Hexe
/ˈhɛk.sə/feminine
The German word for "witch" is Hexe. If unsure, use Hexe. Wiktionary also lists Gabelreiterin.
Meaning: person who uses magic (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hexe | /ˈhɛk.sə/ | feminine |
| Gabelreiterin | feminine |
The term refers to a person who uses magic. It is a feminine noun.
Which one should you use?
Hexe is a feminine noun used for a female practitioner of magic, whereas the term for a male practitioner is typically Hexenmeister or Magier.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Gabelreiterin is another term for a witch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Hexe is Hexen.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈhɛk.sə/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The term Gabelreiterin literally means 'fork rider'. This stems from early folk beliefs that witches flew on fork-shaped household tools rather than just broomsticks.
- German uses the verb hexen to describe the act of performing magic, but it can also mean to work intensely or 'fiddle' with something.
- In some German dialects, the word Hexe was historically used to describe a shrewish or unpleasant woman, regardless of any belief in magic.
Examples in context
- Sie ist eine gute Hexe.She's a benevolent witch.This sentence shows how to describe a benevolent Hexe.Tatoeba #2588765 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2588736 by Hybrid
- Sie ist eine böse Hexe.She's a nasty witch.This sentence shows how to describe a nasty Hexe.Tatoeba #2588766 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1445801 by human600
- Sie ist eine mächtige Hexe.She's a powerful witch.This sentence shows how to describe a powerful Hexe.Tatoeba #1791454 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1790817 by Spamster
- Die Hexe hat ihre Zauberkräfte benutzt.The witch used her magic powers.
- Die Hexen haben in der Nacht getanzt.The witches danced at night.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing a fantasy movie.
- LauraDie Hexe im Film ist sehr gruselig.The witch in the movie is very scary.
- LukasJa, sie sieht wirklich furchtbar aus.Yes, she looks truly terrible.
- LauraGlaubst du, eine echte Hexe existiert?Do you believe a real witch exists?
- LukasDas glaube ich nicht.I don't believe that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “witch” translations and entries Hexe, Gabelreiterin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gabelreiterin, Hexe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
