Terpentin
[tɛʁpɛnˈtiːn]neuter
The German word for turpentine is Terpentin.
Meaning: volatile essential oil (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a neuter noun.
Did you know?
- Historically, German medical practitioners used Terpentin as a topical treatment for joint pain, a usage far removed from its modern identity as an industrial solvent.
- In many German-speaking regions, if you ask for Terpentinöl, you are specifically requesting the more viscous, essential oil form rather than the thin, highly volatile solvent used for thinning paint.
- The German word Terpentin entered the language via Middle Dutch terpentijn and Old French terbentine before arriving in its current form.
Examples in context
- Terpentin wird vielfach als Lösungsmittel in Farben, Firnissen und Lacken verwendet.Turpentine is widely used as a solvent in paints, varnishes and lacquers.This sentence shows how Terpentin is used as a solvent in paints, varnishes and lacquers.Tatoeba #12412642 by Yorwba, translation #12143714 by Cangarejo
- Könnten Sie mir bitte eine Flasche Terpentin bringen?Could you please bring me a bottle of turpentine?
- Das Terpentin riecht sehr stark.The turpentine smells very strong.
- Mischen Sie das Öl mit etwas Terpentin.Mix the oil with some turpentine.
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are in an art studio cleaning their brushes.
- LukasBrauchst du noch etwas Terpentin für deine Pinsel?Do you need some more turpentine for your brushes, Sarah?
- SarahJa, bitte, mein Glas ist fast leer.Yes, please, my jar is almost empty.
- LukasHier ist es, pass aber auf deine Kleidung auf.Here it is, but watch out for your clothes.
- SarahDanke, Lukas, ich bin vorsichtig.Thanks, Lukas, I will be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turpentine” translations and entries Terpentin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Terpentin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
