Wörter
The English phrase 'words' is translated into German as Wörter.
Wörter is used when you are referring to words as single, discrete units of language used to build sentences.
Which one should you use?
There is an important distinction between Wörter and Worte. Use Wörter when talking about individual units of language. Use Worte when referring to words as meaningful content or speech, such as when talking about someone's 'words of wisdom' or 'last words'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of Wörter is Wort.
Did you know?
- In German literature, a 'Wortschatz' is literally a 'word-treasure', which is the standard term for a person's vocabulary.
- German has a specific word for a 'word-combination' called a Wortzusammensetzung. This reflects the language's famous ability to create incredibly long nouns by chaining Wörter together.
- If you call someone's speech Wortakrobatik, you are describing 'word acrobatics', suggesting they are being clever or deceptive with their language.
Examples in context
- Das sind keine Wörter.These are not words.This sentence is useful for denying that certain items are Wörter.Tatoeba #927798 by Sudajaengi, translation #896996 by CM
- Lass unnötige Wörter weg!Omit needless words!This sentence is useful for advising someone to omit unnecessary Wörter.Tatoeba #12881040 by Yorwba, translation #16858 by Eldad
- Wörter drücken Gedanken aus.Words express thoughts.This sentence is useful for explaining that Wörter express thoughts.Tatoeba #610636 by Dejo, translation #461181 by jeanne
- 266 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are discussing a difficult poem.
- JuliaDiese Wörter sind sehr schwer zu verstehen.These words are very difficult to understand.
- FelixDas stimmt, sie sind sehr altmodisch.That is true, they are very old-fashioned.
- JuliaHast du die Bedeutung der Wörter gefunden?Did you find the meaning of the words?
- FelixNein, ich muss im Wörterbuch nachsehen.No, I have to look them up in a dictionary.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
