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A2 noun #500 más común 11 min de lectura

sex

Top 500

At the A1 level, you should recognize the word 'Sex' as a direct loanword from English. It is one of the easiest words to remember because it looks and sounds almost exactly like the English word. At this stage, you only need to know that it refers to the physical act. You might see it in very simple contexts, such as in basic health information or in very common pop songs. The most important thing to learn at A1 is that 'Sex' is a masculine noun ('der Sex') and that you use it with the verb 'haben'. For example, 'Ich habe Sex' or 'Hast du Sex?'. You should also be aware that it is not used to describe if someone is a man or a woman. If you see a form asking for your 'Geschlecht', that is where you put 'männlich' (male) or 'weiblich' (female). At this level, keep your sentences simple and focus on the basic 'Subject + Verb + Sex' structure. You don't need to worry about complex grammar or deep cultural nuances yet. Just remember that it is a common, everyday word that is used quite openly in German-speaking countries compared to some other cultures. You might also notice it in compound words on signs or in advertisements, like 'Sex-Shop'. Even at this early stage, understanding that 'Sex' is about the activity and not the category is a vital building block for your German vocabulary. Practice saying 'der Sex' to get used to the masculine article, which is different from the English 'the sex'. This will help you as you progress to more complex grammar in the future.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'Sex' in slightly more descriptive sentences. You should be comfortable using it with basic adjectives and prepositions. For instance, you can say 'guter Sex' (good sex) or 'viel Sex' (a lot of sex). You will also start to encounter the word in the context of 'Safer Sex' (safe sex) or 'geschützter Sex' (protected sex), which are important terms for health and safety. At this level, you should understand the difference between 'Sex haben' and other ways of talking about relationships. You might hear the phrase 'miteinander schlafen', which is a more polite way to say 'to have sex'. Knowing both terms allows you to choose the right one for the situation. You should also be able to use 'Sex' in the past tense, such as 'Wir hatten Sex' (We had sex). This requires knowing the past tense of the verb 'haben'. Additionally, you might start to see 'Sex' in compound words like 'Sexleben' (sex life). Understanding how German combines words like this is a key skill at the A2 level. You should also be aware of the accusative case; since 'Sex' is masculine, when it is the direct object of a sentence, the article or adjective might change, though often 'Sex' is used without an article in the phrase 'Sex haben'. For example, 'Er will keinen Sex' (He doesn't want sex). This level is about expanding your ability to talk about daily life and personal experiences, and 'Sex' is a natural part of that conversation in a modern German context.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex discussions about social topics, and 'Sex' often comes up in debates about health, media, and relationships. You should be able to discuss the importance of 'Sex' in a relationship using more advanced sentence structures. For example, 'Viele Menschen glauben, dass Sex die Basis einer guten Beziehung ist' (Many people believe that sex is the basis of a good relationship). You will also encounter the word in more formal settings, such as in a doctor's office or in a documentary. Here, you might hear the term 'Geschlechtsverkehr', and you should recognize it as a formal synonym for 'Sex'. At B1, you should also be comfortable with the genitive case, although it is less common with this word. You might see 'die Bedeutung des Sexes' (the importance of sex). You will also start to see the word 'Sex' used in a wider range of compound words, such as 'Sexarbeit' (sex work) or 'Sexismus' (sexism). Understanding these terms is important for following news reports or social discussions. You should also be able to express opinions and give advice, such as 'Man sollte immer geschützten Sex haben' (One should always have protected sex). This level requires a deeper understanding of the social norms surrounding the word. In Germany, talking about 'Sex' is generally less taboo than in many English-speaking countries, and you should be prepared for this directness in conversations. You can also start to use 'Sex' with reflexive verbs or in more nuanced ways, like 'sich für Sex interessieren' (to be interested in sex).

At the B2 level, you should be able to understand and participate in detailed discussions about the role of 'Sex' in society, psychology, and the media. You will encounter the word in complex texts, such as magazine articles or sociological studies. You should be able to distinguish between 'Sex' (the act), 'Sexualität' (the broader concept of sexuality), and 'Gender' (social identity). At this level, you should also be aware of the subtle differences in register. For example, you should know when to use 'Sex', when to use 'Geschlechtsverkehr', and when a term might be considered vulgar. You will also see 'Sex' used in more abstract ways, such as 'der Sex-Appeal' or in the context of 'Sex als Tabuthema' (sex as a taboo topic). You should be able to follow debates about 'Sexarbeit' and the legal regulations surrounding it in Germany. Your grammar should be sophisticated enough to use 'Sex' in various cases and with complex adjective endings. For instance, 'Trotz des fehlenden Sexes in ihrer Beziehung sind sie glücklich' (Despite the lack of sex in their relationship, they are happy). You should also be able to use the word in the context of 'sexuelle Orientierung' (sexual orientation) or 'sexuelle Identität' (sexual identity), understanding how 'Sex' forms the root of these important social terms. At B2, you should also be able to understand idiomatic expressions or more colloquial uses of the word in movies or literature. This level is about mastering the nuances of the word and being able to use it accurately in both formal and informal contexts.

