Pokal
/poˈkaːl/
The German word for trophy is Pokal.
Pokal refers to an object that rewards success, often specifically a physical cup-shaped trophy. You may also encounter Trophäe, which is a direct cognate of the English word 'trophy' and is frequently used in sports and gaming contexts.
Meaning: object rewarding success (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Pokal often refers to a physical cup-shaped trophy, Trophäe is used more broadly for any prize or even a metaphorical achievement. If you are specifically talking about a winning trophy, you can also use Siegestrophäe.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Pokal is Pokale. If you need to use the genitive singular form, such as when saying 'of the trophy', use des Pokals.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈkaːl/
Did you know?
- If you were to describe a 'trophy wife' in German, you would not use Trophäe, as that word is almost exclusively used for inanimate objects or achievements.
- The German word Pokal traces its roots back to the Italian word boccale, which originally referred to a simple drinking vessel or mug.
- In Germany, the term Pokal is often used as a shorthand for the entire tournament itself, such as the DFB-Pokal in football.
Examples in context
- Der Pokalgewinn beglückte Tom.Winning a trophy made Tom happy.This sentence shows how winning a Pokal affects someone.Tatoeba #7036136 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7023609 by Hybrid
- Die siegreiche Mannschaft bekam einen silbernen Pokal als Preis.The winning team received the prize of a silver trophy.This sentence illustrates a team receiving a silver Pokal as a prize.Tatoeba #1400882 by al_ex_an_der, translation #10059382 by sundown
- Unsere Mannschaft hast schon seit Jahren keinen Pokal mehr geholt.Our team hasn't won a trophy for years.This sentence describes a team that hasn't won a Pokal in many years.Tatoeba #12212908 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12211534 by sundown
- Der Sieger erhielt eine wunderschöne Trophäe.The winner received a beautiful trophy.
- Er hat einen riesigen Pokal gewonnen.He won a huge trophy.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are looking at a trophy in a shop window.
- LauraSchau mal, dieser Pokal ist wunderschön!Look, this trophy is beautiful!
- JulianJa, er sieht sehr edel aus, Laura.Yes, it looks very elegant, Laura.
- LauraGlaubst du, er ist sehr teuer?Do you think it is very expensive?
- JulianDas kann ich leider nicht sagen.Unfortunately, I can't say that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Pokal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pokal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
