Theater
/teˈaːtɐ/neuter
The German word for theater is Theater. Wiktionary also lists Schauspielhaus and Theatergebäude.
Meaning: place or building (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Theater | /teˈaːtɐ/ /teˈʔaːtɐ/ |
neuter |
| Schauspielhaus | neuter | |
| Theatergebäude | /teˈaːtɐɡəˌbɔʏ̯də/ | neuter |
| Theaterhaus | neuter |
All forms of this word refer to a theater, meaning a place or building.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term Schauspielhaus is a compound noun made of Schauspiel (play/performance) and Haus (house), literally meaning 'play house'.
Which one should you use?
You can use Theatergebäude when you want to emphasize the physical structure or architecture of the building rather than the institution or the art itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Theater is Theater.
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈaːtɐ/
Did you know?
- In Germany, the word Theater is often used as a metaphor for a loud argument or a dramatic scene. If someone says Mach kein Theater, they are telling you to stop making a fuss or stop overreacting.
- German has a specific word for the 'theater feeling' or atmosphere called Theaterstimmung, used to describe the electric anticipation in the crowd before the curtain rises.
- The word Theater can be used in the phrase Theater spielen, which means to pretend or to feign a certain emotion or situation to deceive someone.
Examples in context
- Ich war im Theater.I was at the theater.This sentence is useful for saying you were at the theater using Theater.Tatoeba #7328390 by Yorwba, translation #256730 by CK
- Das ist ein Theater.This is a theater.This sentence is useful for identifying a theater using Theater.Tatoeba #12941003 by mhr, translation #12941051 by rul
- Wir gehen ins Theater.We're going to the theater.This sentence is useful for saying you are going to the theater using Theater.Tatoeba #6595408 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #25927 by CK
- Ich möchte heute ins Theater gehen.I want to go to the theater today.
- Welches Theater meinst du?Which theater do you mean?
- Das Schauspielhaus in der Innenstadt.The playhouse in the city center.
- Viel Spaß im Theater!Enjoy the theater!
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are walking in the city center.
- FelixSiehst du das große Theater dort?Do you see the large theater there?
- LauraJa, das Theater ist sehr alt.Yes, the theater is very old.
- FelixMöchtest du heute Abend dorthin gehen?Would you like to go there this evening?
- LauraGerne, das ist eine gute Idee.I'd love to, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “theater” translations and entries Theater, Theatergebäude, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
