die Lüge
the lie
Intermediate Noun Feminine
🔊
Pronunciation
/diː ˈlyːɡə/
💡
Cultural Note
German has the useful compound 'Notlüge' (emergency lie / white lie) — a lie told out of necessity or to spare someone's feelings. This concept acknowledges that not all lies are equally harmful, though German culture generally prizes 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty) very highly.
📝 Example Sentences
Eine Lüge zerstört Vertrauen.
A lie destroys trust.
Ihre Beziehung war auf Lügen aufgebaut.
Their relationship was built on lies.
Es gibt kleine Notlügen und große Lügen.
There are small white lies and big lies.