Flower Names in German: 50 Common Flowers and Plants (German-English List)

German gardens and meadows boast an incredible variety of colourful blooms. Learning flower names in German is not only a fun vocabulary exercise, but it’s also practical for travellers, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone reading German texts about nature. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce 50 common flowers and plants in German with their English translations. Along the way, you’ll discover useful German garden vocabulary, pronunciation tips, and cultural tidbits (for example, why a pansy is endearingly called Stiefmütterchen or which flower is Germany’s national symbol).

Whether you’re strolling through a German botanical garden, chatting with locals about favourite plants, or enjoying literature filled with floral imagery, this German-English plant list will enrich your vocabulary and deepen your appreciation of nature. Los geht’s! (Let’s get started!)

German names of flowers and plants

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Why Learn Flower and Plant Names in German?

Learning the names of flowers and plants in German is incredibly useful for language learners. Imagine hiking in the Alps or visiting a German flower market – knowing these words helps you connect with locals and the environment. It’s also a great way to expand your vocabulary through a theme you might love (gardening, anyone?). German has many compound nouns, so learning plant vocabulary can be fun and illuminating. For example, Lily of the Valley in German is Maiglöckchen, literally “little May bells” – a poetic description that tells you it blooms in May! Similarly, a sunflower is Sonnenblume (“sun flower”), and a dandelion is Löwenzahn (“lion’s tooth”) for its jagged leaves. Noticing these patterns will boost your understanding of German word formation.

Another reason to learn German plant names is the cultural context. Certain flowers carry meanings or traditions. Knowing these adds depth when you encounter them in songs, poems, or holiday customs. Plus, if you love gardening, learning the German names of your favourite blooms means you can discuss gardening and German garden vocabulary with native speakers or even shop for seeds in Germany with confidence.

Finally, expanding your vocabulary with nature terms makes language learning more vivid. Instead of just abstract words, you’re learning terms you can point to in the real world. Next time you see a daisy or rose, you might automatically recall the German name. It’s a rewarding way to make German part of your everyday life.

50 Common Flowers and Plants in German (German-English List)

Let’s dive into our German-English plant list of 50 common flowers and plants. We’ve organised them into a few categories for easier learning: Popular Garden Flowers, Wildflowers & Seasonal Blooms, and Flowering Shrubs & Vines. For each entry, we’ll give the English name, the German name (with gender where applicable), and additional notes like pronunciation, meaning, or cultural facts when appropriate.

(Pronunciation guide: German ä is like “eh,” ö is like “ur” in turn (rounded), ü is like the u in French tu, and ch in chen sounds like a soft “hen” with a slight hiss.)

Popular Garden Flowers (Gartenblumen) in German

These are common garden flowers you’ll encounter in parks, florists, and bouquets. Many have similar names in English and German, while others are uniquely German.

• Rose (German: die Rose, pronounced “dee ROH-zuh”) – The classic rose needs little introduction. In German, Rose is feminine. A rose often symbolises love in both cultures. Example: Er hat mir eine Rose geschenkt. (“He gave me a rose.”)

• Tulip (German: die Tulpe, “TOOL-puh”) – Tulips are popular spring blooms. Germany has tulip festivals, much like the Netherlands. Tulpe is easy to remember since it sounds like “tulip.” Example: Im Frühling blühen viele Tulpen im Garten. (“In spring, many tulips bloom in the garden.”)

• Sunflower (German: die Sonnenblume, “ZON-nen-bloo-muh”) – Literally “sun flower,” this large yellow bloom turns toward the sun. Sunflowers are common in German summer fields. The word is a compound of Sonne (sun) + Blume (flower), so it’s a perfect example of descriptive German vocabulary.

• Daisy – Gänseblümchen (pronounced “GEN-zeh-bloom-chen”) and Margerite (“mar-guh-REE-tuh”). German has two words for “daisy”: das Gänseblümchen refers to the small wild daisy (literally “little goose flower” – perhaps because geese might eat them), whereas die Margerite is the classic oxeye daisy often grown in gardens. Both are cheerful white-and-yellow flowers. (Note: the -chen ending in Gänseblümchen makes it neuter and means “little.”)

