Talking about hair is more than small talk — it’s a way of describing someone’s appearance, character, or even your morning routine. So let’s unlock how to say curl in German, and understand where it shows up in daily conversations, compliments, and pop culture.
The word is die Locke. It’s feminine, and the plural is die Locken. For quick clarity on article use, check out my gender video lesson, which lays it all out.
Locke is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s the go-to term for curls, especially when describing someone’s hair.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Die Locke fällt ihr ins Gesicht.
The curl falls into her face.
Accusative:
Ich habe die Locke abgeschnitten.
I cut off the curl.
Dative:
Mit der Locke sah er ganz anders aus.
He looked totally different with the curl.
Genitive:
Die Farbe der Locke war golden.
The color of the curl was golden.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Locke is used most often when describing a single curl or lock of hair. The plural form Locken is very common and often heard in conversations about hairstyles:
Sie hat schöne Locken – She has beautiful curls
Lockenstab – curling iron
Natur-Locken – natural curls
Locken schneiden – to cut curls
Locken machen – to curl hair
The word can be literal or poetic:
eine Locke behalten – to keep a curl as a keepsake (like a baby’s first curl)
eine Locke fällt ins Auge – a curl falls into the eye (classic romantic trope)
There’s also a touch of personality to the word. When someone says “Er hat Locken,” they might also be implying youth, playfulness, or a carefree style — especially if paired with adjectives like frech (cheeky) or wild (wild).
One learner tip: Don't confuse Locke with the verb locken (to lure or attract) — they sound similar, but context and grammar will make things clear.
Beginner dialogue using Locke:
A: Warst du beim Friseur?
B: Ja! Sie hat mir ein paar Locken gemacht.
A: Did you go to the hairdresser?
B: Yep! She gave me some curls.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Locke.
“Kennst du jemanden, dessen Locken dir besonders gefallen?”
Do you know someone whose curls you especially like?
Try to answer out loud in German and include Locke or Locken in your response.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say curl in German — and how die Locke adds shape and style to the way you speak.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep growing your vocabulary — one word at a time.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Mannschaft — and see how to talk about groups, goals, and cooperation.
Or revisit Maske — and learn how Germans talk about protection, carnival, and emotion.