Names of sports in German
- der Fußball soccer
- der Basketball basketball
- das Tennis tennis
- das Tischtennis table tennis
- das Volleyball volleyball
- das Golf golf
- das Hockey hockey
- das Eishockey ice hockey
- das Skifahren skiing
- das Snowboarden snowboarding
- das Schwimmen swimming
- das Tauchen diving
- das Rudern rowing
- das Segeln sailing
- das Surfen surfing
- das Klettern climbing
- das Boxen boxing
- das Judo judo
- das Fechten fencing
- das Reiten horseback riding
- das Tanzen dancing
- das Yoga yoga
- das Pilates pilates
- das Joggen jogging
- das Radfahren cycling
- das Gewichtheben weightlifting
- das Bodybuilding bodybuilding
- das Tennis spielen playing tennis
- das Fußball spielen playing soccer
- das Basketball spielen playing basketball
- das Hockey spielen playing hockey
- das Golf spielen playing golf
- das Eishockey spielen playing ice hockey
- das Skifahren gehen skiing
- das Snowboarden gehen snowboarding
- das Schwimmen gehen swimming
- das Tauchen gehen diving
- das Rudern gehen rowing
- das Segeln gehen sailing
- das Surfen gehen surfing
- das Klettern gehen climbing
- das Boxen gehen boxing
- das Judo machen doing judo
- das Fechten üben practicing fencing
- das Reiten gehen horseback riding
- das Tanzen lernen learning to dance
- das Yoga praktizieren practicing yoga
- das Pilates machen doing pilates
- das Joggen gehen jogging
- das Radfahren machen cycling
- das Gewichtheben üben practicing weightlifting
- das Bodybuilding machen doing bodybuilding
- der Leichtathletik athletics
- der Lauf running
- der Sprint sprint
- der Marathon marathon
- der Hürdenlauf hurdles
- das Diskuswerfen discus throw
- das Speerwerfen javelin throw
- der Hochsprung high jump
- der Weitsprung long jump
- der Stabhochsprung pole vault
- das Kugelstoßen shot put
- der Triathlon triathlon
- der Schwimmsport aquatic sports
- der Wassersport water sports
- der Wasserski water skiing
- das Jetski fahren jet skiing
- das Windsurfen windsurfing
- das Kanufahren canoeing
- das Kajakfahren kayaking
- das Segeln sailing
- das Wasserspringen diving (in water)
- das Wasserpolo water polo
- das Synchronschwimmen synchronized swimming
- das Bodyboarden bodyboarding
- das Wakeboarden wakeboarding
- das Rafting rafting
- das Kitesurfen kitesurfing
- das Fallschirmspringen skydiving
- das Bergsteigen mountaineering
- das Skispringen ski jumping
- das Snowkiting snowkiting
- das Schlittschuhlaufen ice skating
- das Curling curling
- das Eiskunstlaufen figure skating
- das Hockey auf dem Eis ice hockey
- das Shorttrack short track
- das Inline-Skaten inline skating
- das Rollschuhlaufen roller skating
- das Eisklettern ice climbing
- das Felsklettern rock climbing
- das Bouldern bouldering
- das Basejumping base jumping
- das Paragliding paragliding
- das Drachenfliegen hang-gliding
- das Fallschirmspringen skydiving
- das Biathlon biathlon
- das Bogenschießen archery
- das Sportschießen shooting sports
- das Reiten horseback riding
- das Voltigieren vaulting
- das Dressurreiten dressage
- das Springreiten show jumping
- das Polo polo
- das Rodeo rodeo
- das Bullenreiten bull riding
- das Sumo-Ringen sumo wrestling
- das Ringen wrestling
- das Judo judo
- das Karate karate
- das Taekwondo taekwondo
- das Capoeira capoeira
- das Boxen boxing
- das Kickboxen kickboxing
- das Muay Thai muay thai
- das Mixed Martial Arts mixed martial arts
List of Sports in German
Introduction to Sports Vocabulary in German
Learning about sports in German can be straightforward because many words are either identical or very similar to their English counterparts. This tutorial provides a list of common sports in German, making it easy for beginners to recognize and learn these terms. Whether you're interested in indoor or outdoor sports, understanding these words will help you navigate conversations about sports in German-speaking contexts.