• Lily (German: die Lilie, “LEE-lee-eh”) – Lilies are elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Lilie is used for true lilies. (Fun fact: There’s also die Wasserlilie for “water lily,” literally water lily.) Lilies are popular in bouquets and carry meanings of purity and beauty.

• Orchid (German: die Orchidee, “orr-key-DAY-uh”) – Orchids are exotic and delicate. The German word looks similar to the English. In Germany, orchids are often kept as potted indoor plants. The word Orchidee is feminine.

• Carnation (German: die Nelke, “NEL-keh”) – The carnation, a frilled bloom, is called Nelke in German. Interestingly, Nelke also means “clove” (the spice) in German – both the flower and the spice share a similar clove-like fragrance. Carnations are often used in boutonnieres and bouquets.

• Iris (German: die Iris) – The iris flower can be called Iris in German as well (same spelling) or sometimes die Schwertlilie (“sword lily”), referring to its blade-like leaves. Irises come in purple, blue, and many colours, and the German name highlights the shape of their leaves.

• Daffodil (German: die Narzisse, “nar-TSIS-seh”) – Narzisse is the German word for daffodil or narcissus. These bright yellow spring flowers are also poetically called Osterglocke (“Easter bell”) in German, since they bloom around Easter. They herald the arrival of spring.

• Hyacinth (German: die Hyazinthe, “hue-ah-TSIN-teh”) – Hyacinths are fragrant spring flowers. The German name Hyazinthe is very close to the English. These flowers often appear in Easter decorations in Germany, filling the air with a sweet scent.

• Peony (German: die Pfingstrose, “Pfingstrose”) – Pfingstrose literally means “Pentecost rose,” because peonies tend to bloom around Pentecost (late spring) in Germany. Peonies are lush, multi-petaled flowers. The word is a compound: Pfingsten (Pentecost) + Rose. Culturally, peonies symbolise good fortune and are popular garden plants.

• Lavender (German: der Lavendel, “lah-VEN-del”) – Note the gender: Lavendel is masculine in German (der Lavendel). This herb with purple flowers is beloved for its soothing fragrance. Lavender is used in gardens, dried sachets, and even cooking. The word comes from Latin lavare (to wash), as lavender was used to scent laundry.

• Marigold (German: die Ringelblume, “RING-el-bloo-meh”) – Ringelblume translates to “little ring flower,” possibly referring to its curled petal shape. Marigolds are bright orange or yellow blooms often used medicinally (calendula) and in companion planting. They’re common in German cottage gardens.

• Chrysanthemum (German: die Chrysantheme, “krüs-ahn-TAY-meh”) – A bit of a tongue-twister, but very similar to English. Chrysanthemums (often just Chrysanthemen in plural) are popular in the fall, including in Germany, where they bloom in late autumn. They are common cemetery flowers around All Saints’ Day.

• Dahlia (German: die Dahlie, “DAH-lee-eh”) – Another showy flower that keeps the same form in German (just pronounced a bit differently). Dahlias bloom in late summer and fall with spectacular colours. Germans prize Dahlien in gardens for their variety of shapes and hues.

• Geranium (German: die Geranie, “geh-RAH-nee-eh”) – In casual use, Geranie often refers to the common red pelargoniums that overflow from window boxes all over Germany. They are classic balcony and garden plants. (There’s also der Storchschnabel for hardy geraniums, but most people mean the balcony type.) Geraniums are hardy and symbolise friendship.

• Zinnia (German: die Zinnie, “TSIN-nee-eh”) – Zinnias are colourful, daisy-like annual flowers. The German name Zinnie closely matches the English, just pronounced with a “ts” sound. Zinnias are popular for adding bright colours to summer gardens.

• Cosmos (German: das Schmuckkörbchen, “SHMOOK-kurb-chen”) – Literally “little ornament basket,” this cute name refers to the cosmos flower’s shape. Schmuckkörbchen (neuter, with the diminutive -chen) are the pink or white daisy-like cosmos flowers often seen in summer gardens. They sway on tall stems and attract bees and butterflies.

• Snapdragon (German: das Löwenmäulchen, pronounced “LÖH-ven-moyle-chen”) – The German name is delightful: it means “little lion’s mouth.” If you’ve pinched a snapdragon flower, you’ll see the “mouth” opening like a tiny roaring lion – a perfect description! Löwenmäulchen is neuter (again the -chen). These flowers are beloved by children and come in many colours.

