Spielzeuge
The English phrase "toys" is translated into German as Spielzeuge.
Spielzeuge refers to objects that children play with for entertainment.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of spielen (to play) and Zeug (stuff/things/tools).
Which one should you use?
For a more formal and broader term covering toys as a category, you can use Spielwaren.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is the neuter noun Spielzeug, which takes the article das. The plural form is Spielzeuge, which takes the article die.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the 'Spielzeug-Museum' in Nuremberg is world-famous because the city has been a global center for toy making since the Middle Ages.
- If you call something 'Zeug' in a heated argument, you are essentially calling it 'stuff' or 'nonsense', which is far removed from the innocent meaning of 'Spielzeug'.
- Because Zeug originally meant 'equipment' or 'gear', Spielzeug literally describes the 'equipment' needed to perform the act of playing.
Examples in context
- Tiere sind keine Spielzeuge!Animals are not toys!This sentence uses Spielzeuge to express that animals are not objects for play.Tatoeba #4248248 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3670101 by MTC
- Wem gehören diese Spielzeuge hier?Whose toys are these?This sentence uses Spielzeuge to ask about the ownership of the toys.Tatoeba #3867797 by Esperantostern, translation #8764396 by CK
- Diese Spielzeuge sind sehr beliebt.These toys are very popular.This sentence uses Spielzeuge to note the popularity of certain toys.Tatoeba #4022708 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4022700 by Hybrid
- Es gibt viele Spielzeuge, die die Entwicklung von Kindern fördern.There are many toys that promote children's development.
- Der Laden hat eine große Auswahl an Spielwaren.The store has a wide range of toys.
- Kannst du mir dein Spielzeugauto zeigen?Can you show me your toy car?
- Ich habe gestern neue Spielsachen bekommen!I got new toys yesterday!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are cleaning up a playroom.
- MaximilianWo sind die Spielzeuge?Where are the toys?
- SarahDie Spielzeuge liegen in der Kiste.The toys are in the box.
- MaximilianSoll ich die Spielzeuge aufräumen?Should I tidy up the toys?
- SarahJa, bitte, Maximilian.Yes, please, Maximilian.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
