Spielzeug
/ˈʃpiːlˌt͡sɔʏk/neuter
The German word for toy is Spielzeug.
Spielzeug refers to something one plays with. Figuratively, it can be used to describe something trivial or something that is not meant to be taken seriously, much like the English word 'plaything'.
Meaning: something to play with (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of spielen (to play) and Zeug (stuff, thing or material), literally meaning 'play thing'.
Which one should you use?
While Spielzeug is the standard term, you might see Kinderspielzeug used specifically to mean 'children's toy'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Spielzeug is a neuter noun. Its plural form is Spielzeuge. Another way to express the plural 'toys' is using the word Spielsachen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpiːlˌtsɔʏk/
Did you know?
- The suffix -zeug is used in many German words to create a category of items, such as Werkzeug for tools or Fahrzeug for vehicles.
- In German, the word Spiel (the root of the word) can also mean a theatrical play, which creates a linguistic link between 'play' and 'drama'.
- In many German dialects, you might hear Spielsachen used more frequently in casual conversation than the formal Spielzeug, even when talking to children.
Examples in context
- Das ist kein Spielzeug.It's not a toy.This sentence is useful for showing how to negate the word Spielzeug.Tatoeba #1800132 by Tamy, translation #6846745 by Hybrid
- Dies ist kein Spielzeug!This is not a toy!Tatoeba #6970008 by BRW, translation #1516994 by voxbubnya
- Mein Spielzeug ist kaputt.My toy is broken.This sentence is useful for describing a broken Spielzeug.Tatoeba #816941 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #456487 by lukaszpp
- Ich habe ein neues Spielzeug gekauftI bought a new toy
- Kinderspielzeug sollte sicher und altersgemäß seinChildren's toys should be safe and age-appropriate
- Meine Kinder lieben ihre SpielsachenMy children love their toys
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are tidying up a child's room.
- MaximilianWo gehört dieses Spielzeug hin?Where does this toy go?
- SarahLeg es bitte in die Kiste.Please put it in the box.
- MaximilianIst das dein Lieblingsspielzeug, Sarah?Is this your favorite toy, Sarah?
- SarahJa, das ist mein Lieblingsteil!Yes, that is my favorite piece!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toy” translations and entries Spielzeug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
