Ultraschall
/ˈʊltʁaʃal/
The English word ultrasound is translated into German as Ultraschall.
Ultraschall is the standard and most commonly used term for ultrasound in German.
Meaning: use of ultrasound (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Ultra (meaning ultra or beyond) and Schall (meaning sound).
Which one should you use?
While Ultraschall is the general term, you may encounter more specific forms: Ultraschalldiagnostik is used to specifically refer to ultrasound investigations or examinations and Ultraschalluntersuchung is a descriptive phrase for an ultrasound examination. To refer to an ultrasound technician, use Ultraschalltechniker/in.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and takes the definite article der, as in der Ultraschall.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊltʁaʃal/
Did you know?
- The word Schall is the root of Schallplatte, the German word for a vinyl record. This means the same linguistic building block describes both a medical scan and old-fashioned music players.
- The word Schall is also used in the common German idiom Schall und Rauch, meaning something is 'all smoke and mirrors' or insignificant. It refers to the fleeting nature of a sound wave.
- While Ultraschall is the common term, doctors often use Sonographie in written reports. This creates a linguistic divide where patients use one word and professionals use another for the same thing.
Examples in context
- Maria hat per Ultraschall das Geschlecht ihres und Toms ungeborenen Kindes feststellen lassen.Mary had an ultrasound to find out the sex of her and Tom's unborn baby.This sentence shows how to use Ultraschall when discussing finding out the sex of an unborn baby.Tatoeba #4026167 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4024343 by patgfisher
- Frau Müller hatte gestern eine Ultraschalluntersuchung.Mrs. Müller had an ultrasound examination yesterday.
- Der Arzt schlug eine Sonografie vor, um die Ursache der Beschwerden herauszufinden.The doctor suggested an ultrasound to determine the cause of the discomfort.
- Der Ultraschall zeigt keine Auffälligkeiten.The ultrasound shows no abnormalities.
- Wir müssen den Ultraschall morgen wiederholen.We have to repeat the ultrasound tomorrow.
Example conversation
A couple is talking about a medical appointment at home.
- MaximilianWar der Ultraschall heute gut?Was the ultrasound good today?
- HannahJa, der Arzt war sehr zufrieden.Yes, the doctor was very satisfied.
- MaximilianDas freut mich sehr für dich, Hannah.I am very happy for you, Hannah.
- HannahDanke, Maximilian, ich bin auch erleichtert.Thanks, Maximilian, I am relieved too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ultraschall, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
