Koffer
/ˈkɔfɐ/masculine
The German word for suitcase is Koffer. Wiktionary also lists Reisetasche.
Meaning: large piece of luggage (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Koffer | /ˈkɔfɐ/ | masculine |
| Reisetasche | /ˈʁaɪ̯zəˌtaʃə/ (Germany) /ˈʁaɪ̯sɛˌtaʃɛ/ |
feminine |
The term refers to a large piece of luggage.
Which one should you use?
Use Koffer for a hard-sided or large rectangular suitcase, whereas Reisetasche refers to a softer travel bag or duffel bag.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German dialects, dä Choffer is a version of der Koffer.
How does it change in a sentence?
Koffer is a masculine noun. Because it is masculine, it changes from der Koffer to den Koffer when it is the direct object of a sentence. Note that Koffer is an indeclinable noun in its plural form. The singular and plural are spelled the same.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɔfɐ/
Did you know?
- In German slang, calling someone a Koffer is a mild insult suggesting they are clumsy or foolish.
- The word Koffer entered standard German via Bavarian dialect, having originally been a term from Rotwelsch, a secret language used by thieves and beggars.
- German uses the word Koffer to describe the trunk or boot of a car, which is known as the Kofferraum.
Examples in context
- Wo ist dein Koffer?Where's your suitcase?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a Koffer.Tatoeba #2988940 by freddy1, translation #1886589 by CK
- Es war mein Koffer.It was my suitcase.This sentence is useful for identifying which piece of luggage was one's own Koffer.Tatoeba #12417007 by mayabe, translation #2167389 by CM
- Das ist mein Koffer.That's my suitcase.This sentence is useful for pointing out that a specific item is one's Koffer.Tatoeba #3404160 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3396843 by CK
- Bitte stellen Sie Ihren Koffer auf das Gepäckband.Please place your suitcase on the luggage belt.
- Hey, kannst du mir deine Reisetasche leihen?Hey, can you lend me your suitcase?
- Ich habe meine Reisetasche im Zug vergessen!I left my suitcase on the train!
- Ich kann meinen schweren Koffer tragen, aber mein Trolley ist viel bequemer!I can carry my heavy suitcase, but my trolley is much more convenient!
- Könntest du bitte meinen Trolley hochtragen? Er ist zu schwer für mich.Could you please carry my trolley upstairs? It's too heavy for me.
- 199 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are at the airport.
- MaximilianIst das dein Koffer?Is that your suitcase?
- JuliaNein, der Koffer ist sehr schwer.No, the suitcase is very heavy.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir mit dem Koffer helfen?Should I help you with the suitcase?
- JuliaJa, bitte, das wäre sehr nett.Yes, please, that would be very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suitcase” translations and entries Koffer, Reisetasche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Koffer, Reisetasche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
