Zunge
/ˈt͡sʊŋə/feminine
The German word for tongue is Zunge.
Zunge refers to the physical organ in the mouth. If you are referring to the tongue specifically as the organ of speech, you can also use Sprachorgan. Note that while English uses the term 'mother tongue' to refer to one's native language, in German you should use the word Muttersprache instead.
Meaning: organ (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Zunge is die Zungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsʊŋə/
Did you know?
- The word Zunge can be used in the compound Zungenkuss, which refers to a French kiss. It literally translates to 'tongue kiss'.
- A geographical peninsula that narrows into a long, thin strip of land is called a Landzunge in German.
- In German, the term for the part of a shoe that sits under the laces is Zungenlasche, literally a 'tongue-flap'.
Examples in context
- Zeig mir deine Zunge.Let me see your tongue.This sentence is useful for practicing the form Zunge.Tatoeba #1562709 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #272646 by CK
- Sie hat eine böse Zunge.She has a wicked tongue.This sentence uses the form Zunge.Tatoeba #2233536 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1901664 by Spamster
- Hüte deine scharfe Zunge!Put that sharp tongue back in the drawer!Tatoeba #11567294 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11115294 by sundown
- Ich habe eine schmerzende Zunge.I have a sore tongue.
- Das Sprachorgan ist für die Artikulation verantwortlich.The tongue is responsible for articulation.
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor is examining a patient in a clinic.
- JulianBitte strecken Sie Ihre Zunge raus.Please stick your tongue out.
- JuliaIst meine Zunge rot?Is my tongue red?
- JulianJa, die Zunge ist etwas entzündet.Yes, the tongue is a bit inflamed.
- JuliaSoll ich eine Medizin nehmen?Should I take some medicine?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tongue” translations and entries Zunge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
