Telefon
/ˌteːləˈfoːn/neuter
The German word for telephone is Telefon. Wiktionary also lists Fernsprecher and Fon.
Meaning: telecommunication device which converts data or sounds into electrical signals which are then transmitted to enable two or more people to communicate with each other over a distance (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Telefon | /ˌteːləˈfoːn/ /ˌtɛləˈfoːn/ (dated, standard, traditional) |
neuter |
| Fernsprecher | dated, masculine | |
| Fon | neuter, rare |
The term refers to a telecommunication device that converts data or sounds into electrical signals to enable communication over a distance. If you are referring specifically to a mobile phone, you might use Das Handy or Das Mobiltelefon, whereas Das Festnetztelefon refers specifically to a landline.
Which one should you use?
Telefon is the standard neuter form. Fernsprecher is a masculine, dated term. Fon is a rare neuter form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the informal term Das Natel is used for a mobile phone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Telefon and Fon are neuter nouns, while Fernsprecher is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌteːləˈfoːn/
When do people say it?
A phone call is referred to as Der Anruf.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'cell phone', Germans use Handy, a word that sounds English but is actually a 'pseudo-anglicism' created in Germany.
- The Swiss term Natel is an acronym for Nationales Telefonie-Netz, the name of the first mobile network in Switzerland.
- In Germany, it is considered polite to start a phone call with Hallo, whereas in some other languages, the standard greeting for a telephone is a specific, dedicated word.
Examples in context
- Hast du ein Telefon?Do you have a telephone?This sentence is useful for asking if someone owns a Telefon.Tatoeba #2166665 by Vortarulo, translation #3060584 by sharptoothed
- Das Telefon ist rot.The telephone is red.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a Telefon.Tatoeba #5207421 by Adalwin, translation #5207849 by CM
- Tom hat kein Telefon.Tom doesn't have a telephone.This sentence is useful for stating that someone does not possess a Telefon.Tatoeba #5939803 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5938070 by CK
- Ich telefoniere gerne mit meinem Handy.I enjoy talking on my cellphone.
- 333 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are in a living room.
- MaximilianWo ist das Telefon?Where is the telephone?
- LauraEs liegt auf dem Tisch.It is lying on the table.
- MaximilianDanke, Laura.Thanks, Laura.
- LauraGerne, Maximilian.You're welcome, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “telephone” translations and entries Telefon, Fernsprecher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
