German word

Kuvert

Pronunciation

IPA/kuˈveːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • neuter nounenvelope

Example

Die Kuverts liegen auf dem Tisch.

The envelopes are on the table.

Illustration for Kuvert (envelope)

More examples

Er frankierte das Kuvert und warf es in den Briefkasten.

He stamped the envelope and put it in the mailbox.

Core concept

A folded paper cover enclosing a letter before it travels or remains stored.

Common phrases

  • ein Kuvert frankieren

    stamp an envelope

  • ein Kuvert adressieren

    write an address on an envelope

  • einen Brief in ein Kuvert stecken

    insert a letter into an envelope

Similar words

Briefumschlag: A paper covering for enclosing and sealing a letter before mailing.
Umschlag: A paper or other thin cover for holding mail or small items.

Definition in German

Kuvert ist ein Umschlag, meist aus Papier, zum Verschicken oder Aufbewahren von Briefen.

Word origin

The German borrowing Kuvert derives from French couvert, related to couvrir 'to cover' and ultimately to Latin cooperire 'to cover completely'.

Usage tips

  • In Austria and Switzerland, Kuvert is common in everyday usage, while Briefumschlag is often preferred in Germany.

Related words

  • kuvertierenput into an envelopeverb
  • Kuvertierunginsertion into an envelopenoun

Word lists with this word