• Aster (German: die Aster) – Asters are fall-blooming flowers with starry heads (in fact, Aster comes from Greek for “star”). The German word is the same. Garden asters (pink, purple, white) are common in late summer and autumn gardens in Germany, often blooming well into October.

• Calla Lily (German: die Calla) – In German, these elegant flowers are often just called Calla (feminine), short for Calla-Lilie. They are associated with weddings and also often used in funeral arrangements because of their elegant white blooms. Calla lilies are typically indoor or greenhouse plants in Germany’s climate.

• Gerbera (German: die Gerbera) – The Gerbera daisy is popular in bouquets for its large, vibrant blooms. The German name is identical. Gerberas are often seen in flower shops and carry meanings of cheerfulness. They’re easy for learners since the name doesn’t change.

• Ranunculus (German: die Ranunkel, “rah-NOON-kel”) – Ranunculus flowers (also called Persian buttercups) are those lush, multi-petaled blooms that look like ribbon roses. The German Ranunculus is commonly used for the ornamental Ranunculus. (It’s related to the wild buttercup family, which is Hahnenfuß in German.) Ranunculus are popular in spring bouquets.

• Fuchsia (German: die Fuchsie, “FOOK-see-eh”) – The German name Fuchsie reflects the spelling in Latin (named after botanist Leonhart Fuchs). Fuchsias are often grown in hanging pots with their dangling pink and purple bell-shaped flowers. In German gardens, they add colour to shady spots, though they must be overwintered indoors.

• Hibiscus (German: der Hibiskus, “hee-BIS-kus”) – Hibiskus is masculine in German. Hardy hibiscus (Gartenhibiskus) can grow outdoors in Germany (these are often shrubby Althea with large flowers), while tropical hibiscus are kept as indoor or patio plants. Germans love the tropical flair of hibiscus blooms in summer, even if they need extra care in winter.

• Petunia (German: die Petunie, “peh-TOO-nee-eh”) – Petunias (not in the original 50 list, but worth mentioning) are called Petunie in German, very similar to English. They overflow from window boxes in Germany with vibrant colours. (If you love balcony flowers, Geranien and Petunien are your go-to German terms!)

• Nasturtium (German: die Kapuzinerkresse, “kah-POOT-see-ner-kress-eh”) – Nasturtiums are cheerful orange, red, or yellow flowers. The German name literally means “Capuchin cress” – because the flower with its spurred shape was thought to look like the hood of a Capuchin monk. (In many languages, nasturtium has a similar meaning.) These flowers are edible and often used in salads, hence Kresse (cress) in the name.

• Sweet Pea (German: die Erbsenblume, “ERB-sen-bloom-eh”) – Literally “pea flower,” this refers to sweet peas, the climbing ornamental peas with fragrant blossoms. Erbsenblume isn’t as commonly used as Wicke or Duftwicke for sweet pea, but it directly conveys that it’s a pea-family bloom. Sweet peas are beloved for their scent and cottage-garden charm.

• Morning Glory (German: die Prunkwinde, “PROONK-vin-deh”) – Prunkwinde translates roughly to “splendour vine” – an apt name for this showy climbing plant with trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning. Morning glories can be found climbing fences and trellises in German gardens, especially the vivid blue variety.

Wildflowers & Seasonal Blooms in German

Now let’s look at some common wildflowers and seasonal blooms, many of which you’ll find in meadows, forests, or bloom in springtime. These names often carry literal meanings that reflect the flower’s appearance or folklore.

• Forget-Me-Not (German: das Vergissmeinnicht, “fer-GISS-mine-nicht”) – This delicate little blue flower has a direct translation as its name. Vergissmeinnicht literally means “forget-me-not” in German. According to legend, the name comes from a story of medieval lovers – a knight who, while picking these flowers by a river, fell in and urged his lover not to forget him. In German, it’s a neuter noun (das). These flowers symbolise remembrance.

