Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | /ˈɪntɐnɛt/ | neuter |
| Netz | /nɛt͡s/ | neuter |
The term Internet refers specifically to the global network of computers. You can also use Netz, which is an abbreviation of das Computernetzwerk and can be used interchangeably with das Internet. For a more technical way to refer to the internet, you may use das World Wide Web (WWW).
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to the same thing, Netz is often used as a shorter, more colloquial synonym for Internet in contexts such as being online, for example in the phrase im Netz sein.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Internet and Netz are neuter nouns, so they take the article das. When you want to say you are 'on the internet' (referring to being online or browsing), the standard phrase to use is im Internet or im Netz.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɪntɐnɛt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying im Web to mean 'on the internet'. While understandable, im Internet or im Netz are much more common for general connectivity.
Did you know?
- While Internet is used for the global network, Netz can also refer to a mobile phone signal. If a German says Ich habe kein Netz, they mean they have no cellular reception.
- If you are browsing the internet, a German might say you are 'im Netz unterwegs', which literally translates to being 'on the way in the net'.
- Because Netz means both 'internet' and 'fishing net', a literal translation of 'surfing the net' (im Netz surfen) evokes an image of both digital browsing and aquatic movement.
Examples in context
- Er ist im Netz.He is on the Internet.This sentence shows how to say someone is online using Netz.Tatoeba #10058445 by Yorwba, translation #3378269 by _undertoad
- Er ist selten im Netz.He's rarely on the Internet.This sentence shows how to express that someone is rarely online using Netz.Tatoeba #1766863 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1764818 by Amastan
- Ich liebe das Internet.I love the internet.This sentence uses Internet to express a personal preference.Tatoeba #5288779 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5288768 by mailohilohi
- Ich kann das im Internet nachschlagen.I can look that up on the internet.
- Das WWW bietet unzählige Informationen.The World Wide Web offers countless pieces of information.
- Das Unternehmen ist im Netz gut präsentiert.The company has a strong online presence.
- Kommst du heute Abend ins Netz? Wir haben neue Katzenbilder.Are you going online tonight? We have new cat pictures.
- Lass uns das im Web nachschauen.Let's look it up on the web.
- Ich habe das endlich im Interweb gefunden.I finally found it on the interweb.
- Hast du es bereits im Interweb gefunden?Have you found it on the interweb yet?
- Im Internet finde ich immer interessante Artikel zu lesen.On the internet, I always find interesting articles to read.
- Ich kann ohne das Web nicht mehr leben!I can't live without the web anymore!
- Das Unternehmen hat eine ausgezeichnete Präsenz im Netz.The company has an excellent online presence.
- 239 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a cafe discussing their connectivity.
- FelixIst das Internet hier sehr langsam?Is the internet very slow here?
- HannahJa, das Internet ist heute wirklich schlecht.Yes, the internet is really bad today.
- FelixIch brauche das Internet für meine Arbeit.I need the internet for my work.
- HannahVielleicht sollten wir woanders hingehen, Felix.Maybe we should go somewhere else, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “internet” translations and entries Internet, Netz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
