German word

Rat

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁaːt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounadvice

Example

Ich brauche deinen Rat.

I need your advice.

Illustration for Rat (advice)

More examples

Ich folge seinem Rat.

I follow his advice.

Core concept

A panel lays out choices for someone at a crossroads, serving either as helpful advisers or as a formal council.

Common phrases

  • einen Rat geben

    give advice

  • um Rat fragen

    ask for advice

  • auf den Rat hören

    follow advice

Similar words

Ratschlag: Advice suggesting a specific action or method.
Empfehlung: Advice recommending a particular action or choice.
Tipp: Brief, practical advice that can be used right away.
Hinweis: Information pointing out something that needs attention.

Definition in German

Rat (m) – ein Hinweis oder eine Empfehlung, die Handlungsoptionen aufzeigt; als Institution bezeichnet Rat ein Gremium von Beratern oder Vertretern.

Word origin

German Rat developed from Old High German rāt, which continues the Proto-Germanic noun *rēdaz meaning advice or counsel.

Usage tips

  • The phrase jemandem Rat geben means to give someone advice, with jemandem in the dative case rather than the accusative.

Other meanings

  • councilnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word