• Poppy (German: die Mohnblume, “MOHN-bloo-meh”) – Red field poppies are iconic in Europe. The German word Mohnblume literally means “poppy flower” and Mohn alone refers to poppy or poppyseed. You’ll see red poppies blooming in wheat fields in summer. They are a symbol of both sleep (opium poppy in myth) and remembrance. (Note: the edible poppyseed used in baking is der Mohn.)

• Cornflower (German: die Kornblume, “KORN-bloo-meh”) – This bright blue wildflower’s German name means exactly the same as English: “corn (grain) flower,” because it often grows in grain fields. The cornflower is deeply tied to German culture – it was once the national flower of Germany, chosen by Kaiser Wilhelm I in the 1800s. Even today, Kornblumen blue is a common colour name. These flowers symbolise hope and were worn by German royalty.

• Bluebell (German: die Glockenblume, “GLOCK-en-bloom-eh”) – Glockenblume means “bell flower.” It can refer to various bell-shaped blooms, including the wild bluebell of woods or the garden bellflower. (Some also use Hasenglöckchen, “hare-bell,” for the English bluebell specifically.) These nodding blue or purple bells are enchanting signs of spring in woodlands. The German name highlights their bell-like shape.

• Snowdrop (German: das Schneeglöckchen, “SHNAY-glock-chen”) – Literally “little snow bell,” this is the perfect name for the tiny white blooms that appear at the end of winter, often peeking through snow. Schneeglöckchen (neuter) are one of the first heralds of spring in Germany, sometimes blooming as early as late February. They symbolise hope and renewal.

• Primrose (German: die Primel, “PRIH-mel”) – Primel usually means the common primrose or primula, a classic spring flower. These are often one of the first (“prime”) flowers of the year, hence the name. In German gardens, you’ll see potted Primeln in bright colours sold in late winter, bringing colour to windowsills. Fun fact: Another term Schlüsselblume (“key flower”) refers to the wild cowslip primrose, whose blooms hang like a key cluster.

• Violet (German: das Veilchen, “FYEL-chen”) – The sweet violet is Veilchen in German (neuter, with the -chen diminutive meaning “little violet”). These small purple or white woodland flowers have a lovely fragrance. Veilchen are associated with modesty in folklore. Example: “Roses are red, violets are blue…” – in German, violets would still be Veilchen in that rhyme.

• Pansy (German: das Stiefmütterchen, “SHTEEF-moot-er-chen”) – Perhaps one of the cutest German flower names, Stiefmütterchen means “little stepmother.” The name comes from a folk tale: the petals of a pansy resemble a stepmother and stepdaughters – the big lower petal is the stepmother, the two side petals are her well-dressed daughters, and the top two small petals are the poorly dressed stepdaughters. Pansies are hardy garden flowers found in cool seasons, and their Gesichtchen (little faces) make them easily recognisable. They’re a great example of German whimsy in plant naming!

• Dandelion (German: der Löwenzahn, “LÖH-ven-tsahn”) – Löwenzahn means “lion’s tooth,” referring to the jagged shape of dandelion leaves. This wildflower (often considered a weed) is found everywhere in Germany. In spring, fields turn yellow with dandelion blooms. Children call the round seedheads Pusteblume (“blow flower”) because you blow on them to send the seeds flying.

• Foxglove (German: der Fingerhut, “FING-er-hoot”) – Fingerhut actually means “thimble” in German, describing the shape of the tubular flowers (like little glove fingers). Foxgloves grow wild in some parts of Germany (especially in woodlands) and are also cultivated in cottage gardens. They’re tall spikes of pink or purple bell flowers. Caution: They’re beautiful but poisonous; interestingly, Fingerhut is also the German name for the thimble piece in board games like Monopoly!

• Anemone (German: die Anemone, “ah-neh-MO-nə”) – The German name is the same as English for these delicate flowers. There are wild wood anemones in German forests (often called Buschwindröschen, “little forest wind-rose”), as well as colourful Anemonen grown in gardens. Anemones are sometimes called Windröschen because the petals can be blown open by the wind.

• Crocus (German: der Krokus, “KROH-kus”) – Crocuses are those charming purple, yellow, or white cup-shaped flowers that pop out at the end of winter. Krokus in German is masculine. You’ll see them naturalised in lawns and parks across Germany in early spring. They often bloom even when a bit of snow is on the ground – a cheerful sign winter is ending.