Outdoor Sports in German
Outdoor sports, known as "Outdoor Sport" or formally as "Freiluftsport" in German, encompass a wide range of activities enjoyed in natural settings. Germany, with its scenic landscapes and active lifestyle, embraces various outdoor sports as popular recreational and competitive pursuits. This guide focuses on key outdoor sports terminology in German, helping beginners understand and engage in discussions about outdoor activities in German-speaking contexts.
List of Outdoor Sports in German
Here's a table listing popular outdoor sports along with their German translations:
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
hiking |
Wandern |
[ˈvandɐn] |
cycling |
Radfahren |
[ˈʁaːtˌfaːʁən] |
mountain biking |
Mountainbiken |
[ˈmaʊntənbɑɪkən] |
rock climbing |
Klettern |
[ˈklɛtɐn] |
skiing |
Skifahren |
[ˈʃiːfaːʁən] |
snowboarding |
Snowboarden |
[ˈsnoːbɔːɐdən] |
snowshoeing |
Schneeschuhwandern |
[ˈʃneːzəʃuːˌvandɐn] |
cross-country skiing |
Langlaufen |
[ˈlaŋˌlaʊ̯fn̩] |
jogging |
Joggen |
[ˈjɔɡn̩] |
horseback riding |
Reiten |
[ˈʁaɪ̯tən] |
canoeing |
Kanufahren |
[ˈkaːnʊˌfaːʁən] |
kayaking |
Kajakfahren |
[ˈkaːjakˌfaːʁən] |
sailing |
Segeln |
[ˈzeːɡl̩n] |
windsurfing |
Windsurfen |
[ˈvɪntsœʁfn̩] |
swimming |
Schwimmen |
[ˈʃvɪmən] |
diving |
Tauchen |
[ˈtaʊ̯xn̩] |
Water Sports in German
Exploring water sports in German, known as "Wassersportarten", opens up a world of aquatic activities popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. From swimming in pristine Alpine lakes to thrilling adventures like rafting and windsurfing, this guide introduces essential German terms for various water sports. Whether you're a beginner or planning to dive deeper into these activities, understanding these words will enhance your experience and communication in German-speaking environments.
List of Water Sports in German
Here's a table listing popular water sports along with their German translations and pronunciations:
English |
German |
IPA |
Swimming |
Schwimmen |
[ˈʃvɪmən] |
Freestyle |
Freestyle |
[fʁistajl] |
Backstroke |
Rückenschwimmen |
[ˈʁʏkn̩ˌʃvɪmɐ] |
Butterfly |
Schmetterling |
[ˈʃmɛtɐlɪŋ] |
Breaststroke |
Brustschwimmen |
[ˈbʁʊstˌʃvɪmən] |
Diving |
Tauchen |
[ˈtaʊ̯xn̩] |
Water polo |
Wasserball |
[ˈvasɐˌbal] |
Synchronized swimming |
Synchronschwimmen |
[zʏnˈkʁoːnˌʃvɪmən] |
Bodyboarding |
Bodyboarding |
[ˈbɒdɪbɔʁdˈiŋɡ] |
Surfing |
Surfen |
[ˈsœːɐ̯fn̩] |
Windsurfing |
Windsurfen |
[ˈvɪntˌsœːɐ̯fɐn] |
Wakeboarding |
Wakeboarden |
[ˈvɛɪ̯kˌbɔːɐ̯tn̩] |
Waterskiing |
Wasserskilaufen |
[ˈvasɐʃiːˌˈlaʊ̯fn̩] |
Kayaking |
Kajaken |
[ˈkaːjakn] |
Canyoning |
Canyoning |
[kanjɔniŋ] |
Snorkeling |
Schnorcheln |
[ˈʃnɔʁçl̩n] |
Sailing |
Segeln |
[ˈzeːɡl̩n] |
Rowing |
Rudern |
[ˈʁuːdɐn] |
Paddleboarding |
Paddeln |
[ˈpadln] |
Rafting |
Rafting |
[ˈʁaːftɪŋ] |
Indoor Sports in German
Indoor sports, known as "Hallensport" in German, encompass a variety of physical activities that can be enjoyed indoors. Whether you're into yoga, pilates, boxing, or dance—from classic foxtrot to energetic hip hop—many terms are similar in both English and German, making communication easy across languages. This tutorial introduces essential German vocabulary for indoor sports, enabling beginners to discuss and participate in these activities confidently.