At the C1 level, you should have a near-native understanding of the word 'Sex' and its place in the German language. You should be able to understand academic lectures or high-level journalism that discusses 'Sex' from a historical, philosophical, or political perspective. This includes understanding the etymology of the word and how its usage has changed over the decades. You should be able to analyze how 'Sex' is used in literature to convey themes of power, intimacy, or rebellion. At this level, you should also be very familiar with the legal and ethical discussions surrounding 'Sex', such as 'einvernehmlicher Sex' (consensual sex) and the legal definitions of sexual crimes. You should be able to use the word in complex, nuanced sentences with perfect grammatical accuracy. For example, 'Die Kommerzialisierung von Sex in der modernen Werbelandschaft führt zu einer Entfremdung von echter Intimität' (The commercialization of sex in the modern advertising landscape leads to an alienation from true intimacy). You should also be able to recognize and use very specific synonyms or related terms, such as 'Libido' or 'Begierde'. Your understanding of the word should extend to its use in psychological contexts, such as 'Sex-Sucht' (sex addiction) or 'Frigidität'. At C1, you are not just learning the word; you are learning the entire cultural and intellectual framework that surrounds it in the German-speaking world. You should be able to switch effortlessly between different registers, from the highly clinical to the deeply personal, always choosing the most appropriate term for the context.

At the C2 level, your mastery of the word 'Sex' is complete. You can understand any text, no matter how complex or specialized, that uses the word. This includes everything from 19th-century medical texts that used older terminology to the most cutting-edge queer theory written in modern German. You should be able to appreciate the subtle irony or humor when 'Sex' is used in certain contexts and be able to use it yourself with great precision and stylistic flair. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of 'Sex' and its relationship to the human condition. Your vocabulary should include all the rare and archaic terms related to the word, as well as the most recent slang and neologisms. You should be able to write sophisticated essays or give eloquent speeches that incorporate the word 'Sex' as part of a broader argument about society, art, or psychology. For example, you might discuss 'die Darstellung von Sex in den Werken von Elfriede Jelinek' or 'die soziopolitischen Implikationen der Sexarbeit in der Bundesrepublik'. At this level, you also understand the subtle regional variations in how the word might be used or perceived across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You are fully aware of the linguistic history of the word, from its Latin roots to its modern English-influenced form, and how this history reflects broader changes in German society. Your command of the word 'Sex' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to navigate any conversation or text with total confidence and nuance.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

sex en 30 segundos

Sex in German refers specifically to the physical act of sexual intercourse and is a masculine noun (der Sex).
It is a loanword from English but has a narrower meaning, excluding biological gender which is called 'Geschlecht'.
The most common way to use it is in the phrase 'Sex haben' (to have sex), which is neutral and widely accepted.
In formal or medical contexts, the term 'Geschlechtsverkehr' is often preferred over the more casual 'Sex'.

The German noun Sex is a fascinating example of a loanword that has carved out a very specific niche in the German language, distinct from its English counterpart. While in English, the word sex can refer to both the act of sexual intercourse and the biological category of male or female, in German, the word Sex almost exclusively refers to the physical act or the general concept of sexuality and eroticism. If you are filling out a form and need to indicate whether you are male or female, you will never see the word Sex; instead, you will see the word Geschlecht. This is the most critical distinction for English speakers to grasp. The word Sex entered the German language primarily in the 20th century, heavily influenced by English media and the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Before this, more clinical or formal terms like Geschlechtsverkehr were the norm. Today, Sex is the standard, neutral-to-informal term used in everyday conversation, media, and advertising. It carries a sense of modernity and directness. It is a masculine noun, meaning it takes the article der. In a social context, Germans are generally quite direct about the topic, especially in urban areas or among younger generations. However, the word still maintains a level of intimacy. You will hear it in discussions about relationships, health education, and pop culture. It is also used as a prefix in a vast array of compound words, which is a hallmark of German linguistic structure. Understanding Sex requires recognizing that it is not a direct translation of every English usage of the word, but rather a focused term for the erotic and physical aspects of human relationships.

Grammatical Gender: Der Sex is masculine. This affects the adjectives and articles used with it, such as 'guter Sex' or 'den Sex genießen'.
Usage Limitation: Unlike English, it is not used for biological classification. For 'male/female', use 'Geschlecht'.
Social Register: It is considered neutral to informal. In medical or legal contexts, 'Geschlechtsverkehr' is more common.

Sie haben gestern zum ersten Mal Sex gehabt.

Guter Sex ist in einer Beziehung wichtig.