• Lily of the Valley (German: das Maiglöckchen, “MY-glock-chen”) – We mentioned this earlier: Maiglöckchen means “little May bell”, and indeed these tiny bell-shaped white flowers bloom in May. In Germany, they are associated with May Day (1st of May) and are considered symbols of happiness and the arrival of spring. It’s common to see them in shade gardens or woodland areas. Be aware: as pretty as they are, Maiglöckchen are poisonous (something Germans tend to mention if you’re out foraging).

• Yarrow (German: die Schafgarbe, “SHAHF-gar-beh”) – This wildflower has flat-topped clusters of tiny blossoms (often white or yellow). Schafgarbe translates to “sheep’s garb” – possibly because sheep like to graze on it or it grew in sheep pastures. Yarrow is common in German meadows and also known for its medicinal properties (used in herbal teas for colds and wounds).

• Edelweiss (German: das Edelweiß, “AY-del-vice”) – Edelweiß wasn’t in our original list, but deserves a mention as a famous wildflower of the Alps. Meaning “noble white,” this little star-shaped fuzzy flower is a symbol of the Alps and is famously featured in songs and folklore. (Austria and Switzerland claim it as a national flower, while Germany’s is the cornflower.)

(Many more wildflowers exist, but these are some well-known ones. Germany’s countryside in spring and summer is painted with wild poppies, cornflowers, daisies, and buttercups – now you can name them in German!)

Flowering Shrubs, Trees & Vines in German

Lastly, let’s cover some common flowering shrubs and climbing plants you might find in gardens or parks. These are larger plants (often woody perennials) that also have beautiful flowers. Knowing these terms rounds out your German-English plant list beyond just individual “Blumen.”

• Honeysuckle (German: das Geißblatt, “GICE-blatt”) – Honeysuckle vines are called Geißblatt in German, literally “goat leaf” (an odd name origin, possibly because goats liked to nibble it). These vines produce sweetly scented tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Honeysuckle is found in some German gardens and wild hedgerows.

• Wisteria (German: die Glyzinie, “glit-ZEE-nee-eh”) – Wisteria is the gorgeous purple flowering vine that drapes over pergolas. The German name Glyzinie comes from its scientific name. In spring, you might spot old Glyzinien vines covering walls or arbours in Germany, dripping with lilac-colored blossoms. They create a stunning display (and the word itself can be a tongue-twister for learners!).

• Hydrangea (German: die Hortensie, “hor-TEN-see-eh”) – Hydrangeas are popular flowering shrubs in German gardens, loved for their big pom-pom blossoms that can be pink, blue, or white. Hortensie is the German term. In many older neighbourhoods, you’ll see Hortensia blooming all summer long in front yards – they give a lovely cottage vibe.

• Rhododendron (German: der Rhododendron, same spelling/pronunciation) – Rhododendrons (and azaleas) are common ornamental shrubs, especially in park gardens and woodland gardens. Large rhododendron parks in northern Germany attract visitors when these shrubs burst into bloom with reds, pinks, and purples. Note the gender: Rhododendron is masculine in German (der). Germany even has famous rhododendron parks (e.g., Bremen’s Rhododendron-Park).

• Magnolia (German: die Magnolie, “mag-NOH-lee-eh”) – Magnolia trees or shrubs are called Magnolie in German (feminine). Many towns in Germany plant magnolia trees that bloom in early spring with spectacular pink or white blossoms before the leaves appear. When you see a magnolia in full bloom, you can impress companions by remarking, “Schau mal, die Magnolie blüht!” (“Look, the magnolia is blooming!”).

• Jasmine (German: der Jasmin, “yas-MEEN”) – The word Jasmin in German is masculine. It can refer to true jasmine (which in Germany is often grown as an indoor or conservatory plant for its fragrant white flowers) or colloquially to summer jasmines like mock orange (der Pfeifenstrauch). If you encounter Jasmintee, that’s jasmine tea. The climbing jasmine isn’t very hardy in Germany’s climate, but indoor jasmines perfume many homes.