List of Indoor Sports in German
Here's a table listing popular indoor sports along with their German translations and pronunciations:
English |
German |
IPA |
Indoor soccer |
Hallenfußball |
[ˈhalənˌfuːsbal] |
Ice skating |
Schlittschuhlaufen |
[ˈʃlɪtˌʃuːˌlaʊ̯fn̩] |
Squash |
Squash |
[skvɔʃ] |
Pilates |
Pilates |
[pi:ˈlatəs] |
Yoga |
Yoga |
[ˈjoːɡa] |
Volleyball |
Volleyball |
[ˈvɔlɛɪ̯ˌbal] |
Basketball |
Basketball |
[ˈbaːskətˌbal] |
Softball |
Softball |
[sɔftbol] |
Table tennis |
Tischtennis |
[ˈtɪʃˌtɛnɪs] |
Indoor cycling |
Indoor-Radfahren |
[ɪndo:ɐ̯ ˈʁaːtˌfaːʁən] |
Wrestling |
Wrestling |
[ˈʁɛslɪŋ] |
Gymnastics |
Gymnastik; Turnen |
[ˌɡʏmˈnastɪk; ˈtʊʁnən] |
Karate |
Karate |
[kaˈʁaːtə] |
Judo |
Judo |
[ˈjuːdo] |
Fencing |
Fechten |
[ˈfɛçtn̩] |
Boxing |
Boxen |
[ˈbɔksn̩] |
Kickboxing |
Kickboxen |
[ˈkɪkˌbɔksn̩] |
Capoeira |
Capoeira |
[kapoˈeːʁa] |
Dance |
Tanz |
[tants] |
How to Talk About Sports in German
Engaging in conversations about sports is a great way to connect with others. Whether you're asking about someone's favorite sport or discussing a game, knowing how to talk about sports in German can help you blend in with German-speaking friends and teammates. This tutorial will guide you through basic phrases and questions to get you started.
Basic Phrases for Talking About Sports in German
Here are some essential phrases and their pronunciations to help you talk about sports in German:
German Phrase |
Pronunciation |
English Translation |
Machst du Sport? |
[maʃt du ʃpɔrt?] |
Do you workout? |
Was ist dein Lieblingssport? |
[vas ɪst daɪn liːblɪŋsʃpɔrt?] |
What’s your favorite sport? |
Magst du Mannschaftssportarten? |
[maɡst du ˈmanʃaftssˌʃpɔrtˌartən?] |
Do you like team sports? |
Ich interessiere mich für Tennis. |
[ɪç ɪntərɛsiˈrɛ ˌmɪç fyːr ˈtɛnɪs] |
I’m into tennis. |
Ich bin ein Fan von Borussia Dortmund. |
[ɪç bɪn aɪn fɛn fɔn bɔˈruːsi̯a ˈdɔrtmʊnt] |
I’m a fan of Borussia Dortmund. |
Ich mag keinen Sport! |
[ɪç maːɡ ˈkaɪnən ʃpɔrt] |
I don’t like sports! |
Finding Common Ground Through Sports
Talking about sports is an excellent way to find common ground with others. You can bond over your love for a particular sport, support for a famous team, or even a shared dislike for sports. Here are some tips to help you start a conversation:
- Ask about their sports activities: Start with simple questions like "Machst du Sport?" (Do you workout?) or "Was ist dein Lieblingssport?" (What’s your favorite sport?).
- Discuss team sports: Find out if they like team sports by asking "Magst du Mannschaftssportarten?" (Do you like team sports?).
