Mikrowelle
/ˈmiːkʁoˌvɛlə/
The German word for microwave is Mikrowelle.
Mikrowelle is an ellipsis of microwave oven.
Meaning: ellipsis of microwave oven (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Mikrowelle is the standard term, you may encounter Mikrowellenofen in formal or technical contexts and the shortened Mikro is used informally, especially among younger people in Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mikrowelle is a feminine noun. It uses the article die in the nominative case, but changes to der in the genitive or dative cases. The plural form of the word is Mikrowellen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmiːkʁoˌvɛlə/
Did you know?
- Because Welle is feminine, the word Mikrowelle is feminine, but adding the word Ofen 'oven' to create Mikrowellenofen changes the gender to masculine.
- Unlike English, where 'microwave' can be a verb, Mikrowelle is strictly a noun and cannot be used as a verb in German.
- The word Welle in Mikrowelle means 'wave' but is also the standard German word for a 'ripple' in water or a 'curl' in hair.
Examples in context
- Öffne die Tür der Mikrowelle.Open the microwave door.This sentence shows how to use the word when referring to the door of the Mikrowelle.Tatoeba #12589906 by Waldelfe, translation #12115722 by Amastan
- Luis' Mikrowelle duftet wundervoll.Luis's microwave smells wonderful.This sentence uses Mikrowelle to describe a pleasant smell coming from the appliance.Tatoeba #13320372 by aninaaa02, translation #12115706 by Amastan
- Wie lange muss das in die Mikrowelle?How long should I microwave this?This sentence demonstrates how to use Mikrowelle when asking about cooking duration.Tatoeba #4613149 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4569235 by CK
- Kannst du bitte das Essen in die Mikro stellen?Can you please put the food in the microwave?
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is in their kitchen during lunch.
- SarahIst die Mikrowelle schon fertig?Is the microwave finished already?
- FelixNein, die Mikrowelle braucht noch zwei Minuten.No, the microwave needs two more minutes.
- SarahKannst du die Mikrowelle bitte stoppen?Can you please stop the microwave?
- FelixKlar, ich mache sie sofort aus.Sure, I'll turn it off right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Mikrowelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