Es gibt viele Mythen über Sex.

Reden wir offen über Sex.

Sicherer Sex schützt vor Krankheiten.

Using the word Sex in German requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its specific verbal pairings. The most common verb used with Sex is haben (to have). For example, 'Wir hatten Sex' (We had sex). This is the standard way to describe the act. Another common construction involves the preposition vor (before) or nach (after), such as 'vor dem Sex' or 'nach dem Sex'. Because Sex is masculine, the dative case after these prepositions changes the article to dem. You will also frequently see it used with adjectives. In German, adjectives preceding a noun must have the correct ending. Since Sex is masculine, in the nominative case you would say 'toller Sex' (great sex), and in the accusative case 'guten Sex haben'. The word is also central to many health-related discussions. Phrases like 'geschützter Sex' (protected sex) or 'sicherer Sex' (safe sex) are ubiquitous in medical and educational contexts. It is important to note that while English uses 'sex' to describe gender, German uses 'Geschlecht'. Therefore, a sentence like 'What is your sex?' must be translated as 'Was ist Ihr Geschlecht?'. Using 'Sex' here would be a significant error and would likely cause confusion or amusement. In more formal writing, you might encounter the word as part of a larger discussion on 'Sexualität' (sexuality). In these cases, Sex remains the term for the physical act, while Sexualität covers the broader identity and orientation. When discussing frequency, you might say 'wie oft habt ihr Sex?' (how often do you have sex?). The word is also used in the context of 'Sex-Appeal', which is borrowed directly from English and used to describe someone's sexual attractiveness. Overall, the word is versatile but strictly bound to the physical and erotic domain.

Common Verbs: Haben (to have), genießen (to enjoy), praktizieren (to practice - formal), verkaufen (to sell - in the context of sex work).
Prepositional Use: 'Beim Sex' (during sex), 'ohne Sex' (without sex), 'Lust auf Sex' (desire for sex).
Adjective Agreement: Remember the masculine endings: 'Anonymer Sex', 'leidenschaftlicher Sex', 'einvernehmlicher Sex'.

Sie haben keinen Sex mehr in ihrer Ehe.

Hast du Lust auf Sex?

Er redet ständig über Sex.

Beim Sex sollte man sich wohlfühlen.

Guter Sex ist kein Zufall.

In modern Germany, the word Sex is ubiquitous and can be heard in a variety of settings, ranging from casual social gatherings to professional media broadcasts. In the realm of entertainment, German television shows, movies, and streaming series use the word frequently and often quite explicitly. Unlike some cultures where the topic might be more guarded, German media tends to be relatively open about sexuality. You will hear it in talk shows discussing relationship advice, in news segments about public health or sexual education, and in song lyrics across genres like pop, hip-hop, and rock. In urban centers like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich, the word is a standard part of the vernacular among friends. It is not uncommon to hear people discussing their 'Sexleben' (sex life) or 'Sex-Dates' in a matter-of-fact way. In the workplace, while still a private matter, the word might come up in discussions about diversity and inclusion, though usually in the form of 'Sexismus' (sexism) or 'sexuelle Belästigung' (sexual harassment). In medical settings, a doctor might ask about 'geschützten Sex' when discussing health screenings. Furthermore, the word is a staple in the advertising industry, following the old adage 'Sex sells'. You will see it on billboards, in magazine headlines, and in online marketing. It is also a key term in the context of 'Sexarbeit' (sex work), which is legal and regulated in Germany. This legal status means the word appears in official government documents and news reports concerning the industry. In academic circles, particularly in sociology or gender studies, 'Sex' is used to discuss the physical act, often contrasted with 'Gender' (the social identity), which is a term also borrowed into German to distinguish from 'Geschlecht'. Listening to German podcasts, especially those focused on lifestyle and relationships, will provide ample examples of the word used in a natural, conversational flow.

Media and Pop Culture: Movies, songs, and TV shows use 'Sex' as the standard term for physical intimacy.
Medical Contexts: Doctors use it when discussing 'Safer Sex' or sexual health history.
Legal and Social Discourse: Used in discussions about 'Sexarbeit' (sex work) and 'Sexismus' (sexism).

In dieser Serie gibt es viel Sex und Gewalt.

Der Artikel handelt von Sex im Alter.

Die Werbung nutzt Sex, um Produkte zu verkaufen.

Wir müssen mehr über sicheren Sex aufklären.

Das Thema Sex ist kein Tabu mehr.

