이 페이지를 내 언어로

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #7,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

Lüge

상위 7,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 Lüge 30초 만에

설명 Lüge in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Lüge' is a basic but important noun to know. You might learn it when talking about simple right and wrong. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'die Lüge' or 'eine Lüge'. At this stage, you should focus on the simple sentence 'Das ist eine Lüge' (That is a lie). It is useful for expressing disagreement. You don't need to know all the complex grammar yet, just that it is the opposite of 'die Wahrheit' (the truth). You might also hear it in very simple stories or cartoons where a character is being dishonest. Remember that 'lügen' is the action (to lie) and 'die Lüge' is the thing (the lie). Don't worry about the past tense yet, just focus on the present. If someone says something you know is not true, you can say 'Das ist nicht wahr' (That is not true) or, if you want to be stronger, 'Das ist eine Lüge'. It's a powerful word, so use it carefully! You will also learn that the plural is 'Lügen'. For example, 'Er erzählt Lügen'. This is a very common way to describe someone who is not being honest.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'die Lüge' in more descriptive sentences. You can start adding adjectives like 'klein' (small) or 'groß' (big). 'Eine kleine Lüge' is something we all tell sometimes. You should also learn the word 'Notlüge', which means a 'white lie'—a lie told to be kind or avoid a small problem. This is a very common concept in German-speaking cultures. You will also start to use the verb 'lügen' in the present tense more confidently: 'Er lügt' (He is lying). It's important to distinguish 'lügen' from 'liegen' (to lie down), which is a common mistake for A2 learners. At this level, you might encounter 'die Lüge' in short news clips or simple dialogues about relationships. You can also start using the phrase 'Lügen haben kurze Beine', which is a famous proverb meaning that lies are eventually discovered. This is a great way to sound more like a native speaker. Understanding the plural 'die Lügen' is also key, as in 'Ich glaube seine Lügen nicht' (I don't believe his lies). You are building the foundation for more complex discussions about honesty.

By B1, you are expected to talk about more abstract topics, and 'die Lüge' is perfect for this. You can discuss the consequences of lies in a friendship or at work. You will use more complex structures like 'Er hat gelogen, weil er Angst hatte' (He lied because he was afraid). You should also be familiar with the past tense of the verb: 'log' (simple past) and 'hat gelogen' (perfect). This is crucial for storytelling and reporting past events. At B1, you will also encounter related words like 'der Lügner' (the liar) and 'verlogen' (insincere/dishonest). You can start using 'die Lüge' in the dative and genitive cases, such as 'Trotz der Lüge blieb sie bei ihm' (Despite the lie, she stayed with him). You will also learn more specific types of lies, like 'die Lebenslüge' (a fundamental lie one lives by). This level requires you to understand the moral nuances—is a lie always bad? You might have a classroom discussion about 'Notlügen' and whether they are acceptable. You will also hear 'die Lüge' in more complex media, like radio interviews or newspaper articles about political scandals.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'die Lüge' becomes much more sophisticated. You can use it in formal debates and written essays. You will learn more academic or formal synonyms like 'die Unwahrheit' or 'die Falschaussage'. You should be able to discuss the 'Lügenpresse' controversy or other social issues involving deception. You will use advanced verbs like 'entlarven' (to expose/unmask) or 'widerlegen' (to refute). For example, 'Die Journalisten haben seine Lüge entlarvt'. You can also use 'die Lüge' in passive constructions: 'Die Lüge wurde schnell entdeckt'. At this level, you understand the difference between 'lügen' and 'schwindeln' (to fib/cheat slightly). You can also use the word in more idiomatic ways, like 'sich in Lügen verstricken' (to get caught up in a web of lies). Your vocabulary should include compound words like 'Lügengespinst' or 'Lügengebäude'. You are now capable of analyzing literature or films where 'die Lüge' is a central theme, and you can express complex opinions about the ethics of truth-telling in society.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At C1, you use 'die Lüge' with the precision of a near-native speaker. You understand the deep psychological and philosophical implications of the word. You can discuss 'die Lüge' in the context of Kantian ethics or Nietzsche's views on truth and lying. Your vocabulary includes highly specific terms like 'die Perfidie' or 'die Arglist'. You can use the noun 'Lüge' in complex metaphorical ways. For instance, 'Die Architektur des Gebäudes ist eine einzige Lüge' (The building's architecture is one big lie/facade). You are comfortable using 'die Lüge' in the genitive case in sophisticated prose: 'Inmitten eines Netzes aus Lügen suchte er nach der Wahrheit'. You also recognize the subtle registers of the word—when it is a direct insult versus when it is a clinical description of a factual error. You can follow fast-paced political debates where 'die Lüge' is used as a rhetorical weapon. You are also aware of the historical weight of certain terms, such as how 'die große Lüge' (the big lie) has been used in propaganda. Your ability to distinguish between 'Lüge', 'Täuschung', and 'Simulation' is now highly refined.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, 'die Lüge' is a tool you use with total mastery. You can appreciate the word's use in classical German poetry and prose, from the irony of Heine to the heavy moralism of Schiller. You can write academic papers on the 'Soziologie der Lüge' or the 'Psychologie des Selbstbetrugs'. You understand every nuance of regional variations or archaic uses of the word. You can effortlessly switch between formal legal terms like 'Vorspiegelung falscher Tatsachen' and the raw, emotional impact of the word 'Lüge' in a dramatic context. You can analyze the linguistic structure of a lie—how syntax and word choice are used to deceive. You are also sensitive to the evolving use of the word in the digital age, such as its relation to 'Deepfakes' and 'post-faktisch' (post-truth) discourse. At this level, your understanding of 'die Lüge' is not just about communication; it's about a deep, intuitive grasp of the German language's ability to express the most complex aspects of human nature and social reality. You can use the word to construct intricate arguments that are both logically sound and rhetorically powerful.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

