Holz
/hɔl(t)s/neuter
The English word 'wood' is translated into German as Holz.
Holz refers to wood as a substance.
Meaning: substance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Holz refers to the substance, the word Wald is used to refer to a collection of trees (a forest).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Holz is Hölzer, which refers to different types or pieces of wood. The genitive singular form of Holz is Holzes.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɔl(t)s/
Did you know?
- The phrase aus dem letzten Holz pressen is used to describe squeezing every last bit of value or effort out of a situation, similar to 'squeezing a lemon'.
- The English word 'holt', meaning a small wood or thicket, shares the same ancient root as the German Holz.
- While Holz is the material, the German word Holzwurm refers to a woodworm and is often used figuratively to describe something that is slowly eating away at a structure or organization.
Examples in context
- Wir hacken das Holz.We are cutting the wood.This example shows how to use Holz when talking about cutting the wood.Tatoeba #1709392 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1700604 by Amastan
- Er hackt gerne Holz.He likes to chop wood.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for chopping Holz.Tatoeba #4879927 by Zaghawa, translation #2719821 by Amastan
- Ich klopfe auf Holz.I'll touch wood.This sentence illustrates using the phrase to say you will touch Holz.Tatoeba #5167184 by christian42, translation #11137927 by sundown
- In dem Bauvorhaben verwenden wir hochwertige Holzwerkstoffe.In the construction project, we are using high-quality wood-based materials.
- Kannst du mir beim Holzhacken helfen?Can you help me with chopping wood?
- Wir brauchen noch mehr Scheitholz für das Lagerfeuer am Wochenende.We need more firewood for the bonfire this weekend.
- 166 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are in their garden workshop.
- FelixIst dieses Holz für den Tisch?Is this wood for the table?
- HannahJa, Felix, es ist sehr hochwertig.Yes, Felix, it is very high quality.
- FelixDann können wir damit arbeiten.Then we can work with it.
- HannahIch helfe dir gerne dabei.I am happy to help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wood” translations and entries Holz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Holz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
