Unkraut
/ˈʊnkʁaʊ̯t/neuter
The English word "weed" (referring to an unwanted plant) is translated into German as Unkraut.
Unkraut refers to an unwanted plant. While English uses "weed" as both a noun and a verb, in German, the action of weeding a garden is typically expressed using the phrase Unkraut jäten. If you are referring to marijuana, note that Marihuana and Cannabis are formal terms, while Gras is a colloquial term. The anglicism Pot is also commonly understood in Germany and used among younger generations.
Meaning: unwanted plant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Unkraut is a compound of un- (meaning not or un-) and Kraut (meaning herb, plant or weed).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Unkraut is a neuter noun. Its plural form is Unkräuter. You can also form compound nouns, such as Unkrautvernichtungsmittel, which combines Unkraut (weed), vernichtung (destruction) and mittel (agent or substance) to mean "weed killer".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊnkʁaʊ̯t/
Did you know?
- There is a common German proverb, Unkraut vergeht nicht, which literally means 'weeds do not perish'. It is used ironically to describe people who are stubborn or surprisingly resilient despite their flaws.
- While Unkraut means weed, the word Kraut is also used in the term Krautrock, a genre of experimental music from Germany in the 1970s.
- The word Kraut in the compound Unkraut is the same root used in the word Sauerkraut, although the meaning of 'cabbage' or 'herb' has shifted in that specific culinary context.
Examples in context
- Löwenzahn ist ein Unkraut, oder?A dandelion is a weed, isn't it?This sentence uses Unkraut to identify a dandelion as a weed.Tatoeba #8157948 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8975345 by sundown
- Tom half im Garten beim Gießen und Unkrautjäten.Tom helped water and weed the garden.This sentence uses Unkraut within the phrase for the action of weeding a garden.Tatoeba #10563947 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10563838 by CK
- Dieses Unkrautvernichtungsmittel ist für Menschen unschädlich.This weed killer does not harm human beings.This sentence uses Unkraut within a compound noun meaning "weed killer".Tatoeba #2820226 by Tamy, translation #58513 by CM
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are working in their garden.
- LauraLukas, schau mal, dieses Unkraut ist riesig!Lukas, look, this weed is huge!
- LukasJa, ich werde das Unkraut gleich entfernen.Yes, I will remove the weed right away.
- LauraSoll ich dir beim Jäten helfen?Should I help you with the weeding?
- LukasDanke, Laura, das wäre sehr nett.Thanks, Laura, that would be very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weed” translations and entries Unkraut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