Lüge 30초 만에

Die Lüge is a feminine German noun meaning 'lie'. It refers to a deliberate false statement intended to deceive someone.
It is the opposite of 'die Wahrheit' (truth). Common verbs used with it include 'erzählen' (tell) and 'glauben' (believe).
In German culture, honesty is highly valued, so calling something a 'Lüge' is a strong and direct accusation.
Compound forms like 'Notlüge' (white lie) or 'Lebenslüge' (life-lie) add specific nuances to the general concept of lying.

In the German language, the word die Lüge (plural: die Lügen) holds a significant moral and social weight. At its core, it refers to a statement that the speaker knows is false but presents as the truth with the intent to deceive. Unlike a simple mistake or a misunderstanding, which Germans would call an Irrtum or a Missverständnis, a Lüge requires conscious intent. It is a fundamental concept in ethics, law, and interpersonal relationships. In German culture, where directness and honesty (Ehrlichkeit) are highly valued, being caught in a Lüge can have serious social consequences.

The Moral Dimension: A Lüge is seen as a breach of trust. In professional settings, a Lüge can be grounds for dismissal, while in private life, it can end friendships. Germans often distinguish between the severity of lies using prefixes or compound words.
Social Contexts: You will encounter this word in political debates (Lügenpresse), courtrooms (Falschaussage), and everyday arguments. It is a strong word; calling someone a 'Lügner' (liar) is a direct provocation.

Glaub ihm nicht, das ist alles eine einzige große Lüge.

Eine kleine Notlüge ist manchmal besser als die harte Wahrheit.

The word is also central to many German idioms and proverbs, reflecting the long-standing cultural preoccupation with truth-telling. For example, the phrase 'Lügen haben kurze Beine' (Lies have short legs) suggests that lies won't get you very far before you are caught. This reflects a pragmatic view of honesty: it is not just morally right, but strategically sound.

Legal Context: In German law, specifically in the context of testimony, a Lüge is referred to as an 'unwahre Tatsachenbehauptung'. While not every lie is illegal, lying under oath is a serious crime (Meineid).

Die gesamte Anklage basierte auf einer Lüge.

Ich erkenne eine Lüge, wenn ich sie höre.

Psychological Aspect: Psychologically, 'die Lüge' is often discussed in terms of 'Selbstbetrug' (self-deception). A 'Lebenslüge' is a major lie one tells oneself to make life bearable.

Seine Karriere war auf einer Lüge aufgebaut.

Understanding 'Lüge' is essential for navigating social nuances in German-speaking countries. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a window into the value system of the culture.

Using the word die Lüge correctly requires understanding its grammatical gender (feminine) and how it interacts with common verbs like glauben (to believe), entlarven (to expose), and verbreiten (to spread). Because it is a feminine noun, you will use articles like die, eine, and der (in dative/genitive cases).

