Zeug
/t͡sɔʏ̯k/neuter
The German word for stuff is Zeug. If unsure, use Zeug. Wiktionary also lists Kram.
Meaning: miscellaneous items, things (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zeug | /t͡sɔʏ̯k/ (standard) /t͡sɔʏ̯ç/ |
neuter |
| Kram | /kʁaːm/ | masculine |
Zeug is a very versatile word used in informal speech to refer to anything from physical objects to abstract concepts or even 'material' for a specific task.
Which one should you use?
While both mean 'stuff', Kram often carries a more negative connotation of being useless, junk or bothersome items compared to the more neutral Zeug.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Zeug is an uncountable mass noun in German, similar to how 'stuff' is used in English and does not typically take a plural form when referring to a collection of items. In spoken German, the neuter noun Zeug is frequently used with the colloquial suffix '-s' to form Zeugs.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsɔʏ̯k/
Did you know?
- The word Zeug is related to the English word 'toy', as both descend from a common Germanic root referring to 'gear' or 'tools'.
- The word Zeug can be combined with other nouns to create specific terms for 'materials', such as Putzzeug for cleaning stuff.
Examples in context
- Das ist mein Zeugs.That's my stuff.This sentence shows how to use Zeug to indicate possession.Tatoeba #3004915 by pne, translation #2251104 by CK
- Unser Zeug ist weg.Our stuff is gone.This sentence uses Zeug to describe the disappearance of items.Tatoeba #12576894 by Waldelfe, translation #12575673 by CK
- Was ist all das Zeug?What is all this stuff?This sentence uses Zeug to ask about a collection of items.Tatoeba #3426609 by Trinkschokolade, translation #2892602 by CK
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are cleaning their apartment.
- SarahJulian, räumst du bitte dein Zeug auf?Julian, will you please tidy up your stuff?
- JulianIch mache das gleich, Sarah.I will do it in a moment, Sarah.
- SarahDein Zeug liegt überall im Weg.Your stuff is lying everywhere in the way.
- JulianTut mir leid, ich räume es auf.I'm sorry, I'll tidy it up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stuff” translations and entries Zeug, Kram, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kram, Zeug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
