Dorn
/dɔʁn/masculine
The German word for thorn is Dorn.
The word Dorn is a masculine noun used to describe a sharp protective structure of a plant.
Meaning: sharp protective structure of a plant (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Dorn is Dornen.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔʁn/
Did you know?
- In German botany, a distinction is often made between a Dorn, which is a modified stem, and a Stachel, which is a prickle found on the skin of a plant.
- In German technical terminology, a Dorn can refer to a metal drift or a punch used in mechanics to drive out pins.
- The German language uses the word Dorn in the phrase ein Dorn im Auge, which describes something that is a constant source of irritation.
Examples in context
- Das ist mir ein Dorn im Auge.It's been a thorn in my side.This sentence shows how to use Dorn in an idiom.Tatoeba #1248688 by Esperantostern, translation #11848657 by GaryGaryGary
- Mir steckt ein Dorn im Finger.I have a thorn in my finger.This sentence illustrates having a Dorn stuck in a finger.Tatoeba #2301688 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2266988 by _undertoad
- Eine dornenlose Rose gibt es nicht.Every rose has its thorn.This sentence uses Dorn to express that every rose has its thorn.Tatoeba #5054880 by al_ex_an_der, translation #38252 by CK
- Die Rose hat viele Dornen.The rose has many thorns.
- Pass auf, es gibt einen Stachel hier!Be careful, there's a thorn here!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are gardening together.
- SarahPass auf, diese Rose hat einen Dorn!Watch out, this rose has a thorn!
- LukasOh, du hast recht. Ich bin vorsichtig.Oh, you're right. I'll be careful.
- SarahIch habe mir gerade einen Dorn eingestochen.I just pricked myself with a thorn.
- LukasSoll ich dir helfen, den Dorn zu entfernen?Should I help you remove the thorn?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thorn” translations and entries Dorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