The most frequent and potentially embarrassing mistake English speakers make with the word Sex in German is using it to refer to biological gender. In English, it is perfectly normal to say 'What is your sex?' or 'The male sex'. In German, however, Sex refers only to the act. If you use Sex in a biological context, Germans will understand what you mean because of the English influence, but it will sound incorrect and potentially suggestive. Always use Geschlecht for biological sex or gender. Another common error involves the grammatical gender of the word. Since Sex is a loanword, some learners might be tempted to use the neuter article (das), but it is firmly masculine (der Sex). This means you must say 'der Sex', 'des Sex(es)', 'dem Sex', and 'den Sex'. Adjective endings must also reflect this: 'guter Sex' (nominative) and 'guten Sex' (accusative). Another nuance is the use of the verb machen (to make). While 'Sex machen' is sometimes used, it is much more common and natural to say 'Sex haben' (to have sex). Using 'machen' can sometimes sound like a literal translation from another language or slightly clumsy. Additionally, learners often forget that German loves compound words. Instead of saying 'Leben voller Sex', Germans will almost always say 'Sexleben'. Instead of 'Spielzeug für Sex', they say 'Sexspielzeug'. Failing to use these compounds can make your German sound stilted. Finally, be careful with the word 'Sexualität'. While it sounds like 'sexuality', it is used for the broader concept, whereas 'Sex' is the specific act. Confusing the two can lead to sentences that are technically correct but semantically slightly off. For instance, 'Sie haben eine gute Sexualität' sounds very strange compared to 'Sie haben ein gutes Sexleben'.

The Gender Trap: Mistaking 'Sex' for 'Geschlecht'. Use 'Geschlecht' for male/female/non-binary categories.
Article Errors: Using 'das' instead of 'der'. Remember: Der Sex ist maskulin.
Verb Choice: Prefer 'Sex haben' over 'Sex machen' for a more natural sound.

Falsch: Was ist dein Sex? Richtig: Was ist dein Geschlecht?

Falsch: Wir machen Sex. Richtig: Wir haben Sex.

Falsch: Das Sex war gut. Richtig: Der Sex war gut.

Falsch: Ein Leben mit viel Sex. Richtig: Ein aktives Sexleben.

Falsch: Er hat einen großen Sex-Appeal. Richtig: Er hat viel Sex-Appeal.

German offers a variety of words that can be used instead of Sex, depending on the level of formality and the specific context. The most formal and clinical term is Geschlechtsverkehr. This is the word you will find in legal documents, medical textbooks, and very formal news reports. It literally translates to 'gender traffic' or 'intercourse of the sexes'. While accurate, using it in a casual conversation would sound extremely stiff and awkward. Another formal term is Beischlaf, which is often used in a legal context, particularly in older laws or religious texts. For a more romantic or emotional tone, Germans might use Intimität (intimacy) or Zärtlichkeit (tenderness), though these don't necessarily imply the physical act of sex itself. On the more informal or slang side, there are numerous terms. Vögeln is a common but vulgar term, equivalent to the English 'to f***'. It should be used with extreme caution. Another colloquial term is Nummer schieben, which is quite slangy and implies a quick or casual encounter. Miteinander schlafen (to sleep with each other) is a very common, polite, and slightly euphemistic way to say 'to have sex', much like the English equivalent. It is suitable for almost any social situation where you want to be clear but not overly graphic. Liebesspiel (love play) is a more poetic or old-fashioned term often found in literature or erotic writing. In the context of dating apps, you might see terms like ONS (One-Night-Stand) or Macker (slang for a guy, often in a sexual context). Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate different social settings and understand the nuances of how Germans talk about physical intimacy.

Sex vs. Geschlechtsverkehr: Sex is modern and casual; Geschlechtsverkehr is clinical and formal. Use Sex with friends and Geschlechtsverkehr in a doctor's report.
Sex vs. Miteinander schlafen: Sex is direct; miteinander schlafen is a polite euphemism. Both are very common.
Sex vs. Vögeln: Sex is neutral; vögeln is vulgar. Avoid vögeln unless you are in a very specific, informal, and crude setting.

Sie hatten gestern Geschlechtsverkehr. (Formal/Clinical)

Wollen wir miteinander schlafen? (Polite/Euphemistic)

Sie genießen ihre körperliche Intimität. (Romantic/Emotional)

Das war ein schönes Liebesspiel. (Poetic/Literary)

Er sucht nur nach schnellem Sex. (Direct/Modern)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Der Patient berichtet über regelmäßigen Geschlechtsverkehr."

Neutral

"Sie haben ein gesundes Sexleben."

Informal

"Wir hatten gestern echt guten Sex."

Child friendly

"Wenn zwei Menschen sich sehr lieb haben, kuscheln sie ganz eng."

Jerga

"Die haben die ganze Nacht gevögelt."

