German word

Kerze

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɛʁt͡sə/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncandle

Example

Die Kerzen brennen auf dem Tisch.

The candles are burning on the table.

Illustration for Kerze (candle)

More examples

Ich beleuchtete das dunkle Regal mit einer Kerze.

I illuminated the dark shelf with a candle.

Core concept

A wick rises from a wax or tallow body, feeding a small flame as the body slowly melts and grows shorter.

Common phrases

  • mit einer Kerze beleuchten

    illuminate with a candle

  • eine Kerze anzünden

    light a candle

  • die Kerze ausblasen

    blow out the candle

Similar words

Licht: Visible brightness that illuminates people, objects, or surrounding spaces.
Lampe: A device that produces steady light using electricity or batteries.
Streichholz: A thin wooden or paper stick lit by striking its treated tip.
Feuerzeug: A portable device that makes a flame with a button or spark wheel.

Definition in German

Ein aus Wachs oder Fett hergestellter Gegenstand mit einem Docht, der beim Brennen Licht spendet und nach und nach kürzer wird.

Word origin

Kerze developed from Old High German kerza through Middle High German kerze, ultimately from Latin cereus, meaning 'waxen'.

Usage tips

  • Kerze is feminine, with the plural Kerzen; the definite forms are die Kerze and die Kerzen.

Related words

  • Kerzenwachscandle waxnoun
  • Kerzenlichtcandlelightnoun

Word lists with this word