Buchstabierwettbewerb
masculine
The English phrase 'spelling bee' can be translated into German as Buchstabierwettbewerb. Wiktionary also lists Rechtschreibwettbewerb.
Meaning: spelling contest or competition (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Buchstabierwettbewerb | masculine |
| Rechtschreibwettbewerb | masculine |
Both terms refer to a competition involving spelling, but they emphasize different aspects of the task.
What does it mean word for word?
Buchstabierwettbewerb is a compound word consisting of Buchstabieren (to spell/letter) and Wettbewerb (competition).
Which one should you use?
Buchstabierwettbewerb focuses on the act of reciting individual letters, Rechtschreibwettbewerb focuses on correct spelling and orthography.
How does it change in a sentence?
Buchstabierwettbewerb is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Buchstabierwettbewerbe. Because the word is masculine, it takes the ending -en in the accusative case when it is the direct object of a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word Buchstabieren comes from Buchstabe, which means 'letter'. In ancient times, this referred to the 'beech' wood tablets used for scratching runes.
- In Germany, the concept of a 'spelling bee' is less common than the Diktat, a formal dictation exercise where students are graded on their ability to write a text perfectly.
- In German, the word for 'bee' is Biene, but you will never find the word Biene inside any term for a spelling contest.
Examples in context
- Er hat den Buchstabierwettbewerb gewonnen.He won the spelling bee.This sentence shows the use of the accusative form of Buchstabierwettbewerb.Tatoeba #13619685 by Vortarulo, translation #12903053 by Conjuice
- Tom hat den Buchstabierwettbewerb der Schule gewonnen.Tom won the school spelling bee.This sentence shows how to specify that the Buchstabierwettbewerb belongs to a school.Tatoeba #12721282 by Waldelfe, translation #11297712 by ddnktr
- Der Nachbarjunge hat in der Schule den Buchstabierwettbewerb gewonnen.The neighbors' son won the spelling bee at school.This sentence demonstrates the use of Buchstabierwettbewerb in a sentence describing a win at school.Tatoeba #2890575 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2890570 by AlanF_US
- Die Schülerinnen und Schüler nahmen begeistert am Rechtschreibwettbewerb teil.The students participated enthusiastically in the spelling bee.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about school activities.
- LauraNimmst du am Buchstabierwettbewerb teil?Are you participating in the spelling bee?
- FelixNein, der Buchstabierwettbewerb ist mir zu schwer.No, the spelling bee is too difficult for me.
- LauraAber du bist doch sehr gut in Englisch!But you are very good at English!
- FelixDanke, aber ich bin trotzdem zu nervös.Thanks, but I am still too nervous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spelling bee” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