- Share your interests: Express your own interests with phrases like "Ich interessiere mich für Tennis" (I’m into tennis) or "Ich bin ein Fan von Borussia Dortmund" (I’m a fan of Borussia Dortmund).
- Express your dislikes: It's okay to not be a sports enthusiast. You can say "Ich mag keinen Sport!" (I don’t like sports!) to let others know.
Verbs to Talk About Sports in German
Understanding sports-related verbs in German is essential for discussing physical activities and sports. Whether you're talking about playing a game, running, jumping, swimming, or riding, knowing these verbs will help you express yourself clearly. This tutorial focuses on common German verbs associated with sports and physical activities, providing you with a foundational vocabulary.
Common Sports Verbs in German
Here's a table listing common German verbs related to sports and physical activities:
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
to play |
spielen |
[ˈʃpiːlən] |
to run |
laufen |
[ˈlaʊfən] |
to jump |
springen |
[ˈʃprɪŋən] |
to swim |
schwimmen |
[ˈʃvɪmən] |
to drive / to ride |
fahren |
[ˈfaːrən] |
to box |
boxen |
[ˈbɔksən] |
to shoot (basketball/soccer) |
schießen |
[ˈʃiːsən] |
to throw (handball/baseball) |
werfen |
[ˈvɛrfən] |
These verbs cover a range of actions associated with sports and physical activities. They are foundational for describing what you do in various sports contexts, from playing games to specific actions like shooting or throwing.
Using Sports Verbs in Context
Learning how to use these verbs in context will allow you to talk fluently about sports in German. For example:
- Spielen (to play): "Ich spiele Tennis" (I play tennis).
- Laufen (to run): "Er läuft jeden Tag im Park" (He runs in the park every day).
- Springen (to jump): "Sie springt hoch beim Hochsprung" (She jumps high in high jump).
- Schwimmen (to swim): "Wir schwimmen gerne im See" (We like to swim in the lake).
- Fahren (to drive/ride): "Sie fährt Ski im Winter" (She skis in the winter).
- Boxen (to box): "Er boxte in seiner Jugend" (He boxed in his youth).
- Schießen (to shoot): "Er schießt ein Tor" (He scores a goal).
- Werfen (to throw): "Sie wirft den Ball weit" (She throws the ball far).
Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Germany
Germany, known for its rich sports culture, embraces a diverse range of athletic activities that capture the nation's passion and competitive spirit. Whether you're visiting or living in Germany, understanding the most popular sports can provide insight into local culture and opportunities for participation. This guide outlines the top 10 most popular sports in Germany, highlighting their significance and popularity across the country.
List of Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Germany
Here are the top 10 most popular sports in Germany:
Rank |
Sport |
Description |
1 |
Fußball (Soccer) |
Fußball (Soccer) dominates as the most beloved sport in Germany, with widespread support for local clubs and international competitions. |
2 |
Tennis |
Tennis enjoys significant popularity, with Germany producing top-ranked players and hosting prestigious tournaments like the German Open. |
3 |
Handball |
Handball is highly popular, known for its fast-paced gameplay and strong club leagues in Germany. |
4 |
Basketball |
Basketball has gained popularity, with German teams participating in European competitions and producing NBA players. |
5 |
Ice Hockey |
Ice Hockey attracts a devoted following, with German teams competing in the DEL (Deutsche Eishockey Liga) and international leagues. |
6 |
Volleyball |
Volleyball is popular both indoors and on the beach, with Germany hosting international tournaments and strong club leagues. |
7 |
Motorsport |
Motorsport, particularly Formula 1 and touring car racing (DTM), enjoys a dedicated fan base and hosts major events at circuits like the Nürburgring. |
8 |
Athletics |
Athletics, including track and field events, is celebrated with German athletes excelling in events like the Olympics and World Championships. |
9 |
Cycling |
Cycling, encompassing road races and mountain biking, is popular with enthusiasts and professionals alike, with scenic routes across Germany. |
10 |
Golf |
Golf has grown in popularity, with Germany boasting numerous courses and hosting international tournaments such as the BMW International Open. |