anstellig
/ˈanʃtɛlɪç/
The German word for handy (easy to use) is anstellig. If unsure, use anstellig. Wiktionary also lists handlich.
Meaning: easy to use (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| anstellig | /ˈanʃtɛlɪç/ /ˈanʃtɛlɪk/ |
| handlich | /ˈhantlɪç/ |
In German, the word Handy is a noun commonly used to refer to a mobile phone or cellphone.
Which one should you use?
While the noun Handy refers specifically to a mobile phone, the adjective handlich is used to describe something that is easy to handle or compact.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, the word Natel is commonly used to refer to a mobile phone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used before a noun, the adjective handlich follows standard German declension rules, such as in the phrase ein handliches Werkzeug (a handy tool).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈanʃtɛlɪç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the German noun Handy (meaning cell phone) with the English adjective 'handy' (meaning useful).
Did you know?
- The word Handy is a 'pseudo-anglicism', meaning it is a word that sounds English but is not used in English to mean a mobile phone. English speakers use 'handy' as an adjective, but Germans use it as a noun.
- The adjective handlich specifically describes the physical size or shape of an object. If something is 'handy' in the sense of being useful or convenient, Germans would use a different word like praktisch.
- In Switzerland, using the word Handy for a mobile phone might sound quite foreign. Swiss Germans much prefer the term Natel, which has no direct English equivalent.
Examples in context
- Mein Handy ist handlich.My cell phone is handy.This sentence is useful for describing a cell phone using the adjective handlich.Tatoeba #3467326 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3180598 by danepo
- Entschuldigen Sie, welches Modell von Mobiltelefon empfehlen Sie?Excuse me, which model of mobile phone do you recommend?
- Können Sie mir bitte das Mobilgerät zeigen?Can you please show me the mobile device?
- Wo hast du dein Natel gekauft?Where did you buy your mobile phone?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handy” translations and entries anstellig, handlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
