Übersetzung
/ˌyːbɐˈzɛtsʊŋ(k)/feminine
The English word 'translation' is translated into German as Übersetzung. Wiktionary also lists Übersetzen.
Meaning: act of translating between languages (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Übersetzung | /ˌyːbɐˈzɛtsʊŋ(k)/ | feminine |
| Übersetzen | /ˈyːbərˌzɛtsən/ /ˈyːbɐˌsɛt͡sn̩/ (Austria) |
neuter |
The term refers to the act of translating between languages.
What does it mean word for word?
In the related verb übersetzen, the prefix über- literally means 'over' or 'across'.
Which one should you use?
Use Übersetzung to refer to the noun (the translation itself), whereas Übersetzen is the neuter noun for the act of translating or the infinitive verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
Übersetzung is a feminine noun, while Übersetzen is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌyːbɐˈzɛtsʊŋ(k)/
Did you know?
- The verb übersetzen is a homograph with an entirely different meaning: to ferry people or goods across a river.
- A person who translates is called an Übersetzer, but if they translate spoken language in real time, they are a Dolmetscher.
- The term Übersetzung is also used in mechanics to describe the 'gear ratio' of a machine.
Examples in context
- Hier ist die Übersetzung.Here's the translation.This sentence is useful for pointing out the location of a translation.Tatoeba #8101125 by Luiaard, translation #5852453 by CK
- Die Übersetzung war falsch.The translation was wrong.This sentence is useful for stating that a translation was incorrect.Tatoeba #2876042 by al_ex_an_der, translation #13189042 by araneo
- Die Übersetzung ist präzise.The translation is precise.This sentence is useful for describing the precision of a translation.Tatoeba #8279444 by GuidoW, translation #8271788 by lunchmeat317
- In meinem Deutschkurs lerne ich die Bedeutung und die Übersetzung von schwierigen Wörtern.In my German class, I'm learning the meaning and the translation of difficult words.
- Die Textstelle war schwer zu übersetzen, also habe ich eine Umschreibung verwendet.The passage was difficult to translate, so I used a paraphrase.
- 229 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing a book in a café.
- JulianIst die Übersetzung von diesem Buch gut?Is the translation of this book good?
- LauraJa, die Übersetzung ist wirklich flüssig.Yes, the translation is really fluid.
- JulianHast du die Übersetzung selbst gemacht?Did you do the translation yourself?
- LauraNein, ich habe sie nur gelesen.No, I only read it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “translation” translations and entries Übersetzung, Übersetzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