Common Verb Pairings: The most common verb used with Lüge is 'lügen' (to lie), but as a noun, it often follows 'erzählen' (to tell), 'glauben' (to believe), or 'erkennen' (to recognize). Example: 'Er hat mir eine Lüge erzählt.'
Adjective Modifiers: You can describe a lie as 'dreist' (bold/shameless), 'offensichtlich' (obvious), 'schlimm' (bad), or 'harmlos' (harmless). 'Eine dreiste Lüge' is a particularly shocking lie.

Das ist eine dreiste Lüge, und das weißt du auch!

Ich kann diese Lügen nicht mehr hören.

Prepositional Phrases: You often hear 'aus einer Lüge' (out of a lie) or 'trotz der Lüge' (despite the lie). Phrases like 'jemanden der Lüge überführen' (to convict/prove someone of a lie) are more formal.

Er wurde der Lüge überführt.

When constructing complex sentences, 'Lüge' can be the subject or the object. As a subject: 'Die Lüge zerstörte ihr Vertrauen.' As an object: 'Sie verzeiht ihm die Lüge nicht.' Note the use of the dative 'ihm' (to him) and accusative 'die Lüge' (the lie).

Jede Lüge hat Konsequenzen.

Hör auf, Lügen über mich zu verbreiten!

Compound Words: German loves compounds. 'Lügengespinst' (web of lies), 'Lügengebäude' (building/construct of lies), and 'Lügendetektor' (polygraph) are common in literature and crime dramas.

Sein ganzes Leben war ein Lügengebäude.

By mastering these patterns, you can express varying degrees of dishonesty and its impact on others, from a simple social slip to a massive betrayal of trust.

The word Lüge is ubiquitous in German media, literature, and daily conversation. In the modern era, you will frequently hear it in political contexts. The term 'Lügenpresse' (lying press) became a controversial and widely discussed buzzword in recent years, used by certain groups to criticize mainstream media. Regardless of the political stance, the word 'Lüge' is used to challenge the validity of information.

In the News: News anchors often use terms like 'Unwahrheiten' or 'Falschangaben' for a more neutral tone, but 'Lüge' is used when the intent to deceive is the main story. Headlines might read: 'Die große Lüge des Konzerns'.
Crime Dramas (Tatort): In the famous German crime series 'Tatort', detectives often say, 'Sie lügen doch!' or 'Das ist eine Lüge!' when interrogating suspects. It is a key element of the drama.

Herr Inspektor, das ist keine Lüge, ich sage die Wahrheit!

Wer einmal lügt, dem glaubt man nicht, und wenn er auch die Wahrheit spricht.

This famous rhyme (Who lies once is not believed, even if they speak the truth) is known by almost every German child. It emphasizes the long-term damage a single Lüge can do to one's reputation.

In Literature: German literature from Goethe to Thomas Mann explores the concept of the 'Lebenslüge'—the lie that a character constructs to survive a harsh reality. It's a central theme in many psychological novels.

Der Roman handelt von den Lügen einer bürgerlichen Familie.

Das Internet ist voll von Lügen.

Daily Life: In interpersonal conflicts, phrases like 'Lüg mich nicht an!' (Don't lie to me!) or 'Das ist doch gelogen!' (That's a lie!) are common when emotions run high.

Ich hasse Lügen über alles.

Whether in the high-stakes world of politics or the intimate setting of a family dinner, 'Lüge' is the word used to call out dishonesty and demand accountability.

For English speakers, the most common mistakes involving die Lüge are often grammatical or related to the confusion between similar-sounding verbs. German has several words that look or sound like the verb 'lügen' (to lie), which can lead to embarrassing errors.

The Lügen/Liegen/Legen Confusion: This is the classic 'false friend' trio. 'Lügen' (to tell a lie), 'liegen' (to lie down/be located), and 'legen' (to put/lay something). Students often say 'Ich lüge im Bett' when they mean 'Ich liege im Bett'. The first means 'I am lying [telling a lie] in bed'.
Gender and Plural Errors: 'Lüge' is feminine. A common mistake is using the masculine 'der Lüge' in the nominative. Also, the plural is 'Lügen'. Learners sometimes try to pluralize it like 'Lüges' or 'Lüge', which is incorrect.

Incorrect: Er hat mir einen Lüge erzählt.
Correct: Er hat mir eine Lüge erzählt.

Incorrect: Ich habe auf dem Sofa gelogen.
Correct: Ich habe auf dem Sofa gelegen. (Unless you were actually telling lies while on the sofa!)

Preposition Pitfalls: When saying 'to lie to someone', you don't use a preposition in German. It's 'jemanden (accusative) anlügen'. Using 'zu' or 'mit' is a common English-influenced mistake.

