Planning a trip? Writing down groceries? Making a to-do list? Then you’re going to love learning how to say list in German. It’s a simple word — but it opens up a world of structure, clarity, and goal-setting.
The word is die Liste. It’s feminine, and the plural is die Listen. If you’re still figuring out how German articles work, my gender video lesson will guide you through it.
Liste is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s useful across personal, academic, and political conversations.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Die Liste ist lang.
The list is long.
Accusative:
Ich schreibe die Liste heute Abend.
I’m writing the list this evening.
Dative:
Ich arbeite mit der Liste.
I’m working with the list.
Genitive:
Der Inhalt der Liste war geheim.
The contents of the list were secret.
Real-World Tips for Learners
In everyday German, Liste pops up in dozens of contexts. Here are some of the most common:
Einkaufsliste – shopping list
To-do-Liste – to-do list
Wunschliste – wish list
Checkliste – checklist
Namensliste – name list
Wählerliste – voter list
And it’s not just for chores — Liste shows up in formal settings too:
eine Liste erstellen – to create a list
jemanden auf die Liste setzen – to put someone on the list
von der Liste streichen – to remove from the list
auf Platz 3 der Liste stehen – to be third on the list (in a ranking or election)
You might also hear Liste used metaphorically:
Ich habe eine lange Liste von Dingen, die ich ändern will
(I have a long list of things I want to change.)
One note for learners: Unlike in English, Liste in German is always written with a capital L, because it’s a noun. This often trips up beginners writing fast!
Beginner dialogue using Liste:
A: Hast du schon eine Liste für den Umzug gemacht?
B: Noch nicht, aber ich fange heute damit an.
A: Have you made a list for the move yet?
B: Not yet, but I’m starting today.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Liste.
“Welche Liste würdest du heute am liebsten erstellen — und was wäre Punkt Nummer eins?”
What list would you most like to make today — and what would be item number one?
Say your answer out loud and be sure to include Liste in your response.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say list in German — and how die Liste helps you plan, remember, and organize your world with clarity.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and make your own word list today.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Loch — and discover how to express absence, emptiness, and repair.
Or revisit Locke — and learn how to describe hair, softness, and character.