Whether it’s for protection, performance, or pretending to be someone else, masks play a big role in daily life and cultural traditions. That’s why learning how to say mask in German opens up everything from medical conversations to emotional metaphors.

The word is die Maske. It’s feminine, and the plural is die Masken. If you’re not yet confident with article rules, my gender video lesson will help clarify how and why we use die here.

Maske is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it became even more prominent during the pandemic.

Examples in all four cases:

Nominative:
Die Maske schützt vor Viren.
The mask protects against viruses.

Accusative:
Ich habe die Maske vergessen!
I forgot the mask!

Dative:
Mit der Maske erkenne ich dich kaum.
With the mask, I hardly recognize you.

Genitive:
Die Farbe der Maske ist blau.
The color of the mask is blue.

Real-World Tips for Learners

Maske is a widely used word in modern German. Depending on the context, it might refer to:

• a medical mask (surgical or FFP2/FFP3):
  medizinische Maske, FFP2-Maske

• a costume or disguise:
  Karnevalsmaske, Halloween-Maske

• a cosmetic mask for skincare:
  Gesichtsmaske, Haarmaske

It also shows up in metaphorical or emotional expressions:

• eine Maske tragen – to wear a mask (emotionally)

• hinter einer Maske verstecken – to hide behind a mask

• die Maske fällt – the mask slips, i.e. the truth comes out

There’s also a fun and important cultural note:
In German-speaking countries, the word Maske is associated with Fasching or Karneval — annual festivals where people wear elaborate masks and costumes. A Maske isn’t just for safety or skincare — it can also be part of joyful public celebration.

Careful not to mix it up with Maschine (machine), which may look similar but has no connection in meaning.

Beginner dialogue using Maske:

A: Hast du eine Maske dabei?
B: Ja, ich hab immer eine in meiner Tasche.
A: Do you have a mask with you?
B: Yeah, I always keep one in my bag.

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

“Wann hast du das letzte Mal eine Maske getragen — und wofür?”
When was the last time you wore a mask — and for what purpose?

Say your answer aloud in German and include the word Maske.

Duden entry for “Maske”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say mask in German — and how die Maske shows up in medicine, beauty, theater, and emotion.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to learn vocabulary that sticks — with full context and real-life examples.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Last — and learn how to talk about pressure, stress, and load.
Or revisit Leiter — and avoid one of the classic learner mix-ups.