Incorrect: Lüg nicht zu mir!
Correct: Lüg mich nicht an!

Sie hat gelogen, um ihren Job zu behalten.

Confusing 'Lüge' with 'Untreue': In romantic contexts, English speakers might use 'lie' to mean 'infidelity' (cheating). In German, 'Lüge' only refers to the false statement. Cheating is 'Fremdgehen' or 'Untreue'.

Die Lüge war schlimmer als der eigentliche Fehler.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise, especially when discussing sensitive topics like truth and deception.

German has a rich vocabulary for shades of untruth. Depending on the context, 'Lüge' might be too harsh or too simple. Understanding the alternatives allows for more nuanced communication.

Die Unwahrheit: Literally 'the untruth'. This is a more formal and less accusatory word than 'Lüge'. It is often used in official or legal contexts. 'Er hat die Unwahrheit gesagt' sounds more polite than 'Er hat gelogen'.
Der Schwindel: This refers to a swindle, a scam, or a minor trick. It can be used for financial fraud but also for a small, harmless lie (e.g., in a game). 'Das ist doch alles Schwindel!'

Der ganze Bericht war eine einzige Unwahrheit.

Das ist keine böse Absicht, nur eine kleine Flunkerei.

Die Ausrede: An excuse. While an excuse might be a lie, the focus here is on the purpose: to get out of something. 'Such keine Ausreden!' (Don't make excuses!).

Seine Ausrede war ziemlich unglaubwürdig.

Comparing 'Lüge' vs. 'Täuschung': A 'Lüge' is verbal. A 'Täuschung' (deception) can be an action, a look, or a silence. 'Täuschung' is broader and often used in professional or technical contexts (e.g., 'optische Täuschung' - optical illusion).

Das war eine bewusste Täuschung der Wähler.

Die Firma wurde wegen Falschangaben verklagt.

By choosing the right word, you show a deeper understanding of German social norms and the specific nature of the 'untruth' being discussed.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The English word 'lie' and the German 'Lüge' share the same Proto-Indo-European root (*leugh-), making them cognates.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈlyːɡə/

US /ˈlyɡə/

The stress is on the first syllable: LÜ-ge.

라임이 맞는 단어

Züge Flüge Trüge Rüge Genüge Gefüge Pflüge Lüge (self-rhyme)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ü' as 'u' (making it sound like 'Luge').
Pronouncing 'g' as 'j' or 'zh'.
Making the final 'e' too long (like 'ee').
Confusing the noun 'Lüge' with the verb 'lügen'.
Shortening the 'ü' sound too much.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks a bit like 'lie'.

쓰기 3/5

Must remember the 'ü' and the feminine gender.

말하기 4/5

The 'ü' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

듣기 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

wahr sagen glauben nicht die

다음에 배울 것

die Wahrheit der Lügner lügen täuschen ehrlich

고급

die Perfidie die Falschaussage die Lebenslüge entlarven

알아야 할 문법

Feminine Noun Endings

Die Lüge (ends in -e, often feminine).

Dative after 'glauben'

Ich glaube seiner Lüge nicht.

Accusative after 'erzählen'

Er erzählt eine Lüge.

Plural formation with -n

Eine Lüge -> zwei Lügen.

Compound Noun Gender

Die Notlüge (takes gender of the last word 'Lüge').

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Das ist eine Lüge.

That is a lie.

Simple nominative sentence with the feminine noun 'die Lüge'.

Ist das eine Lüge?

Is that a lie?

Question form using the verb 'sein'.

Er sagt eine Lüge.

He says a lie.

Direct object in the accusative case (eine Lüge).

Keine Lügen bitte!

No lies, please!

Plural 'Lügen' with the negative article 'keine'.

Eine kleine Lüge ist okay.

A small lie is okay.

Adjective 'klein' modifying the noun 'Lüge'.

Ich höre eine Lüge.

I hear a lie.

Accusative object 'eine Lüge'.

Das ist keine Lüge.

That is not a lie.

Negative 'keine' for feminine nouns.

Lügen sind schlecht.

Lies are bad.

Plural subject 'Lügen' with plural verb 'sind'.

Das war eine Notlüge.

That was a white lie.

Compound noun 'Notlüge' (emergency/white lie).

Glaubst du diese Lüge?

Do you believe this lie?

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese' in the accusative.

Er erzählt oft Lügen.