• Ivy (English Ivy) – (German: der Efeu, “EH-foy”) – While not known for showy flowers, ivy is a common climbing plant. We include Efeu here as a bonus word, since you’ll see lots of old German buildings covered in ivy vines. Ivy does have small greenish flowers and black berries, but it’s mostly appreciated for its evergreen leaves. It’s a good word to know when describing gardens or old castles (die Burg mit Efeu bewachsen – the castle covered in ivy).

• Verbena (German: das Eisenkraut, “EYE-zen-krowt”) – Eisenkraut literally means “iron herb.” Wild verbena (vervain) had medicinal uses and was associated with iron-hard strength, hence the name. In modern usage, Eisenkraut can refer to the garden verbena as well. You might grow pretty verbena hybrids in a window box – if someone asks, “Was ist das?”, you can say “Eisenkraut.” It’s also used in herbal teas.

• Heather (German: die Heidekraut or das Heidekraut) – Heather plants, common in moors and also sold as autumn pot plants, are usually called das Heidekraut (“heath herb”) or simply die Heide. They produce purplish-pink or white bell-like flowers. The Lüneburger Heide in Germany is famous for its expanses of blooming heather late summer.

Many trees also flower, but their names (like die Eiche – oak, die Kirsche – cherry tree, etc.) are a whole other list. One notable mention: Elderflower (German: die Holunderblüte). Elder trees grow wild in Germany, and Holunderblüten are used to make syrup (Holundersirup) for drinks.

By learning these flower, plant, and shrub names, you’re covering a lot of ground – from gardens (Garten), to meadows (Wiese), to forests (Wald). You’ll be able to describe nature scenes or even give a bouquet while naming each bloom in German.

Learning German Plant Vocabulary with Olesen Tuition

Learning all these nature terms is a blossoming start – and you don’t have to do it alone. Olesen Tuition offers specialised German courses and resources to grow your vocabulary. In fact, we incorporate thematic lessons (yes, even nature-themed language lessons for all the plant lovers out there!) as part of our teaching approach. This means you could practice describing a beautiful garden in German, learn seasonal terms, and even discuss environmental topics all while improving your language skills.

We encourage you to explore more free vocabulary lists and language tips on our German language blog, “Auf Deutsch, bitte!” – where you’ll find posts on everything from fruits and vegetables to hobbies, all with German-English translations. It’s a fantastic way to keep expanding your word bank beyond just flowers and plants.

If you’re inspired to take your German further, consider joining one of our classes or booking a lesson. Our experienced tutors can tailor lessons to your interests – so if you adore gardening, we’ll happily incorporate German garden vocabulary into your sessions. Learning through your passions, like discussing your favourite Blumen and Pflanzen, makes the experience memorable and effective.

Pro Tip: Try creating flashcards with these flower names, or label flowers in your local park using their German labels (at least in your mind!). The next time you visit a botanical garden, see how many German names you recall – Rose, Tulpe, Sonnenblume, etc. You’ll be surprised how quickly you start recognising them.

Fazit – Ready to Blossom in German? (Conclusion)

In this article, we’ve covered 50 common flowers and plants in German – a colourful array of vocabulary that will enrich your language learning journey. From the romantic Rose to the humble Gänseblümchen, from garden favourites to wild meadow blooms, you now have a comprehensive German-English plant list at your fingertips. Not only do you know the translations, but you’ve also picked up cultural nuggets (who could forget the Stiefmütterchen story?) and literal meanings that make German so charming (little lions and little bells everywhere!).

Keep practising these words and sprinkle them into your daily German usage. The next time you buy flowers, challenge yourself to name each one in German. Describe the roter Mohn (red poppy) or die gelbe Sonnenblume (the yellow sunflower) to a friend. Learning specific vocabulary like this often gives you confidence to branch into related topics – you might find yourself learning tree names, animal names, and more before you know it.

At Olesen Tuition, we’re here to support your learning. If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out our other vocabulary posts (ever wondered about the German names of fruits, vegetables, or even body parts? We’ve got you covered). And when you’re ready to take your German to the next level, we invite you to sign up for a class or private lesson with us. Our tutors will help you weave words like Maiglöckchen and Schneeglöckchen into full sentences and real conversations. 🌼

Ready to grow in your language skills? Explore our German language blog for more free resources, such as our related posts German names of the 50 most common vegetables, and the 50 most common fruits in German.

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