Wort
/vɔrt/neuter
The English word "word" is translated into German as Wort.
Wort refers to a unit of language. It can also be used as a name to refer to the Creative word of God.
Meaning: unit of language (noun)
Which one should you use?
German has two different plural forms depending on the context. Use Wörter when you are talking about a collection of separate, discrete vocabulary units, such as a list of terms in a dictionary. Use Worte when you are referring to meaningful, spoken or written expressions, such as a person's words of wisdom or a specific message.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form Wort is a neuter noun. When expressing the plural, use Wörter for individual vocabulary items and Worte for meaningful speech or messages.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɔrt/
Did you know?
- While Wort refers to a unit of language, the term Verb is actually its linguistic doublet in German, having been borrowed from Latin to specify a grammatical category.
- In a German courtroom, the phrase das letzte Wort refers to a specific legal right where the defendant is permitted to speak one last time before the judge delivers the verdict.
- When someone says Ich gebe dir mein Wort, they are not just speaking, but performing a solemn oath that is culturally viewed as a binding contract of honor.
Examples in context
- Sag ja kein Wort!Don't you say a word.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Wort in a negative command.Tatoeba #6643134 by Felixjp, translation #3722034 by CM
- Was ist ein Wort?What is a word?This sentence is useful for asking for a definition of Wort.Tatoeba #8739251 by Waldelfe, translation #8738165 by shekitten
- Das ist ein Wort!That's a word!This sentence is useful for identifying a single Wort.Tatoeba #12277003 by brauchinet, translation #12277568 by Miktsoanit
- Bitte halten Sie Ihr Wort.Please keep your word.
- 1056 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are studying for a German exam.
- LauraIch kenne dieses Wort nicht.I do not know this word.
- FelixWelches Wort meinst du?Which word do you mean?
- LauraDieses Wort hier im Buch.This word here in the book.
- FelixDas ist ein sehr schweres Wort.That is a very difficult word.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “word” translations and entries Wort, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
