Geist
/ɡaɪ̯st/masculine
The English word 'spirit' can be translated into German as Geist.
Geist refers to a spirit, mind or intellect. It is used to describe the human mind and intellect, as well as the 'spirit' of a specific era, such as in the term Zeitgeist.
Meaning: soul (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Geist can mean spirit or mind, the word Seele is used specifically for the 'soul' when referring to the seat of emotions in a religious or psychological sense. Additionally, in philosophical and literary contexts, the word Gemüt may be used to carry connotations of spirit and mind.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Geist is Geister.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaɪ̯st/
Did you know?
- Despite its current meanings of 'intellect' or 'mind', the ancient root of Geist originally meant 'anger' or 'agitation'.
- In German philosophy, Geist is often capitalized to represent a Collective Spirit or Universal Mind that evolves through history.
- The word Geist can be used in the phrase geistig aufgeweckt, meaning 'mentally alert' or 'bright'.
Examples in context
- Tom ist ein böser Geist.Tom is an evil spirit.This sentence illustrates the use of Geist to describe an evil spirit.Tatoeba #10028793 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10028616 by shekitten
- Glaubst du an die Geisterwelt?Do you believe in the spirit world?This sentence shows how to ask about belief in the spirit world using Geist.Tatoeba #4049015 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4049003 by Hybrid
- Selig sind die Armen im Geiste.Blessed are the poor in spirit.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase 'in the spirit' using the form Geiste.Tatoeba #5434458 by brauchinet, translation #5165609 by CarpeLanam
- Der Geist der FreiheitThe spirit of freedom
- Ein Gemüt voller LebensfreudeA spirit full of joy
- Sein Spirit ist ansteckendHis spirit is infectious
- Sie hat viel PepShe has a lot of spirit
- Die Mannschaft braucht Pep, um das Spiel zu gewinnenThe team needs spirit to win the game
- Ihr Esprit und ihre Energie sind bewundernswertHer spirit and energy are admirable
- Die Lebenskraft der NaturThe spirit of nature
- Der Geist der Musik erfüllt den RaumThe spirit of the music fills the room
- Die Seele eines Künstlers zeigt sich in seinen WerkenThe spirit of an artist is evident in their works
- Das gemütliche Beisammensein sorgte für gute StimmungThe cozy gathering created a great spirit
- Sein Spirit ist von Anfang an spürbarHis spirit is noticeable from the beginning
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about a mysterious atmosphere in an old house.
- LauraIch spüre hier einen Geist.I feel a spirit here.
- FelixIch glaube nicht an jeden Geist.I don't believe in every spirit.
- LauraAber dieser Geist fühlt sich echt an.But this spirit feels real.
- FelixVielleicht ist es nur der Wind, Laura.Maybe it's just the wind, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spirit” translations and entries Geist, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geist, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