Dato curioso

While the Latin root 'sexus' originally meant 'gender', the German loanword 'Sex' has almost entirely lost that meaning, focusing only on the act. To get the original meaning back, Germans use 'Geschlecht'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /sɛks/

US /sɛks/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rima con

ex komplex reflex perplex konvex index kodex latex

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 's' as a voiced 'z' (like in 'busy'). In German, an initial 's' before a vowel is often voiced, but in 'Sex' it remains unvoiced like in English.
Over-emphasizing the 'x' sound.
Trying to make it sound more 'German' by changing the vowel; keep it a simple short 'e'.
Confusing it with the pronunciation of 'sechs' (six), which has a 'ch' sound followed by 's'.
Using the wrong article (das instead of der) which isn't a pronunciation error but a common spoken mistake.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is identical to the English word.

Escritura 2/5

Easy, but remember the masculine gender and compound word rules.

Expresión oral 1/5

Pronunciation is identical to English, making it very easy to say.

Escucha 1/5

Easily identifiable in spoken German.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

haben gut schlecht Mann Frau

Aprende después

Geschlecht Sexualität Beziehung Liebe Körper

Avanzado

Geschlechtsverkehr einvernehmlich Verhütung Libido Orientierung

Gramática que debes saber

Masculine Noun Declension

Der Sex (Nom), des Sexes (Gen), dem Sex (Dat), den Sex (Acc).

Compound Noun Formation

Sex + Leben = Sexleben (The gender follows the last word: das Leben -> das Sexleben).

Adjective Endings with Masculine Nouns

Guter Sex (Nom), guten Sex (Acc).

Zero Article with 'haben'

In the phrase 'Sex haben', the article is usually omitted.

Prepositions with Dative

Nach dem Sex (After sex).

Ejemplos por nivel

Ich habe Sex.

I have sex.

Subject + Verb + Noun. 'Sex' is used without an article here.

Hast du Sex?

Do you have sex?

Simple question structure.

Der Sex ist gut.

The sex is good.

Using the masculine article 'der'.

Sie will Sex.

She wants sex.

Direct object 'Sex' after the verb 'wollen'.

Er mag Sex.

He likes sex.

Direct object 'Sex' after the verb 'mögen'.

Wir reden über Sex.

We talk about sex.

The preposition 'über' is followed by the accusative case.

Kein Sex heute.

No sex today.

Using 'kein' to negate the masculine noun.

Sex ist normal.

Sex is normal.

Noun as the subject of the sentence.

Wir hatten gestern Sex.

We had sex yesterday.

Past tense of 'haben' (hatten).

Er sucht tollen Sex.

He is looking for great sex.

Adjective 'toll' takes the masculine accusative ending '-en'.

Sicherer Sex ist wichtig.

Safe sex is important.

Adjective 'sicher' takes the masculine nominative ending '-er'.

Sie haben ein gutes Sexleben.

They have a good sex life.

Compound noun 'Sexleben' (neuter, from das Leben).

Ich brauche keinen Sex.

I don't need sex.

Negation 'keinen' in the accusative masculine form.

Redet ihr oft über Sex?

Do you often talk about sex?

Using the adverb 'oft' (often).

Das ist ein Sex-Shop.

That is a sex shop.

Compound noun with a hyphen.

Sie haben viel Sex.

They have a lot of sex.

Using 'viel' (much/a lot of) with an uncountable noun.

Man sollte immer geschützten Sex haben.

One should always have protected sex.

Adjective 'geschützt' in the accusative masculine form.

In diesem Film gibt es zu viel Sex.

There is too much sex in this movie.

Phrase 'es gibt' followed by the accusative.

Sie interessieren sich für Sex.

They are interested in sex.

Reflexive verb 'sich interessieren für' + accusative.

Guter Sex gehört zu einer Beziehung.

Good sex belongs to a relationship.

Verb 'gehören zu' + dative.

Er hat Angst vor Sex.

He is afraid of sex.

Noun-verb combination 'Angst haben vor' + dative.

Wir müssen über Sexarbeit sprechen.

We need to talk about sex work.

Compound noun 'Sexarbeit' (feminine, from die Arbeit).

Das Thema Sex ist kein Tabu mehr.

The topic of sex is no longer a taboo.

Noun 'Thema' followed by the noun 'Sex' in apposition.

Sie haben seit Monaten keinen Sex gehabt.

They haven't had sex for months.

Perfect tense with 'haben' and the past participle 'gehabt'.

Die Darstellung von Sex in den Medien ist oft unrealistisch.

The portrayal of sex in the media is often unrealistic.

Prepositional phrase 'von Sex' (dative).

Einvernehmlicher Sex ist die Grundvoraussetzung.

Consensual sex is the basic requirement.

Adjective 'einvernehmlich' in the nominative masculine form.

Trotz des fehlenden Sexes sind sie glücklich.

Despite the lack of sex, they are happy.

Preposition 'trotz' followed by the genitive case 'des Sexes'.

Er leidet unter seiner Sex-Sucht.

He suffers from his sex addiction.

Compound noun 'Sex-Sucht' (feminine, from die Sucht).

