Vampir
/vamˈpiːɐ̯/masculine
The German word for vampire is Vampir. If unsure, use Vampir. Wiktionary also lists Blutsauger.
Meaning: mythological creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vampir | /vamˈpiːɐ̯/ | masculine |
| Blutsauger | masculine |
The word refers to the mythological creature. You can use the specific name Vampir or the more descriptive term Blutsauger.
What does it mean word for word?
The colloquial term Blutsauger is a compound of Blut, meaning blood and Sauger, meaning sucker.
Which one should you use?
Vampir is the specific name for the mythological creature, while Blutsauger is a more literal and descriptive term for a blood-sucking creature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Vampir is Vampire. When using the dative plural, such as after the preposition mit (with), the form changes to Vampiren.
How do you pronounce it?
/vamˈpiːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- While Vampir refers to the monster, Blutsauger is frequently used as a metaphor for people who are greedy or exploit others for money.
- In German folklore, a vampire might be referred to as a Nachzehrer, a specific type of undead creature that is distinct from the more modern, international Vampir.
- The word Vampir entered German through Slavic languages, which explains why its spelling and sound differ slightly from the English 'vampire'.
Examples in context
- Bist du ein Vampir?Are you a vampire?This sentence uses Vampir to ask a question about being a vampire.Tatoeba #6139715 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2869060 by Hybrid
- Tom ist ein Vampir.Tom is a vampire.This sentence uses Vampir to identify Tom as a vampire.Tatoeba #10008098 by Melang, translation #1541497 by Spamster
- Dracula ist ein Vampir.Dracula is a vampire.This sentence uses Vampir to identify Dracula as a vampire.Tatoeba #12002856 by Naina, translation #12002619 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Ich habe gestern einen Film über Vampire gesehen.I watched a movie about vampires yesterday.
- Die Legende des Vampirs ist in vielen Kulturen präsent.The legend of the vampire is present in many cultures.
- Bist du sicher, dass es nur ein Kostüm ist? Ich denke, er ist ein Blutsauger.Are you sure it's just a costume? I think he's a vampire.
- Ich habe einen alten Gruselfilm mit Blutsaugern gesehen.I watched an old horror movie about bloodsuckers.
- Besonders im Schwarzwald erzählt man sich Geschichten über Nachzehrer.Especially in the Black Forest, people tell stories about night devourers.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are discussing a horror movie.
- LukasDer Hauptcharakter in dem Film ist ein Vampir.The main character in the movie is a vampire.
- SarahIch mag Geschichten über einen Vampir nicht.I don't like stories about a vampire.
- LukasAber dieser Vampir ist eigentlich ganz nett.But this vampire is actually quite nice.
- SarahTrotzdem bleibt ein Vampir ein Monster für mich.Still, a vampire remains a monster to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vampire” translations and entries Vampir, Blutsauger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Blutsauger, Vampir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
