Learn the Names of Common Flowers (Blumen) in German

Flowers are an ever-present part of the German landscape. In the middle of Lake Constance (Bodensee) in southwest Germany, for example, sits Mainau Island, also called the "Island of Flowers." Flowers also play a significant role in German traditions and holidays. In the weeks prior to Easter, you will see spring flowers on display alongside Easter trees (ostereierbaum). So, as you study German, familiarize yourself with the names of flowers and related words.

Parts of a Flower

In the translations in this and the below sections, the name of the flower, or flower-related vocabulary, is listed on the left with the German translation on the right to help you find the term or phrase more easily. Before learning the names of various flowers, take a moment to memorize German words related to the parts of a flower—or ​blumenbestandteile:

• Blossom > die Blüte
• Bud > die Knospe
• Leaf > das Blatt
• Seed > der Samen
• Stem > der Stengel
• Thorn > der Stachel

Common Flower Names

In Germany, several flowers are particularly abundant, including carnations, lilies, and roses, says FloraQueen. However, many other types of flowers are also common in Germany. Familiarize yourself with flower names so that you'll be able to speak knowledgeably about these plants with native speakers.

Other Flower-Related Vocabulary

As you study the names of common flowers and vocabulary related to flower parts, don't forget to familiarize yourself with flower-related vocabulary. Note that in German, each noun, pronoun and article has four cases. Therefore, a common noun such as Blumenstrauß—flower bouquet—may start with a capital letter, even if it does not begin a sentence and even though it would be lowercased in English.

• To bloom > blühen
• To water > gießen
• To wilt > verwelken
• Flower bouquet > der Blumenstrauß
• Flower shop > der Blumenladen
• Florist > der Florist, der Blumenverkäufer

Flower Idioms

Once you've mastered the names and parts of flowers, impress your native-speaking friends with some well-known flower idioms—blumen redewendungen:

• To beat around the bush > durch die Blume sagen
• To push up radishes > Die Radieschen von unten anschauen/betrachten

Though the second phrase is translated literally, in English, this idiom would more normally be translated as "pushing up daisies" (to be dead). Try out this saying the next time you're watching a mobster movie with your German-speaking friends.