Die Werbung nutzt Sex als Verkaufsargument.

Advertising uses sex as a selling point.

Using 'als' to show function or role.

Es gibt viele Mythen über anonymer Sex.

There are many myths about anonymous sex.

Adjective 'anonym' in the accusative masculine form.

Sie haben eine offene Einstellung zu Sex.

They have an open attitude towards sex.

Preposition 'zu' followed by the dative.

Sexuelle Bildung sollte früh beginnen.

Sexual education should start early.

Adjective 'sexuell' derived from the noun 'Sex'.

Die Kommerzialisierung von Sex führt zu gesellschaftlichen Problemen.

The commercialization of sex leads to social problems.

Complex noun phrase with 'von' + dative.

In der Literatur wird Sex oft als Metapher für Macht verwendet.

In literature, sex is often used as a metaphor for power.

Passive voice construction 'wird ... verwendet'.

Die Grenze zwischen Sex und Erotik ist fließend.

The line between sex and eroticism is blurred.

Prepositional phrase 'zwischen ... und ...'.

Die Studie untersucht das Verlangen nach Sex im Alter.

The study examines the desire for sex in old age.

Noun 'Verlangen' followed by 'nach' + dative.

Sexuelle Gewalt ist ein schwerwiegendes Verbrechen.

Sexual violence is a serious crime.

Adjective 'sexuell' modifying the noun 'Gewalt'.

Die Dekonstruktion von Sexrollen ist ein zentrales Thema.

The deconstruction of sex roles is a central theme.

Compound noun 'Sexrollen' (plural, from die Rolle).

Er thematisiert Sex in seinen künstlerischen Werken.

He addresses sex in his artistic works.

Verb 'thematisieren' (to make something a theme).

Die ontologische Bedeutung von Sex wird oft unterschätzt.

The ontological significance of sex is often underestimated.

High-level academic vocabulary ('ontologisch').

Die Transzendenz des Sexes wird in mystischen Texten oft beschrieben.

The transcendence of sex is often described in mystical texts.

Genitive case 'des Sexes' used in a highly formal context.

Sex fungiert hier als Katalysator für die Handlung.

Sex functions here as a catalyst for the plot.

Verb 'fungieren' (to function/act as).

Die Dialektik von Sex und Liebe ist ein ewiges Thema.

The dialectic of sex and love is an eternal theme.

Academic term 'Dialektik'.

Sie analysiert die soziopolitischen Implikationen der Sexarbeit.

She analyzes the socio-political implications of sex work.

Complex adjective 'soziopolitisch' and genitive 'der Sexarbeit'.

Der Text hinterfragt die binäre Sicht auf Sex und Gender.

The text questions the binary view of sex and gender.

Using 'Sex' and 'Gender' as distinct academic terms.

Die Sublimierung von Sex in der Kunst ist ein bekanntes Phänomen.

The sublimation of sex in art is a well-known phenomenon.

Psychological term 'Sublimierung'.

Er reflektiert über die Vergänglichkeit von Sex und Jugend.

He reflects on the transience of sex and youth.

Verb 'reflektieren über' + accusative.

Die Instrumentalisierung von Sex zu politischen Zwecken ist fatal.

The instrumentalization of sex for political purposes is fatal.

High-level noun 'Instrumentalisierung'.

Colocaciones comunes

Sex haben

geschützter Sex

sicherer Sex

anonymer Sex

guter Sex

Lust auf Sex

beim Sex

Sex genießen

Sex verkaufen

keinen Sex mehr

Frases Comunes

Sex sells

Safer Sex

Sex-Appeal haben

Sex-Date

Sex-Shop

Sex-Sucht

Sex-Symbol

Sex-Szene

Sex-Video

Sex-Spielzeug

Se confunde a menudo con

sex vs Geschlecht

English speakers use 'sex' for both the act and the gender. German uses 'Sex' for the act and 'Geschlecht' for the gender.

sex vs sechs

The number six. Pronounced differently ('zecks' vs 'seks'), but can be confusing for beginners.

sex vs Sexualität

'Sex' is the act; 'Sexualität' is the broader concept of sexual orientation and identity.

Modismos y expresiones

"eine Nummer schieben"

A very colloquial, slightly crude way to say 'to have sex'. Literally 'to push a number'.

Sie wollten nur schnell eine Nummer schieben.

slang

"in die Kiste springen"

To jump into bed with someone. Literally 'to jump into the box'.

Er wollte mit ihr sofort in die Kiste springen.

informal

"es miteinander treiben"

To do it with each other. A common, slightly informal way to describe the act.

Sie haben es im Wald miteinander getrieben.

informal

"Matratzensport treiben"

To engage in 'mattress sports'. A humorous, euphemistic way to say having sex.

