Schlagzeug
The English phrase "drums" is translated into German as Schlagzeug.
Schlagzeug is used to refer to the drum kit as a musical instrument.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Schlag (hit/strike) and Zeug (stuff/gear/thing), literally meaning "striking gear".
Which one should you use?
While Schlagzeug spielen refers to playing the drum kit as a musical instrument, the verb trommeln refers to the act of drumming or beating on drums.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English "drums", the German term Schlagzeug is a singular neuter noun used to refer to the entire drum kit.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the plural Schlagzeuge to mean "drums", but in German, the instrument kit is referred to in the singular Schlagzeug.
Did you know?
- The word Schlag in Schlagzeug is the same root used in Schlaganfall, which is the German word for a 'stroke' in a medical sense.
- The word Zeug in Schlagzeug is often used in German to describe random 'stuff' or 'junk' when a speaker cannot name the specific items.
- The term Schlagzeug emerged around 1900 to describe the newly evolving drum kit as a single piece of equipment.
Examples in context
- Tom kann Schlagzeug spielen.Tom can play the drums.This sentence shows how to say someone can play the Schlagzeug.Tatoeba #4701208 by dannylow, translation #4699954 by CK
- Kannst du Schlagzeug spielen?Can you play the drums?This sentence is useful for asking if someone can play the Schlagzeug.Tatoeba #4087665 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4087658 by CK
- Er kann sogar Schlagzeug spielen.He can even play the drums.This sentence is useful for stating that someone can even play the Schlagzeug.Tatoeba #3412197 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1801415 by CM
- Das Orchester benötigt ein neues Schlagzeug.The orchestra requires a new set of drums.
- Lass uns heute Abend zusammen auf den Trommeln spielen!Let's jam together on the drums tonight!
- Er ist wirklich gut im Drumspielen.He is really good at playing the drums.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are talking about a music lesson.
- MaximilianIch möchte Schlagzeug lernen.I want to learn the drums.
- JuliaDas ist ein tolles Schlagzeug!That is a great drum set!
- MaximilianHast du ein Schlagzeug zu Hause?Do you have a drum kit at home?
- JuliaNein, mein Schlagzeug ist im Proberaum.No, my drum kit is in the rehearsal room.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schlagzeug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