He often tells lies.

Plural 'Lügen' used as a direct object.

Ich mag keine Lügen.

I don't like lies.

Verb 'mögen' with the plural object 'Lügen'.

Lügen haben kurze Beine.

Lies have short legs.

Common German proverb.

War das eine große Lüge?

Was that a big lie?

Adjective 'groß' in the nominative.

Sie erkennt jede Lüge.

She recognizes every lie.

Pronoun 'jede' (every) in the accusative.

Hör auf mit den Lügen!

Stop with the lies!

Dative plural 'den Lügen' after the preposition 'mit'.

Die Lüge zerstörte ihr Vertrauen.

The lie destroyed her trust.

Subject in the nominative; verb in the simple past (Präteritum).

Er hat mir eine Lüge erzählt, um mich zu schützen.

He told me a lie to protect me.

Infinitive clause with 'um... zu'.

Ich kann diese ewigen Lügen nicht mehr ertragen.

I can't stand these eternal lies anymore.

Adjective 'ewig' (eternal) in the plural accusative.

Basiert deine Geschichte auf einer Lüge?

Is your story based on a lie?

Preposition 'auf' with the dative case (einer Lüge).

Es ist schwer, mit einer Lüge zu leben.

It is hard to live with a lie.

Impersonal construction 'Es ist... zu...'.

Warum hast du diese Lüge erfunden?

Why did you invent this lie?

Verb 'erfinden' (to invent) in the perfect tense.

Die Lüge kam schließlich ans Licht.

The lie finally came to light.

Idiomatic expression 'ans Licht kommen'.

Niemand glaubte seiner Lüge.

Nobody believed his lie.

The verb 'glauben' takes the dative case (seiner Lüge).

Seine gesamte Karriere war auf einer Lüge aufgebaut.

His entire career was built on a lie.

Passive-like construction with 'aufgebaut'.

Man muss zwischen einer Notlüge und einer böswilligen Lüge unterscheiden.

One must distinguish between a white lie and a malicious lie.

Verb 'unterscheiden' with the preposition 'zwischen'.

Die Lüge verbreitete sich wie ein Lauffeuer.

The lie spread like wildfire.

Reflexive verb 'sich verbreiten' with a simile.

Er wurde der Lüge überführt.

He was convicted of lying / proven to be a liar.

Formal construction 'jemanden der Lüge überführen' (genitive).

Das ist eine dreiste Lüge, die jeder sofort erkennt.

That is a bold lie that everyone recognizes immediately.

Relative clause 'die jeder... erkennt'.

Hinter seiner Fassade verbarg sich eine große Lüge.

A big lie was hidden behind his facade.

Reflexive verb 'sich verbergen' (to hide).

Sie verstrickte sich immer tiefer in ihre eigenen Lügen.

She became more and more entangled in her own lies.

Idiom 'sich verstricken' (to get entangled).

Die Lüge war so geschickt eingefädelt, dass niemand Verdacht schöpfte.

The lie was so cleverly devised that nobody became suspicious.

Participle 'eingefädelt' (threaded/devised).

Die moralische Verwerflichkeit der Lüge steht außer Frage.

The moral reprehensibility of the lie is beyond question.

Genitive 'der Lüge' and abstract noun 'Verwerflichkeit'.

Seine Lebenslüge bot ihm den nötigen Schutz vor der Realität.

His life-lie offered him the necessary protection from reality.

Compound noun 'Lebenslüge'.

In der Politik wird die Lüge oft als taktisches Mittel eingesetzt.

In politics, the lie is often used as a tactical tool.

Passive voice 'wird... eingesetzt'.

Die Grenze zwischen Wahrheit und Lüge ist oft fließend.

The border between truth and lie is often blurred.

Adjective 'fließend' (flowing/blurred).

Er entlarvte die Lüge mit messerscharfer Logik.

He exposed the lie with razor-sharp logic.

Compound adjective 'messerscharf'.

Diese Behauptung ist nichts als eine plumpe Lüge.

This claim is nothing but a clumsy lie.

Adjective 'plump' (clumsy/crude).

Sie weigerte sich, an dieser kollektiven Lüge teilzunehmen.

She refused to participate in this collective lie.

Verb 'teilnehmen' with dative 'an'.

Die Lüge fungierte als Katalysator für den folgenden Skandal.

The lie functioned as a catalyst for the following scandal.

Academic verb 'fungieren'.

Die ontologische Problematik der Lüge beschäftigt die Philosophie seit jeher.

