German · Home, Clothes & Daily Life
"Backpack" in German: Rucksack
der Rucksack
Backpack in German is der Rucksack. Say Mein Rucksack ist voll or Ich packe den Rucksack. For hiking you also hear Trekkingrucksack.
Leaving home
Hast du den Rucksack mit den Tickets?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Rucksack
Say it
RUCK-zack
/ˈʁʊkzak/
RUCK-zack. Soft u as in put. Double ck is hard. Soft z as ts.
"Backpack" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Rucksack | the backpack Default word for a backpack. | Default word for a backpack. |
| mein Rucksack | my backpack Possession. | Possession. |
| den Rucksack packen | to pack the backpack Before a trip. | Before a trip. |
| im Rucksack | in the backpack Where something is stored. | Where something is stored. |
How to use Rucksack in real life
- 1Leaving home
Hast du den Rucksack mit den Tickets?
Do you have the backpack with the tickets?
Den Rucksack as accusative object.
- 2Hostel
Mein Rucksack steht unter dem Bett.
My backpack is under the bed.
Mein Rucksack for ownership.
- 3Hike
Im Rucksack habe ich nur Wasser und Snacks.
In the backpack I only have water and snacks.
Im Rucksack = inside it.
Mistakes English speakers make with Rucksack
Incorrect: die Rucksack
Correct: der Rucksack
Rucksack is masculine: der.
Incorrect: Ich trage mein Backpack.
Correct: Ich trage meinen Rucksack.
Use Rucksack in German, not the English loan in everyday talk.
Good to know
Many Germans commute with a Rucksack instead of a briefcase. On trains, keep it at your feet or on the overhead rack—blocking an aisle seat with a bulky bag gets side-eye fast.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Packing for a weekend trip
ChatPal
Passt dein Mantel noch in den Rucksack?
Does your coat still fit in the backpack?
You
Knapp. Der Rucksack ist schon schwer.
Barely. The backpack is already heavy.
ChatPal
Dann lasse ich die Extra-Schuhe weg.
Then I'll leave the extra shoes.
You
Gut. Sonst tragen wir den Rucksack nicht weit.
Good. Otherwise we won't carry the backpack far.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Backpack" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Backpack" in German
How do you say backpack?
Der Rucksack.
Gender?
Masculine: der Rucksack.
In the backpack?
Im Rucksack.
Plural?
Die Rucksäcke.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
