How to Say "Cartoons" in German

Cartoons

The English phrase "cartoons" is translated into German as Cartoons.

The term refers to animated films or television shows, which are often intended for children.

Which one should you use?

While Cartoons is a common way to refer to these shows, the more traditional German term for animated films is Trickfilme.

The plural form is die Cartoons. In the singular, the word is masculine, appearing as der Cartoon.

The traditional word Trickfilme literally translates to 'trick movies'. This reflects an early perception of animation as a series of optical illusions or technical tricks rather than a distinct art form.
In German, the word Cartoon is more frequently used to describe a single-panel satirical drawing in a newspaper than a moving film. To be crystal clear about television shows, Germans often prefer Trickfilm.
Unlike English, where 'cartoon' can be a general term, German uses Animationsfilm for high-budget or adult-oriented works. Using Trickfilm for a serious cinematic piece might sound accidentally childish to a native speaker.

Ich mag Cartoons.
I like cartoons.
This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for Cartoons.
Tatoeba #4422607 by Dokuyaku, translation #1964118 by CK
Die Zeichentrickfilme dieser Produktionsfirma sind sehr beliebt.
The cartoons/animated films from this production company are very popular.
Hast du gestern Cartoons im Fernsehen gesehen?
Did you watch cartoons on TV yesterday?
Der Trickfilm 'Die Schöne und das Biest' ist ein Klassiker unter den animierten Filmen.
The animated film 'Beauty and the Beast' is a classic among animated films.
Ich bin ein großer Fan von Zeichentrickfilmen. Sie bringen mich immer wieder zum Lachen.
I'm a big fan of cartoons. They always make me laugh.
Die Cartoons sind sehr lustig.
The cartoons are very funny.
Er schaut am liebsten Cartoons.
He likes watching cartoons best.

Two friends are discussing what to watch on TV.

Sources

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