Today’s word is Quelle — a beautiful, flexible word that means source or spring in German. It might refer to the bubbling origin of a river, the source of an idea, or even where you found your information. In everyday German, Quelle bridges nature, news, and knowledge.

Quelle is a feminine noun, so the correct article is diedie Quelle. Want a stress-free way to understand noun genders in German? Our 5-minute video lesson gives you everything you need to start using der / die / das with confidence.

Real conversations where Quelle might come up

Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or writing a school paper, Quelle is the word you’ll use when talking about the beginning of something — both literally and figuratively.

– Woher hast du das?
– Aus einer verlässlichen Quelle.
(“Where did you get that?” – “From a reliable source.”)

Or:

– Wir wandern morgen zur Quelle der Donau.
(“We’re hiking to the source of the Danube tomorrow.”)

Beginner sample dialogue

Ben: Weißt du, woher diese Info kommt?
Lena: Ja, die Quelle ist ein Buch über Geschichte.
Ben: Dann glaube ich es dir!

(Ben: Do you know where this info comes from?
Lena: Yes, the source is a history book.
Ben: Then I believe you!)

Grammar in action: How to use Quelle

  • Nominative: Die Quelle ist versteckt im Wald.
    (The spring is hidden in the forest.)

  • Accusative: Ich kenne die Quelle nicht.
    (I don’t know the source.)

  • Dative: Wir gehen zur Quelle.
    (We’re going to the spring.)

  • Genitive: Die Kraft der Quelle ist erstaunlich.
    (The power of the spring is amazing.)

Need a hand understanding how German cases work? Our clear and casual grammar course is perfect for learners who want real explanations — not grammar theory.

Other ways to use Quelle in German

  • die Informationsquelle – source of information

  • die Wasserquelle – water spring

  • die Energiequelle – energy source

  • die Nachrichtenquelle – news source

  • aus sicherer Quelle – from a reliable source

  • die Quelle allen Übels – the source of all evil (yes, this exists!)

You’ll often hear Germans say:

  • Was ist deine Quelle? – What’s your source?

  • Quellenangabe – citation (in writing and academia)

  • Quellenkritik – source criticism (used in history)

Word variations and tidbits

The word Quelle often appears in academic and technical German. Students use it when citing texts. Journalists use it when referring to unnamed sources. And hikers use it when talking about mountain springs.

Fun cultural note: Quelle was also the name of a giant German mail-order company for decades (sort of like the old Sears). Many older Germans still associate the name Quelle with catalog shopping and washing machines.

Also, quellen is a verb meaning to swell, and aufquellen can mean to puff up or become waterlogged — related by the idea of something “expanding from within.”

Duden entry:
https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Quelle

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Rakete means?
What about Rasse? One shoots into the sky… the other should be used with care.

About the Author Stephan

Stephan has been a professional language teacher since the early 2000s. He's been calling Berlin his home since 2006, when he started managing (and founding his own) language schools in addition to teaching German and English. He's the owner of Deutschable and loves writing about language, history, and game changers.

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