German word

Knopf

Pronunciation

IPA/knɔpf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbutton

Example

Ich habe den Knopf an meinem Mantel angenäht.

I sewed the button onto my coat.

Illustration for Knopf (button)

More examples

Er schloss das Hemd mit einem Knopf.

He fastened the shirt with a button.

Core concept

One rounded piece serves as a fastening point on a garment or as a physical control on equipment.

Common phrases

  • mit einem Knopf schließen

    fasten with a button

  • auf den Knopf tippen

    tap the button

Similar words

Knopfloch: An opening in fabric through which a button passes.
Druckknopf: A snap fastener that closes when its parts are pressed together.
Taste: A push button on an electrical device that sends a signal.
Knauf: A rounded handle on a door or piece of furniture for gripping and turning.

Definition in German

Kleines rundes Teil an Kleidung oder Geräten zum Festhalten, Drücken oder Verschließen.

Word origin

The Germanic word behind Knopf originally referred to a rounded swelling or lump, and Middle High German knopf developed the modern object senses.

Usage tips

  • For clothing, German commonly uses Knopf with annähen and zuknöpfen, while a device control may also be called a Taste.

Other meanings

  • knobnoun
  • push buttonnoun

Opposites

  • Reißverschlusszippernoun

Related words

  • Knopflochbuttonholenoun
  • Druckknopfsnap buttonnoun

Word lists with this word