01
der Apfelbaum
apple tree
A fruit tree from the pome fruit family that bears apples as its fruit.
example
Im Herbst ernten wir die Äpfel von unserem Apfelbaum im Garten.
In autumn, we harvest the apples from our apple tree in the garden.
der Apfelbaum
apple tree
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
This word is a clear example of a German compound word: It consists of 'der Apfel' (apple) and 'der Baum' (tree). So the meaning is literally 'a tree for apples'.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben einen alten Apfelbaum im Garten.
We have an old apple tree in the garden.
Word-formation principle
The pattern '[fruit] + Baum' ([fruit] + tree) is very productive in German. The article of the compound word is always determined by the last part, so 'der Baum' (the tree).
EXAMPLE
Ein Kirschbaum, ein Birnbaum und ein Apfelbaum stehen nebeneinander auf der Wiese.
A cherry tree, a pear tree, and an apple tree stand next to each other in the meadow.
Typical verbs
In connection with an apple tree, verbs are often used that describe its yearly cycle: In spring it 'blüht' (blooms), in summer it 'trägt' (bears) fruit, and in autumn one 'erntet' (harvests) from it.
EXAMPLE
Der Apfelbaum blüht dieses Jahr besonders schön.
The apple tree is blooming especially beautifully this year.
Compare with
Apfelbaum vs Apfel
apple
'der Apfel' and 'der Apfelbaum' are closely related, but they are not the same thing. 'der Apfel' is the fruit that you can eat. 'der Apfelbaum' is the tree that apples grow on. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with the same plant and 'Apfelbaum' contains the word 'Apfel'. As a practical rule: when you are talking about eating, buying, or cutting, you usually mean the apple. When it is about a garden, blossoms, branches, or growing, Apfelbaum fits.
Apfelbaum
Bei schlechtem Wetter schützt der alte Apfelbaum die Bank im Garten ein wenig.
In bad weather, the old apple tree gives the bench in the garden a little protection.
Apfel
In der Pause isst der Mitarbeiter einen roten Apfel.
During the break, the employee eats a red apple.
In real life
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