The ontological problem of the lie has occupied philosophy since time immemorial.

Highly academic register with 'ontologisch' and 'seit jeher'.

In seinem Werk thematisiert der Autor die destruktive Kraft der Lüge.

In his work, the author addresses the destructive power of the lie.

Genitive construction 'Kraft der Lüge'.

Die Lüge ist ein immanenter Bestandteil zwischenmenschlicher Kommunikation.

The lie is an immanent component of interpersonal communication.

Advanced vocabulary 'immanent' and 'Bestandteil'.

Man kann die Lüge nicht isoliert von ihrem sozialen Kontext betrachten.

One cannot view the lie in isolation from its social context.

Infinitive construction with 'betrachten'.

Die Perfidie dieser Lüge liegt in ihrer scheinbaren Harmlosigkeit.

The perfidy of this lie lies in its apparent harmlessness.

Nouns 'Perfidie' and 'Harmlosigkeit'.

Er stilisierte seine Lüge zu einer heroischen Tat hoch.

He stylized his lie into a heroic deed.

Separable verb 'hochstilisieren'.

Die Lüge als ästhetisches Prinzip findet sich oft in der Postmoderne.

The lie as an aesthetic principle is often found in postmodernism.

Preposition 'als' used in an academic sense.

Sich der Lüge zu bedienen, zeugt oft von einem Mangel an Alternativen.

To make use of the lie often testifies to a lack of alternatives.

Reflexive verb 'sich bedienen' with genitive 'der Lüge'.

자주 쓰는 조합

eine Lüge erzählen

eine glatte Lüge

Lügen verbreiten

auf einer Lüge basieren

jemanden der Lüge überführen

eine dreiste Lüge

eine Notlüge benutzen

in Lügen verstrickt sein

keine Lügen dulden

eine Lüge entlarven

자주 쓰는 구문

Das ist eine Lüge!

— A direct way to call out a false statement. It is very confrontational.

Das ist eine Lüge! Ich war gestern gar nicht dort.

Alles Lügen!

— Used to dismiss a whole series of statements as false. Often used in anger.

Glaub ihm nicht, das sind alles Lügen!

Eine einzige Lüge.

— Emphasizes that something is completely false from start to finish.

Sein ganzer Lebenslauf ist eine einzige Lüge.

Lügen haben kurze Beine.

— A proverb meaning that lies will eventually be found out.

Du solltest ehrlich sein, denn Lügen haben kurze Beine.

Wer einmal lügt...

— The start of a rhyme about how a liar loses their credibility forever.

Wer einmal lügt, dem glaubt man nicht...

Eine kleine Notlüge.

— Referring to a harmless lie told to be polite or avoid trouble.

Es war nur eine kleine Notlüge, um sie nicht zu verletzen.

Sich in Lügen verstricken.

— To tell so many lies that you can't keep track of them anymore.

Er hat sich völlig in seinen eigenen Lügen verstrickt.

Lügen wie gedruckt.

— To lie very fluently and shamelessly (like something printed).

Der Verkäufer lügt wie gedruckt.

Jemanden eine Lüge strafen.

— To prove someone wrong or show that they were lying through actions.

Sein Erfolg strafte alle Kritiker Lüge.

Auf Lügen gebaut sein.

— Something (like a relationship or company) founded on dishonesty.

Ihre Freundschaft war auf Lügen gebaut.

자주 혼동되는 단어

Lüge vs Luge

This is the English word for a sled. The German word is 'Rodel' or 'Schlitten'.

Lüge vs lügen (verb)

Remember that 'lügen' is the action, 'Lüge' is the noun.

Lüge vs legen

Means 'to lay' or 'to put'. Sounds slightly similar but very different meaning.

관용어 및 표현

"Lügen haben kurze Beine"

— Lies don't travel far; the truth will catch up with you soon.

Erzähl lieber die Wahrheit, denn Lügen haben kurze Beine.

neutral

"Lügen wie gedruckt"

— To lie very easily, smoothly, and without any hesitation or shame.

Du kannst ihm nicht trauen, er lügt wie gedruckt.

informal

"Jemanden der Lüge zeihen"

— To formally accuse someone of lying. This is quite old-fashioned and formal.

Er zieh seinen Gegner der Lüge.

formal/literary

"Sich in Lügen verstricken"

— To get caught in a complicated web of one's own deceits.

