In German
Schlüssel
Meaning: key
Example sentences
IchhabemeinenSchlüsselverloren.
I lost my key.
DerSchlüsselpasstnichtinsSchloss.
The key doesn't fit the lock.
Grammar note
“Der Schlüssel” is masculine. Its plural is the same word with an umlaut: “die Schlüssel” (keys) — one of many German nouns where the plural only changes the stressed vowel.
Common mistake
Don't confuse “Schlüssel” (key) with “Schloss” (lock, or castle) — they look related but are different words; context (and the grammarNote on the “castle” page) tells them apart.
Quick check
Which German word means “key”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the plural of “Schlüssel”?
“Die Schlüssel” — identical to the singular, since it already has an umlaut.
Is “Schlüssel” related to “Schloss”?
They look similar but are different words — “Schloss” means lock or castle, not key.