Die Nachbarn treiben mal wieder Matratzensport.

humorous

"jemanden flachlegen"

To get someone into bed. Literally 'to lay someone flat'.

Er hat versucht, sie am ersten Abend flachzulegen.

slang/crude

"den Beischlaf vollziehen"

To perform the act of intercourse. Used in very formal or legal contexts.

Das Paar hat den Beischlaf vollzogen.

formal/legal

"sich vergnügen"

To enjoy oneself. A polite euphemism for sexual activity.

Sie haben sich im Schlafzimmer vergnügt.

polite

"naschen"

To snack. Sometimes used metaphorically for sexual experimentation.

Er geht gerne mal woanders naschen.

slang/metaphorical

"die schönste Nebensache der Welt"

The most beautiful minor matter in the world. A common idiom for sex.

Für viele ist Sex die schönste Nebensache der Welt.

journalistic/common

"auf Wolke sieben schweben"

To be on cloud nine. Often used to describe the feeling after great sex or being in love.

Nach dem Sex schwebten sie auf Wolke sieben.

romantic

Fácil de confundir

sex vs Geschlecht

Both translate to 'sex' in English.

'Sex' is the physical activity. 'Geschlecht' is the biological category (male/female).

Mein Geschlecht ist weiblich, aber ich habe keinen Sex.

sex vs Gender

Both relate to identity and biology.

'Sex' is the act. 'Gender' (borrowed from English) refers to social identity.

Gender und Sex sind zwei verschiedene Dinge.

sex vs sechs

Similar sound.

'Sex' is the noun for intercourse. 'sechs' is the number 6.

Ich habe sechs Bücher über Sex gelesen.

sex vs sexy

Related root.

'Sex' is the noun. 'sexy' is the adjective meaning attractive.

Er ist sexy, aber wir haben keinen Sex.

sex vs Sexismus

Related root.

'Sex' is the act. 'Sexismus' is discrimination based on gender.

Sexismus hat nichts mit gutem Sex zu tun.

Patrones de oraciones

Ich habe [Noun].

Ich habe Sex.

Wir hatten [Adjective] Sex.

Wir hatten tollen Sex.

Man sollte über [Noun] sprechen.

Man sollte über Sex sprechen.

Die Darstellung von [Noun] ist [Adjective].

Die Darstellung von Sex ist unrealistisch.

Die [Noun] von Sex führt zu [Noun].

Die Kommerzialisierung von Sex führt zu Problemen.

Die [Noun] des Sexes wird [Verb].

Die Transzendenz des Sexes wird oft beschrieben.

Er hat Lust auf [Noun].

Er hat Lust auf Sex.

Das ist ein [Compound Noun].

Das ist ein Sex-Shop.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in modern German, especially in media and casual speech.

Errores comunes

Using 'Sex' for biological gender. → Using 'Geschlecht'.
In German, 'Sex' only refers to the act. Using it for gender sounds like you are asking about someone's sexual activity instead of their identity.
Using the neuter article 'das Sex'. → Using 'der Sex'.
Sex is a masculine noun. Using the wrong article is a basic grammatical error that can make your German sound unpolished.
Saying 'Sex machen' exclusively. → Using 'Sex haben'.
'Sex haben' is the standard idiomatic expression. 'Sex machen' can sound like a literal translation and is less common.
Forgetting to capitalize 'Sex'. → Always writing 'Sex'.
All nouns in German must be capitalized. Writing 'sex' in lowercase is a spelling error.
Using 'vögeln' in polite company. → Using 'Sex haben' or 'miteinander schlafen'.
'Vögeln' is vulgar and can be offensive. Always choose a more neutral term unless you are sure of the social setting.

Consejos

Remember the Article

Always associate 'Sex' with 'der'. Saying 'das Sex' is a common mistake for English speakers because 'sex' feels like a neutral concept, but in German, it is strictly masculine.

Sex vs. Geschlecht

This is the most important distinction. 'Sex' = the act. 'Geschlecht' = the biological category. Never swap them, especially in formal settings or on documents.

Sex haben vs. Sex machen

While 'Sex machen' is occasionally heard, 'Sex haben' is the standard and more natural-sounding phrase. Stick to 'haben' to sound more like a native speaker.

Directness is Key

Don't be surprised if Germans talk about 'Sex' more directly than you are used to. It is often treated as a normal part of life rather than a taboo topic.

Capitalization

Like all nouns in German, 'Sex' must always be capitalized. This applies even if it's in the middle of a sentence.

Embrace Compounds

German loves to combine 'Sex' with other words. Use 'Sexleben' instead of 'Leben mit Sex' to sound more fluent and natural.

Know Your Audience

Use 'Sex' with friends, 'miteinander schlafen' with family or in polite company, and 'Geschlechtsverkehr' in medical or formal situations.