Der Politiker verstrickte sich in seinen Lügen.

neutral

"Einen Lügenbaron nennen"

— To call someone a 'Baron of Lies', referring to the legendary Baron Munchausen.

Er ist ein bekannter Lügenbaron in der Stadt.

informal/humorous

"Lügen, dass sich die Balken biegen"

— To tell such outrageous lies that even the ceiling beams would bend.

Er lügt, dass sich die Balken biegen!

informal

"Jemanden Lügen strafen"

— To prove someone's statement or prediction to be false through facts or success.

Die Realität strafte seine Vorhersage Lügen.

formal

"Blaue Lügen"

— An older or regional term sometimes used for 'Notlügen' or clear falsehoods.

Das sind doch alles blaue Lügen.

regional/archaic

"Eine faustdicke Lüge"

— A very big, obvious, and shameless lie (as thick as a fist).

Das ist eine faustdicke Lüge!

informal

"Lügen wie ein Buch"

— Similar to 'wie gedruckt', to lie extensively and convincingly.

Sie lügt wie ein Buch, wenn sie will.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

Lüge vs liegen

Sounds similar to the verb 'lügen'.

'Liegen' means to lie down or be located. 'Lügen' means to tell a lie.

Ich liege im Bett vs. Ich lüge nie.

Lüge vs legen

Common confusion for English speakers between lie/lay.

'Legen' is to put something down. 'Lügen' is to deceive.

Ich lege das Buch auf den Tisch.

Lüge vs die Rüge

Rhymes and looks similar.

A 'Rüge' is a reprimand or a scolding, not a lie.

Der Lehrer gab ihm eine Rüge.

Lüge vs die Luke

Similar phonetics.

A 'Luke' is a hatch or a small opening.

Die Dachluke ist offen.

Lüge vs die Lage

Similar vowels.

A 'Lage' is a situation, position, or layer.

Wie ist die Lage?

문장 패턴

Das ist eine [Nomen].

Das ist eine Lüge.

Er erzählt [Adjektiv] Lügen.

Er erzählt oft Lügen.

Ich glaube [Dativ] nicht.

Ich glaube seiner Lüge nicht.

Die Lüge wurde von [Dativ] entlarvt.

Die Lüge wurde von der Polizei entlarvt.

Trotz [Genitiv] blieb er ruhig.

Trotz der Lüge blieb er ruhig.

Sich der Lüge zu bedienen ist [Adjektiv].

Sich der Lüge zu bedienen ist riskant.

Er hat gelogen, um [Infinitiv].

Er hat gelogen, um Zeit zu gewinnen.

Hör auf mit den [Plural Dativ].

Hör auf mit den Lügen!

어휘 가족

명사

der Lügner (male liar)

die Lügnerin (female liar)

die Notlüge (white lie)

die Lebenslüge (life-lie)

das Lügengebäude (construct of lies)

동사

lügen (to lie)

anlügen (to lie to someone)

verlügen (rare: to waste by lying)

belügen (to deceive someone)

형용사

verlogen (dishonest/insincere)

lügnerisch (lying/mendacious)

unverlogen (honest/sincere)

사용법

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'der Lüge' as the subject. → die Lüge
Lüge is a feminine noun, not masculine.
Saying 'Ich lüge im Bett'. → Ich liege im Bett.
Confusing 'lügen' (to lie/deceive) with 'liegen' (to lie down).
Lüg zu mir nicht! → Lüg mich nicht an!
The verb 'anlügen' takes a direct accusative object, not a prepositional phrase with 'zu'.
Using 'Lüge' for an accidental mistake. → Fehler / Irrtum
A 'Lüge' requires the intention to deceive. An accident is just a 'Fehler'.
Pluralizing as 'Lüges'. → Lügen
Feminine nouns ending in -e almost always take -n in the plural.

팁

Gender Check

Always remember 'die Lüge' is feminine. This affects everything from the article (eine/die) to the adjectives (eine kleine Lüge).

White Lies

Use 'Notlüge' when talking about harmless lies. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker who understands social nuances.

The Ü Sound

Don't skip the 'ü'. If you pronounce it like 'u', it sounds like the English word 'Luge', which is not what you want!

Directness

Be aware that calling someone a 'Lügner' is very aggressive in Germany. Use phrases like 'Das stimmt nicht' or 'Das ist nicht wahr' first.

Short Legs

Memorize 'Lügen haben kurze Beine'. It's one of the most common proverbs and fits many situations.

