Schildkröte
/ˈʃɪltˌkʁøːtə/feminine
The German word for turtle is Schildkröte.
The word refers to a land or marine reptile with a shell.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Schildkröte, which is a feminine noun. The plural form is Schildkröten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃɪltˌkʁøːtə/
Did you know?
- The German word Schildkröte literally translates to 'shield toad'.
- If you call someone a Kröte in German, you are not calling them a turtle, but rather using a derogatory term for a person.
- The word Schild in Schildkröte is the same word Germans use for a physical shield used in battle or a sign hanging from a shop.
Examples in context
- Diese Schildkröte ist sehr alt.This turtle is really old.This sentence is useful for describing the age of a Schildkröte.Tatoeba #10055472 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10055075 by austininchina
- Die Schildkröte hat keine Zähne.The turtle has no teeth.This sentence is useful for describing the physical characteristics of a Schildkröte.Tatoeba #7872436 by driini, translation #13001385 by araneo
- Die Schildkröte lebt Jahrhunderte.The turtle lives for centuries.This sentence is useful for describing the lifespan of a Schildkröte.Tatoeba #12293764 by mayabe, translation #9011881 by jaydenms
- Ein Biologe studiert die Lebensweise der Schildkröten.A biologist studies the lifestyle of turtles.
- Die Schildkröte gehört zu den ältesten Reptilien.The turtle is one of the oldest reptiles.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are visiting a local zoo.
- JulianSchau mal, Laura, eine Schildkröte!Look, Laura, a turtle!
- LauraOh, die Schildkröte ist wirklich süß.Oh, the turtle is really cute.
- JulianSie bewegt sich sehr langsam.It moves very slowly.
- LauraJa, das ist typisch für eine Schildkröte.Yes, that is typical for a turtle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turtle” translations and entries Schildkröte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schildkröte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
