Einhorn
/ˈaɪ̯nˌhɔrn/neuter
The German word for unicorn is Einhorn.
Einhorn is the most common and standard term used to refer to a unicorn in German.
Meaning: mythical horselike creature (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of ein (one) and Horn (horn), literally meaning one-horn.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Einhorn is Einhörner.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯nˌhɔrn/
Did you know?
- In German heraldry and historical texts, the Einhorn was often depicted as a goat-like creature with a beard, rather than the sleek horse seen in modern fantasy.
- The word Einhorn is a direct linguistic mirror of the Latin 'unicornis', meaning it was constructed to translate the classical term rather than evolving organically.
- In certain German fairy tales, the unicorn is sometimes treated with a level of reverence that borders on the religious, often appearing as a symbol of purity.
Examples in context
- Ich bin ein Einhorn.I'm a unicorn.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a unicorn.Tatoeba #10622903 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10622690 by shekitten
- Das Einhorn ist ein Fabelwesen.The unicorn is a fabulous monster.This sentence is useful for defining a unicorn as a fabulous monster.Tatoeba #541208 by Manfredo, translation #540060 by Manfredo
- Hast du das Einhorn schon gefangen?Have you caught that Unicorn yet?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has caught the unicorn.Tatoeba #1714383 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1714244 by gleki
- Ein Einhorn ist ein mystisches Tier.A unicorn is a mystical animal.
- Hast du jemals ein Einhorn gesehen?Have you ever seen a unicorn?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at a children's book in a library.
- FelixSiehst du das Einhorn?Do you see the unicorn?
- LauraJa, das Einhorn ist wunderschön.Yes, the unicorn is beautiful.
- FelixIch möchte ein Einhorn haben.I want to have a unicorn.
- LauraEin Einhorn gibt es nur in Märchen.A unicorn only exists in fairy tales.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unicorn” translations and entries Einhorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Einhorn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