Compound Words

German loves compounds. Try using 'Lügengeschichte' for a tall tale or 'Lügendetektor' in a crime story context.

Listen for Context

In news reports, listen for 'Unwahrheit'. It’s the formal cousin of 'Lüge' and very common in media.

Verb vs Noun

Keep 'die Lüge' (noun) and 'lügen' (verb) separate. 'Er lügt' (He lies) vs 'Das ist eine Lüge' (That is a lie).

Slippery Slope

Think of a 'Luge' sled. A 'Lüge' is a slippery slope that leads to trouble!

Trust

In Germany, a lie often breaks trust more deeply than the mistake the lie was trying to hide.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the word 'Luge' (the sled). If you tell a **Lüge**, you are on a slippery slope just like a **Luge** sled, and you'll eventually crash!

시각적 연상

Imagine a person with a Pinocchio nose. In German, we call the lie itself 'die Lüge'. Visualize the long nose growing with every 'Lüge'.

Word Web

Wahrheit Ehrlichkeit Betrug Täuschung Lügner Notlüge Glauben Vertrauen

챌린지

Try to write three sentences: one about a 'Notlüge', one using the proverb 'Lügen haben kurze Beine', and one about a 'Lügner' you know from a movie.

어원

The word 'Lüge' comes from the Old High German 'lugī', which is related to the verb 'liogan'. It has deep roots in the Germanic language family.

원래 의미: The original meaning was consistent with the modern one: a false statement or deception.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > German

문화적 맥락

Avoid using the word 'Lügner' (liar) lightly. In German, it is a very strong personal insult, much stronger than 'You're lying' in some English contexts.

English speakers might find German 'directness' a bit harsh, but in Germany, it's often seen as more respectful than a polite 'Lüge'.

Baron Münchhausen (The Lügenbaron) The proverb 'Lügen haben kurze Beine' The song 'Lügen' by the band Rammstein

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Personal Relationships

Du hast mich angelogen.
Das war eine Notlüge.
Ich hasse Lügen.
Warum die Lüge?

Politics

Das ist eine politische Lüge.
Lügenpresse (controversial)
Der Skandal basiert auf Lügen.
Die Unwahrheit sagen.

Law

Eine Falschaussage machen.
Der Lüge überführt werden.
Unter Eid lügen.
Beweise für die Lüge.

Work/Business

Lügen im Lebenslauf.
Falsche Versprechungen.
Die Lüge entlarven.
Geschäftlicher Betrug.

Childhood/Education

Lügen haben kurze Beine.
Wer einmal lügt...
Man darf nicht lügen.
War das eine Lüge?

대화 시작하기

"Findest du, dass eine Notlüge manchmal okay ist?"

"Was war die größte Lüge, die du je gehört hast?"

"Kannst du erkennen, wenn jemand eine Lüge erzählt?"

"Wie reagierst du, wenn dich ein Freund anlügt?"

"Glaubst du, dass Politiker öfter Lügen erzählen als andere Menschen?"

일기 주제

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der eine Notlüge geholfen hat.

Warum haben Lügen laut dem Sprichwort 'kurze Beine'?

Ist die Wahrheit immer besser als eine Lüge? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Beschreibe einen Charakter aus einem Buch, der viele Lügen erzählt.

Wie fühlt es sich an, wenn man eine Lüge entdeckt?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, generally 'Lüge' has a negative connotation. However, 'Notlüge' is seen as more neutral or even helpful in some social situations. Calling someone a 'Lügner' is a serious insult.

The plural is 'die Lügen'. For example: 'Ich glaube seine Lügen nicht mehr.' (I don't believe his lies anymore.)

The verb is 'lügen'. It is irregular: lügt, log, hat gelogen. To say 'to lie to someone', use 'jemanden anlügen'.

It's a proverb that means lies are eventually discovered because they can't 'run' very far before the truth catches up.

No, a 'Lüge' must be intentional. For a mistake, use 'der Fehler' or 'der Irrtum'.

It is a highly controversial political term. While you will hear it in the news, be careful using it as it is associated with specific political movements.

A 'Lebenslüge' is a major lie that a person tells themselves or others to make their life or past seem better than it actually was.

Shape your lips as if you are going to say 'oo' (as in 'boot'), but try to say 'ee' (as in 'see'). That is the 'ü' sound.

'Lüge' is direct and implies bad intent. 'Unwahrheit' is more formal and sounds a bit softer, though it still means the statement is false.

It is feminine: die Lüge. This is important for articles and adjective endings.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기