Stillleben

still life

noun SHTIL-lay-ben Rare

Origin: calque of Dutch stilleven

Usage Note

Stillleben depicts inanimate objects like fruit, flowers or vessels. Note the triple L from still plus Leben; it is neuter and unchanged in the plural.

Examples

"Das Stillleben mit Zitronen hängt im Nebenraum."

Natural Translation

The still life with lemons hangs in the adjacent room.

Literal Translation

The still-life with lemons hangs in-the adjacent-room.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Order Food in German: Restaurant Phrases

Order food in German with confidence: use ich hätte gern, read the Speisekarte, ask die Rechnung bitte, and handle zusammen oder getrennt like a local.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Word Order: The Verb Rules That Trip You Up

German word order comes down to three verb-position rules: the verb is second in main clauses, last after weil and dass, and time comes before place.

June 5, 2026 6 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 False Friends: 25 Words That Trick You

German false friends like Gift (poison) and bekommen (to receive) trick English speakers daily. Here are 25 words that mean the opposite of what you'd guess.

June 5, 2026 5 min read