Knoten
/ˈknoːtən/
In German, 'node' (referring to a computer attached to a network) is translated as Knoten.
In specific technical contexts, you may also use the compound noun Netzwerkknoten to express 'network node'.
Meaning: computer attached to a network (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Knoten literally means 'knot'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Knoten is masculine, so the definite article for 'the node' is der Knoten. The word does not change in the plural, so 'the nodes' is also die Knoten. When using the word as a direct object in the accusative case, such as 'a node', it becomes einen Knoten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈknoːtən/
Did you know?
- In historical German, a person could be referred to as a Knoten, a term stemming from a linguistic confusion with the word Genosse, which means 'comrade'.
- In addition to networking, Knoten is the medical term used to describe a 'lump' or 'node' in the human body.
- The word Knoten is a distant relative of the English word 'knot', though they evolved from different Proto-Germanic roots.
Examples in context
- Der Knotenpunkt in unserem Netzwerk ist von zentraler Bedeutung.The node in our network is of central importance.
- Jeder Knoten im Netzwerk muss sicher sein.Every node in the network must be secure.
- Die Fehlermeldung zeigt einen defekten Knoten an.The error message indicates a defective node.
- Wir müssen einen neuen Knoten hinzufügen.We need to add a new node.
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are troubleshooting a server network.
- LauraLukas, ist dieser Knoten online?Lukas, is this node online?
- LukasNein, ich sehe ihn nicht.No, I don't see it.
- LauraDann prüfen wir den Knoten manuell.Then we will check the node manually.
- LukasDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Knoten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Knoten, knoten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
