Music in German: 145 Vocabulary Words To Talk About Your Passion

As you work to build your fluency, make German easy to learn by learning…

As you work to build your fluency, make German easy to learn by learning words about your passions such as music in German. The German word for “music” is Musik or die Musik. Classical music has been a central part of Germany’s culture for countless years, so learning music vocabulary is a wise idea. If you want to set up a home studio, play in a band, or discuss your favorite genre of music with a German-speaking pen pal, then understanding the terms around which music is built will help you talk about your passion that much more.

The importance of music in German culture and history

From the late 11th century through the Renaissance (and even into the modern day), music has been created and cultivated by German composers and musicians in German-speaking countries. Many periods of time in Germany are even defined by the type of music played during them. The Baroque era, for example, is closely tied to the intricate Musikstücke (musical pieces) composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, a famous German composer.

Today, music continues to be a vibrant center point of German culture, though the most popular genres have certainly shifted with the years. While a deep respect for the classical music of yesteryear remains, rock and pop (like Rammstein, Nena, and the Scorpions) are the most popular genres of music in modern Germany. 

Many tickets to such shows are even subsidized by the German government, allowing the public to appreciate German culture at a more affordable price. This shows how important music is to the German people and their culture.

While most major German cities have opera houses, Vienna, Austria is an ideal destination for classical music lovers. You can catch a live performance of Mozart or Beethoven’s greatest works at the Musikverein or the Wien Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) where the gorgeous decor and exceptional performances can bring these famous pieces of music to life.

Names of musical instruments in German

Did you know that several Musikinstrumente (musical instruments), such as the piano, clarinet, and glockenspiel, were invented in Germany? Knowing what to call a piano in German or a violin in German shows your appreciation for their history as you work on your own great compositions. 

Here is a chart showing the German names of popular instruments, along with their pronunciations and English translations. Consider reviewing the pronunciation of German umlauts and the German alphabet if some of these terms feel tricky to say out loud.

Terms for vocal music in German

Speaking of musical instruments in German, there’s one you always carry with you—your voice! It’s critical when joining a German-speaking choir or discussing music with German vocalists that you know how to describe your own vocal range or that of others. Are you an Alt (alto), a Bariton (baritone), or something else entirely? Now you’ll be able to talk to others about it!

Refer to this chart to see what Germans call vocal ranges, along with a handy pronunciation guide and their English translations to help you learn the words for music in German.

What Germans call different music genres

Rock, pop, and the golden oldies are the most popular genres of music in Germany—what’s your favorite? Since most of the genres of music you’ll see below were invented outside of Germany, many of them are loanwords or German cognates, meaning they look and sound just like their English counterparts.

Take a look at the chart below and find the word for your favorite music genre in German alongside its pronunciation and English translation.

What’s your role? German names for different musicians

If you make music, then you also have a role in music vocabulary in German! Keep in mind that the German language has special words for males and females for each role per German gender rules, so be mindful as you select which term to say to avoid offense. It’s as easy to remember the difference in male and female terms as it is to know the months of the year in German. For female roles, you simply add an -in to the end of the male term!

This chart shows what different musicians and band roles are called in the German language and lets you know how to pronounce them:

Learn the musical dynamics in German

When you’re struggling to remember the right term or German phrase to describe how a piece of music should sound, refer back to this chart for a handy reference. Though many classically trained German musicians know the international Italian terms for dynamics, like forte (loud) and piano (soft), there are German equivalents that are often used as well. 

So, if you enjoy discussing music theory in German, it would be beneficial for you to know both terms. Then when you listen to a Symphonie (symphony) played by an Orchester (orchestra), you’ll know exactly what dynamics the Komponist (composer) used.

See the following chart for the German words for musical dynamics and learn how to pronounce them properly:

German music words for essential music studio equipment

Modern musicians often find it impossible to properly take part in their musical profession or hobby without the aid of modern technology and equipment. Feeling comfortable talking about a music studio setup or communicating how a piece of equipment needs to be adjusted requires the knowledge of what the gear around you is called.

Take a look at the following chart to learn the names of common music studio equipment in German and their correct pronunciation:

Germany’s musical legacy continues to shape and inspire musicians and language scholars alike. Learning practical terms that fit with your passions is an excellent way to learn German and expand your vocabulary in an engaging manner. Look for other opportunities to spice up your German studies with exciting topics like with Rosetta Stone’s dynamic immersion method. It helps find the learning style that fits you best and connects you with interesting and modern themes.

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