German word

Perle

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpɛʁlə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpearl

Example

Ich habe eine Perle gekauft.

I bought a pearl.

Illustration for Perle (pearl)

More examples

Er ist wirklich eine wahre Perle im Kollegium.

He is really a true gem among his colleagues.

Core concept

One lustrous bead worn as jewelry and later used for a rare person or outstanding thing.

Common phrases

  • eine wahre Perle sein

    be a real gem

  • mit einer Perle bestickt

    embroidered with a pearl

Similar words

Juwel: A prized and beautiful gemstone or piece of jewelry.
Edelstein: A naturally occurring precious stone commonly used for adornment.
Schmuckstück: A single ornamental item designed to be worn.
Schmuck: Personal adornments such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

Definition in German

Wertvoller, meist kleiner runder Schmuckstein; im übertragenen Sinn auch eine besonders geschätzte Person oder Sache.

Word origin

The German noun was borrowed through Middle High German perle from Medieval Latin perla, whose ultimate origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • Eine Perle can praise a person or thing, but context can also make the expression ironic.

Other meanings

  • beadnoun
  • gemnoun

Related words

  • Perlenbesatzpearl trimnoun
  • Perlenschmuckpearl jewelrynoun

Word lists with this word