Whether you're working on a school project, building something, or prepping for a German course, you’ll definitely want to know how to say material in German. It’s one of those flexible, useful words that shows up in practical and academic settings alike.

The word is das Material. It’s neuter, and the plural can be either die Materialien (more common for types of material) or die Materiale (rare, mostly technical or literary). If you're still figuring out gender and articles, my gender video lesson can help clear things up quickly.

Material is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s especially common in classrooms, workshops, logistics, and science.

Examples in all four cases:

Nominative:
Das Material ist sehr robust.
The material is very durable.

Accusative:
Wir brauchen das Material für den Unterricht.
We need the material for class.

Dative:
Ich arbeite gerade mit dem Material.
I'm currently working with the material.

Genitive:
Die Qualität des Materials ist entscheidend.
The quality of the material is crucial.

Where you’ll hear Material:

• Lehrmaterial – teaching material

• Baumaterial – building material

• Informationsmaterial – informational materials

• Werkmaterial – tools and supplies

• Verpackungsmaterial – packaging material

Common verbs: verwenden (use), beschaffen (procure), lagern (store), überprüfen (inspect), entfernen (remove)
Adjectives: stabil, recycelbar, hochwertig (high-quality), weich, billig, robust

In schools, you’ll also hear Material when referring to things students need to bring or use: “Bitte bringt euer Material mit!”

Beginner dialogue using Material:

A: Hast du das Material für den Kurs?
B: Ja, es ist alles im Rucksack.
A: Do you have the material for the course?
B: Yes, it’s all in the backpack.

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

“Welches Material benutzt du oft — und wofür?”
What material do you often use — and what for?

This practice helps connect Material with your real-world context and makes it easier to remember.

Duden entry for “Material”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say material in German — and how das Material covers everything from school supplies to sturdy construction tools.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and build up your vocabulary step by step.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Mauer — and learn how to talk about literal and symbolic boundaries.
Or revisit Medikament — for everything related to health and healing.