Tattoo
/taˈtuː/neuter
The English word 'tattoo' is translated into German as Tattoo. Wiktionary also lists Tätowierung.
Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tattoo | /taˈtuː/ /tɛˈtuː/ |
neuter |
| Tätowierung | /tɛtoˈviːʁʊŋ/ /teːtoˈviːʁʊŋ/ |
feminine |
The words refer to an image made in the skin with ink and a needle.
Which one should you use?
The feminine noun Tätowierung is more formal and often refers to the process or the technical act of tattooing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the neuter Tattoo is Tattoos. To express the action of applying a tattoo, use the verb tätowieren.
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈtuː/
Did you know?
- The German word Tattoo is a loanword from English, which in turn borrowed it from the Dutch word taptoe.
Examples in context
- Ich habe kein Tattoo.I don't have a tattoo.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have a Tattoo.Tatoeba #12293936 by mayabe, translation #2276026 by CK
- Er zeigte ihr sein Tattoo.He showed her his tattoo.This sentence is useful for describing someone showing their Tattoo.Tatoeba #10029316 by Melang, translation #2568277 by Hybrid
- Ist das ein echtes Tattoo?Is it a real tattoo?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a real Tattoo.Tatoeba #11765813 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5360576 by Hybrid
- Die Tätowierung auf ihrem Rücken ist wunderschön.The tattoo on her back is beautiful.
- Die Tätowierung des Drachen erstreckt sich über den gesamten Arm.The tattoo of the dragon extends across the entire arm.
- Ich plane, mir ein Tattoo stechen zu lassen.I'm planning on getting a tattoo.
- Ich habe eine große Leidenschaft für Körperkunst.I have a great passion for body art.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about body art.
- LauraMöchtest du dir ein Tattoo stechen lassen?Would you like to get a tattoo?
- FelixJa, ich will ein kleines Tattoo am Arm.Yes, I want a small tattoo on my arm.
- LauraWas für ein Motiv soll das Tattoo haben?What motif should the tattoo have?
- FelixIch weiß es noch nicht genau, Laura.I don't know exactly yet, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tattoo” translations and entries Tattoo, Tätowierung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tattoo, Tätowierung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
