Gezeiten
/ɡəˈtsaɪ̯tən/plural
The English phrase 'tide' is translated into German as Gezeiten. Wiktionary also lists Tide.
Meaning: periodic change of sea level (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gezeiten | /ɡəˈtsaɪ̯tən/ | plural |
| Tide | /ˈtiːdə/ | feminine |
Gezeiten refers to the periodic change of sea level.
Which one should you use?
While Gezeiten is the common plural term for tides, the singular feminine noun Tide is used primarily in scientific, oceanographic or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The most common way to refer to the phenomenon of the tides in German is using the plural noun Gezeiten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈtsaɪ̯tən/
Did you know?
- The word Gezeiten is closely related to the German word for time, Zeit. Originally, the term referred to fixed times of the day, such as specific hours for prayer or religious feasts.
- German has a unique way of describing the 'intertidal zone' as Watt, which refers to the mudflats exposed during low tide. This is a central part of German coastal identity and tourism.
- The word Gezeiten reflects a linguistic pattern where the prefix ge- is used to describe a collective or repeated process, turning 'time' into a rhythmic cycle.
Examples in context
- Toms Sandburg fiel den Gezeiten zum Opfer.Tom's sand castle was destroyed by the tide.This sentence shows how the phrase can be used to describe the destruction of a sand castle.Tatoeba #6952713 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5899217 by Hybrid
- Ein Gezeitenpegel – eine Komponente einer modernen Wasserstandsmesstation – ist mit Sensoren ausgestattet, die fortwährend die Höhe des umliegenden Wasserstandes aufzeichnen.A tide gauge, which is one component of a modern water level monitoring station, is fitted with sensors that continuously record the height of the surrounding water level.This sentence illustrates a technical description of a tide gauge and its components.Tatoeba #13029695 by Yorwba, translation #6684391 by Hybrid
- Zeit und Gezeiten warten auf niemanden.Time and tide wait for no man.This sentence provides a German equivalent for the proverb 'Time and tide wait for no man'.Tatoeba #3416695 by Abeotat1948, translation #244178 by CM
- Die Gezeiten beeinflussen den Wasserstand an der Küste.The tides influence the water level on the coast.
- Während der Flut steigt der Wasserstand an der Küste deutlich an.During flood, the water level on the coast rises significantly.
- Der Wasserstand steigt gerade an, das bedeutet, dass die Flut kommt.The water level is rising, which means that the tide is coming.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are planning a boat trip near the coast.
- JuliaLukas, wann können wir die Boote zu Wasser lassen?Lukas, when can we launch the boats?
- LukasWir müssen die Gezeiten prüfen, bevor wir losfahren.We need to check the tides before we set off.
- JuliaStimmt, bei Ebbe könnten wir sonst stecken bleiben.True, otherwise we might get stuck at low tide.
- LukasIch schaue sofort im Internet nach den aktuellen Daten.I will check the current data on the internet immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tide” translations and entries Gezeiten, Tide, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gezeiten, Tide, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
