Phantom
/fanˈtoːm/neuter
The English word 'phantom' is translated into German as Phantom.
Phantom refers to something having no physical reality. In a medical context, the term Phantomschmerz is the standard way to describe the sensation of pain in a limb that is no longer there. For paranormal investigations, the term Spukerscheinungen can be used to describe phantom phenomena.
Meaning: something having no physical reality (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Phantom is Phantome.
How do you pronounce it?
/fanˈtoːm/
Did you know?
- In German technical fields, a Phantom is a physical model of a human body used to calibrate X-ray machines or MRI scanners.
- In German, the term Phantom is often used in the context of 'Phantom-Betrieb' to describe a company that exists only on paper for fraudulent purposes.
- The word Phantom is a 'loanword' that entered German via French, but it shares the same ancient Greek root as the English word 'phantom'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe immer noch manchmal Phantomschmerzen im linken Bein.I still sometimes have phantom pain in my left leg.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use the term Phantom in a medical context regarding phantom pain.Tatoeba #12214425 by Yorwba, translation #12214540 by Miktsoanit
- Seit Jahrhunderten faszinieren Geister und Phantome die Menschheit.For centuries, spirits and phantoms have fascinated humanity.
- Dieses Scheinbild kann in der Optik als Phantom bezeichnet werden.This optical illusion can be referred to as a phantom.
- Gestern habe ich ein Gespenst im Schloss gesehen!Yesterday, I saw a phantom in the castle!
- Achtung! Eine gruselige Spukgestalt wandert durch das alte Haus.Attention! A creepy phantom is wandering through the old house.
- In dieser Gegend erzählt man sich Geschichten von den Gespenstern.In this area, people tell stories about the phantoms.
- Die paranormalen Experten untersuchen die Spukerscheinungen im alten Schloss.The paranormal experts are investigating the phantom manifestations in the old castle.
- Das Phantom im Spiegel war nur eine Täuschung.The phantom in the mirror was only an illusion.
- Das Phantom verschwand im dichten Nebel.The phantom disappeared in the thick fog.
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are discussing a mysterious figure they saw.
- JulianHast du die Gestalt dort gesehen?Did you see the figure there?
- SarahJa, aber es war nur ein Phantom.Yes, but it was just a phantom.
- JulianIch glaube nicht, dass es echt war.I don't believe it was real.
- SarahDas war wohl nur meine Einbildung.It was probably just my imagination.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phantom” translations and entries Phantom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Phantom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
