'to well up' or 'to gush'. This is used to describe the physical movement of water or the way tears fill the eyes.
- While Quellen is neutral, using the word Belege instead of Quellen shifts the meaning from 'sources' to 'proof' or 'evidence'. A German speaker chooses between them based on whether they are citing a text or proving a fact.
Examples in context
- Gib immer deine Quellen an!Always cite your sources.This sentence is useful for practicing how to tell someone to cite their Quellen.Tatoeba #8219005 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8219003 by Hybrid
- Man muss immer Quellenangaben machen.It is always necessary to give sources.This sentence shows how to express the necessity of providing Quellenangaben.Tatoeba #5315330 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3642258 by andrewgtreantos
- Ich kann meine Quellen nicht offenlegen.I can't reveal my sources.This sentence demonstrates how to say that one cannot reveal their Quellen.Tatoeba #1967772 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1954800 by CK
- Die Quellen für meine Forschung sind sehr zuverlässigThe sources for my research are very reliable
- Ich habe meine Informationsquellen sorgfältig ausgewähltI have carefully selected my sources of information
- Die Referenzen in seiner Arbeit waren umfangreichThe references in his work were extensive
- Woher hast du deine Quellen?Where do you get your sources from?
- Hast du gute Infos zu diesem Thema?Do you have good sources/information on this topic?
- Meine Quellen für diesen Artikel sind alle wissenschaftlich fundiert.My sources for this article are all scientifically sound.
- Ich habe zahlreiche Quellen hinzugezogen, um meine These zu unterstützen.I consulted numerous sources to support my thesis.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are discussing a research paper at a cafe.
- LukasHast du alle Quellen gefunden?Did you find all the sources?
- SarahJa, ich habe gute Quellen für die Arbeit.Yes, I have good sources for the paper.
- LukasDas ist wichtig für die Qualität.That is important for the quality.
- SarahGenau, die Quellen müssen zuverlässig sein.Exactly, the sources must be reliable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Quellen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry quellen.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
