das Buch
/das buːx/word by word
In German, "the book" is said as das Buch.
das Buch refers to a written work consisting of pages bound together. Related terms you might encounter include Autor (author), Kapitel (chapter), Inhalt (content) and Bibliothek (library). You might also use the verbs Lesen (to read) or Ausleihen (to borrow) when discussing books.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form das Buch is used for both the subject (nominative) and the direct object (accusative) of a sentence. To show possession in the genitive case, use des Buches. In the dative case, such as when saying "to the book", use dem Buch. The plural form of the word is die Bücher.
How do you pronounce it?
/das buːx/
Did you know?
- The term Buchstabe literally means 'little book', though it is used in modern German to mean a 'letter' of the alphabet.
- Germany is one of the world's largest book markets, and the country's Buchpreisbindungsgesetz is a law that prevents publishers and retailers from discounting new books below a fixed price.
- The German word Buch is a direct cognate of the English word 'book'. Both descend from the Proto-Germanic word *bōks, which originally referred to the beech tree used for writing tablets.
Examples in context
- Das Buch ist neu.The book is new.This sentence is useful for describing the state of das Buch as being new.Tatoeba #1037478 by Esperantostern, translation #2002523 by bichodebola
- Das Buch ist alt.The book is old.This sentence is useful for describing the state of das Buch as being old.Tatoeba #2051640 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2002521 by bichodebola
- Mach das Buch zu.Close the book.This sentence is useful for giving a command involving das Buch.Tatoeba #3695596 by Esperantostern, translation #2245184 by CK
- Wo ist das Buch?Where is the book?
- Können Sie mir das Buch geben?Could you give me the book, please?
- Hast du das Buch gelesen?Have you read the book?
- 835 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a small library.
- JulianWo ist das Buch?Where is the book?
- JuliaEs liegt auf dem Tisch.It is lying on the table.
- JulianDanke, Julia.Thanks, Julia.
- JuliaGerne, Julian.You're welcome, Julian.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (das, Buch) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Buch, das, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
