It’s everywhere, but invisible — and in German, the word for air comes up in expressions about breath, mood, freedom, and even frustration. Learning how to say air in German will open up a surprising number of everyday phrases.
The word is die Luft. It’s feminine, and the plural form die Lüfte does exist, but is rarely used outside of poetic or stylized language. If you’re unsure how to work with German gender and articles, my gender video lesson gives you all the tools you need.
Luft is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s as common in casual talk as it is in literature and advertising.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Die Luft ist heute besonders klar.
The air is especially clear today.
Accusative:
Ich brauche die frische Luft.
I need the fresh air.
Dative:
Mit der Luft im Wald fühle ich mich lebendig.
With the forest air, I feel alive.
Genitive:
Die Qualität der Luft hat sich verbessert.
The quality of the air has improved.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Luft shows up constantly in idiomatic and descriptive language. It can be literal (the stuff you breathe), or symbolic — standing for freedom, tension, or change.
You’ll hear it in:
frische Luft schnappen – to get some fresh air
aus der Luft gegriffen – made up, baseless
in der Luft liegen – to be in the air (as in, a mood or suspicion)
dicke Luft – tension in the room (“thick air”)
Luft holen – to catch one’s breath
die Luft ist raus – the energy is gone (literally: “the air is out”)
Be careful not to confuse Luft with Wind (which is moving air), or with Atem (breath). In German, each has its own distinct role.
You'll also find Luft in compound words:
Luftballon – balloon
Luftverschmutzung – air pollution
Luftfahrt – aviation
Luftmatratze – air mattress
Beginner dialogue using Luft:
A: Kommst du mit raus? Ich brauch frische Luft.
B: Ja, lass uns einen Spaziergang machen.
A: Want to come outside? I need fresh air.
B: Yeah, let’s take a walk.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Luft.
“Wann war das letzte Mal, dass du dringend frische Luft gebraucht hast — und warum?”
When was the last time you really needed fresh air — and why?
Take a moment and say your answer in German.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say air in German — and how die Luft carries everything from literal breath to metaphorical tension.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep learning with vivid, real-life vocabulary.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Meer — and explore the word for poetic horizons and travel dreams.
Or revisit Lärm — and get the tools to talk about volume, disturbance, and rules.