German word

Lenz

Pronunciation

IPA/lɛnts/

Meaning

  • masculine nounspring

Example

Im Lenz blühen die Kirschbäume entlang des Flusses.

In spring, the cherry trees along the river bloom.

Illustration for Lenz (spring)

More examples

Im Lenz kehren Zugvögel zurück.

In spring, migratory birds return.

Core concept

A riverbank waking as cherry trees burst into bloom.

Common phrases

  • im frühen Lenz

    in early spring

Similar words

Frühling: The usual neutral word for spring in everyday German.
Frühjahr: A formal word for spring, often used in calendars and official contexts.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet in dichterischer Sprache die frühe Jahreszeit, wenn Pflanzen zu blühen beginnen.

Word origin

Lenz comes from Middle High German lenz and Old High German lenzo, forms related to English Lent and Dutch lente and linked to lengthening daylight.

Usage tips

  • Lenz is a poetic or literary word, while Frühling is the usual neutral term in everyday German.

Opposites

Word lists with this word