Mike
Mike is an informal German way to say microphone.
The word Mike is a colloquial shortening used to refer to a microphone.
Meaning: informal: microphone (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Mike is a colloquial shortening, the standard and formal noun for microphone in German is Mikrofon.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mike is used in informal settings. In formal contexts, you should use the standard term Mikrofon.
Related words
Did you know?
- In German, the word Mikrofon belongs to the neuter gender, meaning it uses the article das, whereas the person named Mike is always masculine and uses der.
- The word Mikrofon shares its root with Mikroskop, as both use the Greek prefix mikros meaning 'small'.
- While Mike is common in music, German broadcasters and technical crews often use the term Mikro as a slightly less slangy alternative to both Mike and Mikrofon.
Examples in context
- Was ist los, Mike?What's up, Mike?This sentence shows how to address someone named Mike.Tatoeba #11111061 by tropical_goth, translation #38792 by CN
- Mike nennt ihn Ned.Mike calls him Ned.This sentence uses the name Mike as a subject.Tatoeba #3326894 by pne, translation #32902 by CN
- Hi, ich heiße Mike.Hi, my name is Mike.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself as Mike.Tatoeba #6466123 by wolfgangth, translation #3941291 by AlanF_US
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are setting up for a podcast recording.
- SarahIst das Mike schon an?Is the mike already on?
- JulianNein, ich muss ihn noch einschalten.No, I still have to turn it on.
- SarahKannst du das Mike etwas näher schieben?Can you push the mike a bit closer?
- JulianKlar, jetzt passt es perfekt.Sure, now it's perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Mike, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
