Echo
/ˈɛço/neuter
The German word for 'echo' is Echo. If unsure, use Echo. Wiktionary also lists Widerhall.
Meaning: reflected sound (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Echo | /ˈɛço/ | neuter |
| Widerhall | /ˈviːdɐhal/ | masculine |
The term refers to a reflected sound. It can also be used as a proper name in mythology. Related verbs include widerhallen, wiederholen and zurückwerfen, which mean to repeat back what another has just said.
Which one should you use?
Echo refers to the specific repetition of a sound, whereas Widerhall is often used to describe a more general resonance or the way a sound or idea 'echoes' through a space or a community.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Echo is Echos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛço/
Did you know?
- In German, the verb wiederholen can mean both 'to repeat' a sound and 'to fetch something back', making it a linguistic echo of the action of retrieving an object.
- In certain German alpine regions, people historically attributed the Echo to Berggeister or mountain spirits instead of geological reflections.
- The prefix wider in Widerhall specifically means 'against' and not 'again', describing the physical collision of sound against a surface.
Examples in context
- Seine Mutter nannte ihn „Echo“.His mother called him "Echo."This sentence is useful for seeing how Echo is used as a name.Tatoeba #10223960 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3951890 by Hybrid
- Dein Leben ist das Echo deiner Denkweise.Your life is the echo of your mindset.This sentence shows how Echo can be used metaphorically.Tatoeba #6444041 by Esperantostern, translation #6445386 by carlosalberto
- Reue ist das Echo einer verlorenen Tugend.Remorse is the echo of a lost virtue.This sentence demonstrates a metaphorical use of Echo.Tatoeba #13795222 by Menschi, translation #12401528 by ddnktr
- Der Nachhall des Applauses beruhigte den Raum.The echo of the applause calmed the room.
- Lass uns zur Echokiste gehen und unsere Stimmen hören!Let's go to the echo box and listen to our voices!
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are walking through a deep canyon.
- JulianHörst du das Echo dort hinten?Do you hear the echo back there?
- LauraJa, das Echo ist sehr laut.Yes, the echo is very loud.
- JulianEs klingt wie ein Echo in einer Höhle.It sounds like an echo in a cave.
- LauraJulian, das Echo klingt wirklich beeindruckend.Julian, the echo sounds really impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “echo” translations and entries Echo, Widerhall, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
