Mikrofon
/mikʁoˈfoːn/neuter
The German word for "microphone" is Mikrofon.
The term refers to a transducer that converts sound waves into electricity.
Meaning: transducer of sound waves to electricity (noun)
Which one should you use?
Mikrofon is the standard spelling, while Mikrophon is a formal variation. In informal settings, you may encounter the shortened form Mic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is Mikrofone. To indicate possession in the singular (the genitive singular), use Mikrofons, such as in "the microphone's cable".
How do you pronounce it?
/mikʁoˈfoːn/
Did you know?
- In German broadcasting, the phrase Das Mikrofon ist offen is used to warn that a microphone is live and picking up sound.
- While 'Mic' is common in English, using the shortened Mic in German might sound overly Americanized or like slang used specifically in hip-hop culture.
- In German music production, the term Mikrofonierung is used to describe the specific art and technique of placing multiple microphones to capture a sound.
Examples in context
- Gib mir das Mikrofon.Give me the microphone.This sentence is useful for practicing the request to have the Mikrofon handed to you.Tatoeba #7369865 by Yorwba, translation #2030132 by CK
- Tom schaltete sein Mikrofon stumm.Tom muted his microphone.This sentence is useful for describing the action of muting a Mikrofon.Tatoeba #9191089 by brauchinet, translation #9190996 by CK
- Ich habe das Mikrofon ausgeschaltet.I turned off the microphone.This sentence is useful for stating that a Mikrofon has been turned off.Tatoeba #8244471 by Luiaard, translation #6221130 by CK
- Bitte prüfen Sie das Mikrofon, bevor Sie sprechen.Please check the microphone before speaking.
- Ich habe das Mikrofon nicht gehört.I didn't hear the microphone.
- Kannst du bitte das Mic prüfen?Can you please check the Mic?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are setting up for a podcast recording.
- LauraIst das Mikrofon schon bereit?Is the microphone ready yet?
- FelixJa, ich habe das Mikrofon gerade angeschlossen.Yes, I just connected the microphone.
- LauraSuper, dann können wir anfangen.Great, then we can start.
- FelixAlles klar, ich bin bereit.All right, I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “microphone” translations and entries Mikrofon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
