Dreieck
/ˈdʁaɪ̯ˌ.ɛk/neuter
The English word 'triangle' is Dreieck in German.
The term refers to a polygon.
Meaning: polygon (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Dreieck is a compound of drei (three) and Eck (corner/angle), literally meaning 'three-corner'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and Austria, Dreieckerl is commonly used to mean triangle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Dreieck is Dreiecke. To say 'of the triangle', you can use the genitive singular forms Dreiecks or Dreieckes. The default form Dreieck is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈdʁaɪ̯ˌ.ɛk/.
Did you know?
- The word Triangel still exists in German but refers specifically to the percussion instrument rather than the geometric shape.
- The German word Dreiecksbeziehung uses the root of Dreieck to describe a 'love triangle'.
- A 'triangle' of mountains or land is often called a Dreieck in German, but the term Dreiländereck specifically denotes a point where three countries meet.
Examples in context
- Ein Dreieck hat drei Ecken.A triangle has three angles.This sentence demonstrates a property of a Dreieck.Tatoeba #1945566 by al_ex_an_der, translation #10501777 by Ooneykcall
- Messe jeden Winkel des Dreieckes.Measure each angle of the triangle.This sentence uses the genitive form of Dreieck to describe measuring an angle.Tatoeba #3046014 by Manfredo, translation #2450025 by sharptoothed
- Das ist ein gleichseitiges Dreieck.This is an equilateral triangle.This sentence uses Dreieck to describe an equilateral shape.Tatoeba #6741529 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3819096 by CK
- Das Dreieck hat drei Seiten und drei WinkelThe triangle has three sides and three angles
- Schau mal, das ist ein kleines rotes DreieckerlLook, that's a small red triangle
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are working on a geometry project.
- HannahJulian, siehst du das Dreieck hier?Julian, do you see the triangle here?
- JulianJa, Hannah, es ist sehr deutlich.Yes, Hannah, it is very clear.
- HannahSoll ich das Dreieck ausmalen?Should I color in the triangle?
- JulianJa, bitte mach das.Yes, please do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “triangle” translations and entries Dreieck, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
