Whether you’re cracking a code, mixing outfits, or blending ideas, the word combination in German comes up more than you’d think. It’s a smart, adaptable noun that’s as at home in conversation as it is in mathematics.

The word is Kombination — pronounced “kom-bee-nah-TSYOHN” (with the final “-tion” sounding like tsyon in German).

Kombination is feminine, so it’s die Kombination. The plural is die Kombinationen. If gender still confuses you, check out my gender video lesson — it makes things easier fast.

Kombination is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s a word you’ll find in all sorts of real-life situations — from logic puzzles to locker codes to fashion advice.

Examples in all four cases:

Nominative:
Die Kombination aus Farben war mutig.
The combination of colors was bold.

Accusative:
Ich habe die Kombination ausprobiert.
I tried the combination.

Dative:
Mit der Kombination kann man nichts falsch machen.
You can’t go wrong with that combination.

Genitive:
Die Wirkung der Kombination war erstaunlich.
The effect of the combination was amazing.

Real-World Tips for Learners

Kombination in German works just like in English — and that makes it easy to recognize and use. You’ll often hear it in different kinds of situations:

• In fashion: eine tolle Kombination aus Rock und Bluse – a great combination of skirt and blouse

• In security: die Zahlenkombination für das Schloss – the number combination for the lock

• In logic/math: eine mathematische Kombination – a mathematical combination

• In conversation: die perfekte Kombination aus Ernst und Humor – the perfect mix of seriousness and humor

You might also hear the phrase eine ungewöhnliche Kombination – an unusual combination — especially when someone’s trying something bold or creative.

Note: the verb kombinieren (to combine) is also common, and it's regular. For example:
Ich kombiniere gern verschiedene Stile. – I like to combine different styles.

Beginner dialogue using Kombination:

A: Findest du die Kombination aus Blau und Gelb schön?
B: Ja, sie ist frisch und lebendig.
A: Do you like the combination of blue and yellow?
B: Yes, it’s fresh and vibrant.

Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Kombination.

“Welche Kombination aus Essen oder Kleidung findest du besonders gut?”
Which combination of food or clothing do you think is especially good?

Say your answer out loud in German and include Kombination in your sentence.

Duden entry for “Kombination”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say combination in German — and how die Kombination helps you speak about style, strategy, and creative mixes.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep expanding your expressive power.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Köder — and explore vocabulary used in trickery, fishing, and caution.
Or revisit Kommentar — perfect for digital life and opinion-sharing.