From fishing to detective stories, the word bait shows up in German far more than you might expect. Whether you’re setting a trap, sensing a trick, or warning someone not to fall for it, bait in German is a powerfully useful word — both literally and figuratively.
The word is Köder — pronounced “KUR-der” (like curdle without the L, with a rounded ö like in bird).
Köder is masculine, so it’s der Köder. The plural is die Köder. For an easy way to understand how gender works in German, take a look at my gender video lesson — it’s quick and clear.
Köder is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, especially thanks to its wide metaphorical use in everyday speech and media.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Der Köder war zu auffällig.
The bait was too obvious.
Accusative:
Sie legte den Köder in die Falle.
She placed the bait in the trap.
Dative:
Mit dem Köder fing er den Fisch.
He caught the fish with the bait.
Genitive:
Der Geruch des Köders lockte das Tier an.
The smell of the bait attracted the animal.
Real-World Tips for Learners
In German, Köder refers to actual bait — like food used to attract fish or animals — but it’s also used figuratively. You might see it in detective stories, scams, or even dating advice. Watch out for phrases like:
einen Köder auslegen – to lay out bait
jemanden mit einem Köder locken – to lure someone with bait
auf den Köder hereinfallen – to fall for the bait
This last one — hereinfallen — is great for learners. It's a separable verb that means "to fall for it," and it often comes with a warning tone:
Pass auf! Das ist nur ein Köder.
Watch out! That’s just bait.
You might also encounter Köder in cybersecurity language — like Phishing-Köder for digital tricks to steal your data. So even if you’re not a fisherman, you’ll still see Köder in headlines and dialogues.
Beginner dialogue using Köder:
A: Meinst du, das Angebot ist echt?
B: Klingt wie ein Köder.
A: Do you think the offer is real?
B: Sounds like bait.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Köder.
“Wann hast du zuletzt gedacht: Das ist nur ein Köder?”
When was the last time you thought: That’s just bait?
Say your answer out loud in German and include Köder in the sentence.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say bait in German — and how der Köder pops up in hunting, strategy, and everyday suspicion.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and keep sharpening your everyday vocabulary.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Kommentar — and learn how to respond and react like a native.
Or revisit Koordinaten — perfect for navigation, math, and GPS talk.