Partikel

particle (grammar)

noun par-TI-kel Rare

Origin: from Latin particula

Usage Note

Partikel in German grammar refers to uninflected words, especially Modalpartikeln (modal particles) like doch, halt, eben, ja, and mal that add nuance to spoken German. They are notoriously difficult for learners.

Examples

"Modalpartikeln wie 'doch' und 'mal' verleihen Sätzen eine besondere Färbung."

Natural Translation

Modal particles like 'doch' and 'mal' give sentences a particular colouring.

Literal Translation

Modal-particles like 'doch' and 'mal' lend sentences a special colouring.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Days, Months & Seasons (am, im & -tag)

Days of the week in German use am, months and seasons use im — plus the -tag pattern, capitalized nouns, and how to build a real sentence with a day.

June 5, 2026 4 min read

GermanNow

Du vs. Sie: When to Use Each in German

Use Sie with strangers, elders, and at work; use du with friends, family, kids, and peers. Here's how to pick the right German you every time.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Body Parts: Vocabulary + How to Say It Hurts

Learn German body parts with der/die/das and plurals, plus the two ways to say something hurts: Mir tut der Kopf weh and Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read