Introduction to German Compound Words
In German, compound words (Zusammengesetzte Wörter) are created by combining two or more smaller words to form a new word with a distinct meaning. The meanings of the individual words often give clues about the meaning of the compound word. German compound words are used frequently in everyday language and can vary from simple combinations to very long words.
How Compound Words are Formed
In most cases, compound words in German are formed by joining nouns, though other parts of speech can be used as well. The final word in the compound often determines the gender and plural form.
Note: Compound words are typically written as a single word in German without spaces.
Examples of Common Compound Words
| Compound Word |
Literal Translation |
English Meaning |
| Hausaufgaben |
House tasks |
Homework |
| Handschuh |
Hand shoe |
Glove |
| Fernseher |
Far viewer |
Television |
| Flugzeug |
Flight thing |
Airplane |
| Krankenhaus |
Sick house |
Hospital |
| Schreibtisch |
Writing table |
Desk |
| Zahnarzt |
Tooth doctor |
Dentist |
| Staubsauger |
Dust sucker |
Vacuum cleaner |
| Wassermelone |
Water melon |
Watermelon |
| Lebensmittel |
Life means |
Groceries |
Long Compound Words in German
German is known for creating long compound words, often combining several nouns. Although not all of these are used in everyday language, they demonstrate how compound words can convey detailed meanings.
- Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz - The law for the delegation of monitoring beef labeling
- Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän - Captain of the Danube steamship company
- Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung - Certificate of incapacity to work
- Kraftfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung - Motor vehicle liability insurance
Examples of Different Types of Compound Words
- Auto (car) + Bahn (track) = Autobahn (Highway)
- Fahrrad (bike) + Weg (path) = Fahrradweg (Bicycle path)
- Brief (letter) + Kasten (box) = Briefkasten (Mailbox)
- Buch (book) + Händler (dealer) = Buchhändler (Bookseller)
- Lebens (life) + Raum (space) = Lebensraum (Living space)