Wörter
In German, the English phrase "words" is translated as Wörter.
The term refers to single units of language made up of one or more syllables.
Which one should you use?
German distinguishes between two different plural forms for "words." Use Wörter when referring to a collection of individual, disconnected words (e.g., a list of words), whereas Worte is used for words that carry a specific meaning or message.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form Worte is used when referring to words as meaningful expressions, such as a speech or a promise, rather than individual linguistic units.
Did you know?
- German can combine many Wörter into a single long word, creating 'compound nouns' like Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz.
- The term Wortschatz, meaning 'vocabulary', literally translates to 'word treasure' in English.
- While English uses 'words' for both a speech and a list, using Wörter to describe a beautiful speech can sound as if you are criticizing the speaker for using empty, meaningless sounds.
Examples in context
- Das sind keine Wörter.These are not words.This sentence is useful for stating that certain things are not words.Tatoeba #927798 by Sudajaengi, translation #896996 by CM
- Lass unnötige Wörter weg!Omit needless words!This sentence is useful for advising someone to remove unnecessary words.Tatoeba #12881040 by Yorwba, translation #16858 by Eldad
- Wörter drücken Gedanken aus.Words express thoughts.This sentence is useful for explaining that words are a means of expressing thoughts.Tatoeba #610636 by Dejo, translation #461181 by jeanne
- Wie geht es Ihnen?How are you?
- Können Sie mir helfen?Can you help me?
- 266 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about a book in the library.
- LauraDiese Wörter sind sehr schwierig.These words are very difficult.
- LukasJa, das Buch hat viele fremde Wörter.Yes, the book has many foreign words.
- LauraSoll ich sie im Wörterbuch nachschlagen?Should I look them up in the dictionary?
- LukasDas wäre sehr hilfreich, Laura.That would be very helpful, Laura.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
