Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Klang | /klaŋ/ | masculine |
| Schall | /ʃal/ | masculine |
| Laut | /laʊ̯t/ | masculine |
| Grüüsch | Alemannic German, neuter |
The sensation perceived by the ear can be expressed using several different words depending on the context. Klang is a common formal term for sound. Use Laut to refer to a specific, often discrete or sudden sound like a noise or a cry. Schall refers to the physical phenomenon of sound waves or acoustic energy traveling through a medium. You can also use the phrase einen Laut von sich geben to describe the act of making a vocal or audible sound.
Which one should you use?
Different German words emphasize different aspects of sound: Klang refers to a melodic, resonant or aesthetically pleasing sound, such as the timbre of an instrument. Schall describes the physical sound waves. Laut is used for a specific, often discrete or sudden sound, such as a cry or a noise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic German dialects, such as Swiss German, the term Grüüsch is used for sound or noise.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/klaŋ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'clank', used to describe a metallic sound, is a direct linguistic relative of the German Klang.
- The German word Laut can refer to a single speech sound or phoneme in linguistics.
- While Laut is a noun meaning 'a sound', it also functions as an adjective meaning 'loud'. This is because the noun itself is derived from the ancient word for 'loudness'.
Examples in context
- Der Ton ist sehr laut.The sound is really loud.Tatoeba #9927413 by Laoan, translation #5812708 by AlbadeG
- Alles hat seinen Klang.Everything has a particular sound, its alone.This sentence shows how to use Klang to describe the unique sound of something.Tatoeba #1301212 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2053779 by halfb1t
- Gib keinen Laut von dir!Don't make a sound.This sentence uses the idiom involving Laut to tell someone not to make a sound.Tatoeba #1846564 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1844225 by CK
- Das Klavier hat einen schönen KlangThe piano has a beautiful sound
- Das laute Geräusch kam von der BaustelleThe loud noise came from the construction site
- Die neue Stereoanlage hat einen tollen SoundThe new stereo system has great sound
- Diese Band hat einen einzigartigen Klang.This band has a unique sound.
- Der laute Verkehr erzeugt viel Krach.The loud traffic creates a lot of noise.
- Kannst du bitte die Lautstärke verringern?Can you please decrease the volume?
- Seine Stimme klingt wie Musik.His voice sounds like music.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are listening to a new musical instrument.
- HannahWie gefällt dir der Klang dieses Instruments?How do you like the sound of this instrument?
- JulianDer Klang ist wirklich sehr beruhigend, Hannah.The sound is really very calming, Hannah.
- HannahIch finde den Klang auch sehr besonders.I also find the sound very special.
- JulianJa, das klingt fast wie eine Flöte.Yes, it sounds almost like a flute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sound” translations and entries Klang, Schall, Laut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Klang, Laut, Schall, laut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
