Wald
/valt/
The English phrase 'woods' is translated into German as Wald.
You can use more specific terms to describe the type of forest, such as Buchenwald for a beech forest, Nadelwald for a coniferous forest or Laubwald for a deciduous forest. There is also an idiom, Den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht sehen, which literally translates to 'Not seeing the forest for the trees'. It describes someone who is so focused on small details that they miss the bigger picture.
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between 'wood' (singular) and 'woods' (plural), German typically uses the singular Wald to refer to a forested area in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Wald is Wälder.
How do you pronounce it?
/valt/
Did you know?
- Germany has a deep cultural concept called Waldeinsamkeit, which describes the specific feeling of being alone in the Wald and feeling connected to nature.
- Germans often practice Waldbaden, which literally means 'forest bathing'. It is a mindful activity of spending time in the Wald to improve health.
- The English word 'weald', used to describe certain upland areas in southern England, is a direct linguistic relative of the German Wald.
Examples in context
- Sie ist im Wald.She's in the woods.This sentence is useful for saying someone is in the woods using Wald.Tatoeba #5935639 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12908753 by Conjuice
- Ich wohne im Wald.I live in the woods.This sentence is useful for saying you live in the woods using Wald.Tatoeba #13577622 by Vortarulo, translation #12911564 by Asif
- Ich liebe den Wald.I love the woods.This sentence is useful for saying you love the woods using Wald.Tatoeba #2883109 by al_ex_an_der, translation #5989635 by thomsmells
- Der Nationalpark Schwarzwald ist bekannt für seine faszinierenden Wälder.The Black Forest National Park is known for its fascinating woods.
- Ich gehe gerne in den Wald spazieren.I enjoy going for walks in the woods.
- Die Bäume im Wald sind so majestätisch.The trees in the woods are so majestic.
- 172 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a weekend hike.
- SarahGehen wir am Samstag in den Wald?Are we going to the woods on Saturday?
- FelixJa, der Wald ist dort sehr schön.Yes, the woods are very beautiful there.
- SarahSollen wir eine Wanderkarte mitnehmen?Should we take a hiking map with us?
- FelixDas ist eine gute Idee, Sarah.That is a good idea, Sarah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Wald, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wald, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