Sharp 'S'

The 's' in 'Sex' is unvoiced and sharp, just like in English. Don't let the German rule of voicing initial 's' before vowels confuse you here.

Safer Sex

The term 'Safer Sex' is widely understood and used in Germany. It's a safe and clear way to discuss protection and health.

Avoid 'vögeln'

Unless you are with very close friends in a very informal setting, avoid the word 'vögeln'. It is much cruder than the neutral 'Sex'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the English word 'sex' but remember it's a 'guy' word in German (masculine: der Sex). Also, remember that 'Sex' is for the 'act', while 'Geschlecht' is for the 'check' box on a form.

Asociación visual

Imagine a man (der) holding a sign that says 'Sex' while standing next to a bedroom door. This helps you remember the masculine gender and the context of the act.

Word Web

Sexleben Sexarbeit Sexspielzeug Sexsymbol Sexismus Sex-Appeal Safer Sex Sex-Shop

Desafío

Try to use 'Sex' in three different sentences today: one with 'haben', one with an adjective like 'sicherer', and one in a compound word like 'Sexleben'.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'Sex' entered the German language in the early 20th century as a loanword from English. The English word itself comes from the Latin 'sexus', which means 'division' or 'half', referring to the division of the human race into male and female.

Significado original: Division, gender, or state of being male or female.

Indo-European (Latin -> English -> German)

Contexto cultural

While Germans are direct, 'Sex' is still a private topic. Avoid asking strangers about their 'Sexleben' unless the context is appropriate (e.g., a very close friendship or a medical setting).

English speakers often confuse 'Sex' with 'Gender'. In German, this distinction is much sharper in everyday language.

The TV show 'Sexvergnügen' (a popular German podcast about sex). The movie 'Sex ist unsere Rettung' (a German comedy). The song 'Sex' by the band Rammstein.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Health and Safety

Safer Sex praktizieren
geschützter Sex
Verhütungsmittel benutzen
sich testen lassen

Relationships

ein aktives Sexleben
Lust auf Sex haben
über Bedürfnisse reden
keinen Sex mehr haben

Media and Entertainment

eine explizite Sexszene
Sex als Verkaufsargument
ein berühmtes Sexsymbol
über Sex-Skandale berichten

Legal and Social Issues

Sexarbeit regulieren
gegen Sexismus kämpfen
einvernehmlicher Sex
sexuelle Belästigung

Casual Conversation

Hast du Lust auf Sex?
Der Sex war toll.
Wir hatten gestern Sex.
Reden wir über Sex.

Inicios de conversación

"Wie wichtig ist Sex in einer langen Beziehung für dich?"

"Glaubst du, dass die Medien zu viel Sex zeigen?"

"Was hältst du von der rechtlichen Situation der Sexarbeit in Deutschland?"

"Hast du schon mal einen Podcast über Sex gehört?"

"Findest du, dass man in der Schule mehr über Sex aufklären sollte?"

Temas para diario

Schreibe über deine Meinung zur Darstellung von Sex in modernen Filmen und Serien.

Wie hat sich die gesellschaftliche Einstellung zu Sex in den letzten Jahrzehnten verändert?

Reflektiere über die Bedeutung von Kommunikation beim Sex in einer Partnerschaft.

Welche Rolle spielt Sex für dein allgemeines Wohlbefinden und Glück?

Diskutiere die Unterschiede zwischen Sex, Erotik und emotionaler Intimität.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is a masculine word: 'der Sex'. You should use masculine articles and adjective endings with it, such as 'guter Sex' or 'den Sex genießen'.

No, you should never use 'Sex' for that. The correct word is 'Geschlecht'. If you use 'Sex', it will be understood as the physical act, which is inappropriate for a form.

'Sex' is the common, everyday term used in casual and neutral contexts. 'Geschlechtsverkehr' is more formal, clinical, and medical. Use 'Sex' with friends and 'Geschlechtsverkehr' in a doctor's office.

No, it is a neutral and standard word. While it refers to an intimate topic, it is used openly in media, education, and advertising without being considered 'dirty' or 'bad'.

The most common and natural way is 'Sex haben'. You can also say 'miteinander schlafen', which is a bit more polite and euphemistic.

Technically, the plural is 'Sexe', but it is almost never used in German. The word is treated as an uncountable noun in nearly all contexts.

It means exactly the same as in English: sexual attractiveness or charisma. It is a direct loanword used frequently in fashion and entertainment.

No, 'vögeln' is a vulgar slang term, similar to the 'f-word' in English. 'Sex' is neutral, while 'vögeln' is crude and should be avoided in polite company.

It was borrowed during the 20th century as part of a global trend where English terms for modern social concepts were adopted into many languages, including German.

No, 'Sex' is only a noun. You cannot say 'ich sexe'. You must use a verb like 'haben' (ich habe Sex) or 'machen' (wir machen Sex).