In German
Gift
Meaning: poison (not a present)
Formal or informal? “Gift” means poison. For a present, the German word is “das Geschenk”.
Example sentences
Vorsicht,dasistGift!
Careful, that's poison!
DasGiftistimWasser.
The poison is in the water.
EinGeschenkistkeinGift.
A present is not poison.
Grammar note
“Das Gift” is neuter. The plural is “die Gifte”, which is rarely used. The English word “gift” is a false friend: it looks the same but means something very different.
Common mistake
Don't say “Gift” for a present. “Ein Gift” means poison, so offering it as a gift would be alarming. For a present, say “ein Geschenk”.
Quick check
Which German word means “poison”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the German for “present”?
“Das Geschenk”.
What is the plural of “Gift”?
“Gifte”, though it is rarely used.