Media and technology (AQA GCSE German): Revision Notes
Media and technology vocabulary
Understanding media and technology vocabulary is essential in today's digital world. German has many terms that relate to our daily use of technology, from mobile phones to social media. This vocabulary will help you discuss technology topics, express opinions about digital life, and understand German media.
Essential vocabulary
Modern German incorporates many technology terms, some borrowed from English and others uniquely German. Learning these terms will help you navigate everyday conversations about technology and digital life.
Technology devices and equipment
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| der Computer | computer | Same pronunciation as English |
| das Handy | mobile phone | Uniquely German term |
| der Laptop | laptop | Same as English |
| die Kamera | camera | Feminine noun |
| das Telefon | telephone | More formal than Handy |
| das Gerät | device, appliance | Useful general term |
| die Technik | technology, technique | Can mean both |
The term das Handy is uniquely German - it doesn't exist in English-speaking countries where we say "mobile phone" or "cell phone". Despite being neuter (das), it's one of the most commonly used words in modern German.
Internet and digital terms
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| das Internet | internet | Neuter noun |
| die E-Mail | Feminine, same as English | |
| die App | app | Feminine, same as English |
| der Blog | blog | Masculine noun |
| online | online | Same as English |
| digital | digital | Same as English |
| das WLAN | wi-fi | Stands for wireless LAN |
| die Daten | data | Always plural |
Many internet terms are borrowed directly from English, making them easier for English speakers to learn. However, their grammatical gender in German may be different from what you might expect.
Media and entertainment
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| die Medien | media | Plural noun |
| das Fernsehen | television | Also means "watching TV" |
| das Video | video | Neuter noun |
| das Foto | photo | Short for Fotografie |
| die Zeitung | newspaper | Traditional media |
| das Programm | programme | TV/radio programmes |
| die Sendung | programme, broadcast | TV/radio shows |
| die Serie | series | TV series |
Communication and actions
Technology verbs are particularly important as they describe the actions we perform daily with our devices and online platforms.
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| anrufen | to call, phone | Separable verb |
| schicken | to send | Regular verb |
| schreiben | to write | Strong verb |
| telefonieren | to make a phone call | Regular verb |
| herunterladen | to download | Separable verb |
| hochladen | to upload | Separable verb |
| streamen | to stream | From English |
| simsen | to text | Informal term |
Many technology verbs are separable verbs. This means the prefix separates from the main verb in present tense sentences. For example: "Ich lade es herunter" (I download it), not "Ich herunterladen es".
Example sentences with different tenses
Learning vocabulary in context helps you understand how these terms work in real conversations. Here are examples across different tenses:
Worked Examples: Technology Vocabulary in Context
Present tense:
- Ich benutze mein Handy jeden Tag. (I use my mobile phone every day.)
- Er lädt die App herunter. (He downloads the app.)
- Wir schauen eine Serie im Fernsehen. (We watch a series on television.)
Past tense (Perfect):
- Sie hat mir eine E-Mail geschickt. (She sent me an email.)
- Haben Sie das Video gesehen? (Did you see the video?)
- Wir haben online eingekauft. (We shopped online.)
Future tense:
- Morgen werde ich das Programm installieren. (Tomorrow I will install the programme.)
- Sie wird ein Foto machen. (She will take a photo.)
Grammar and pronunciation tips
Understanding the grammatical patterns and pronunciation rules will help you use this vocabulary confidently in conversation.
Gender patterns
Gender is not always predictable with technology terms, even when borrowed from English:
- Masculine: der Computer, der Blog, der Text
- Feminine: die App, die E-Mail, die Kamera
- Neuter: das Handy, das Internet, das Video
Pay special attention to das Handy - many learners expect it to be masculine, but it's neuter!
Pronunciation guidance
Correct pronunciation is essential for clear communication, especially with borrowed terms that may sound different in German:
- Handy - pronounced "HAN-dee" (not like English "handy")
- E-Mail - pronounced "EE-mail"
- WLAN - pronounced "VAY-lahn"
- App - pronounced like English "app"
Separable verbs
Worked Examples: Separable Verbs in Action
Many technology verbs are separable. Here's how they work in sentences:
- anrufen → Ich rufe dich an. (I'll call you.)
- herunterladen → Ich lade es herunter. (I download it.)
- hochladen → Er lädt das Foto hoch. (He uploads the photo.)
Notice how the prefix (an-, herunter-, hoch-) moves to the end of the sentence in present tense.
The phrase "Ohne Technologie können wir nicht leben!" (We can't live without technology!) reflects how important technology has become in German-speaking countries, just as in the rest of the world. This cultural reality makes technology vocabulary essential for everyday conversations.
Translation exercises
Practice using this vocabulary with these translation exercises to test your understanding:
Translation Practice
German to English:
- Ich schicke dir eine SMS mit meinem Handy.
- Das Internet funktioniert heute nicht richtig.
English to German: 3. She watches television every evening. 4. We download music from the internet.
Answers:
- I'll send you a text with my mobile phone.
- The internet isn't working properly today.
- Sie schaut jeden Abend fern. / Sie sieht jeden Abend fern.
- Wir laden Musik aus dem Internet herunter.
Key Points to Remember:
- Technology vocabulary often uses English loanwords, making them easier to remember
- Pay attention to gender - it's not always predictable (das Handy is neuter!)
- Many internet and social media terms are the same in German and English
- Separable verbs are common when talking about technology actions
- Technology is an essential part of modern German life, so this vocabulary is very practical for real conversations