Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geige | /ˈɡaɪ̯ɡə/ | feminine |
| Violine | /vi̯oˈliːnə/ | feminine, formal |
| Fidel | /ˈfiːdəl/ | feminine |
| Fiedel | /ˈfiːdəl/ | feminine, informal |
The term refers to the string instrument. When saying someone plays the violin as a skill or hobby, German uses the construction Geige spielen without an article, for example, Er spielt Geige.
Which one should you use?
Geige is the most common, everyday word used in both speech and general writing. Violine is a more formal or technical term often used in musical contexts or classical music literature. Fiedel is a popular and informal way to talk about the violin in various German regions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Violine is a direct German equivalent of the English word violin used in formal contexts like music literature and academic settings. Fiedel is informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Fiedel is an informal way to talk about the violin used in various German regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms are feminine nouns. The word Geige is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine articles die (nominative/accusative) and der (genitive/dative).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡaɪ̯ɡə/
Did you know?
- The word Geige shares a distant, speculative ancestry with the concept of 'yawning' through the Proto-Indo-European root for 'gaping'.
- The word Geige may be onomatopoeic, meaning it was created to mimic the actual sound of the instrument being played.
Examples in context
- Hast du eine Geige?Do you have a violin?This sentence is useful for asking if someone owns a Geige.Tatoeba #1106937 by jast, translation #69795 by CK
- Tom spielt gut Geige.Tom plays the violin well.This sentence is useful for describing someone's ability to play Geige.Tatoeba #8843324 by wolfgangth, translation #5553957 by CK
- Kannst du Geige spielen?Can you play the violin?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has the skill to play Geige.Tatoeba #2928349 by Manfredo, translation #69796 by CK
- Der Klang der Geige ist wirklich zauberhaft.The sound of the violin is truly enchanting.
- Er spielt virtuos die Violine.He plays the violin virtuosically.
- Wir spielen heute Abend gemeinsam auf der Fiedel.We're playing together on the violin tonight.
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a music store, Hannah is looking at an instrument.
- HannahIst diese Geige sehr teuer?Is this violin very expensive?
- MaximilianNein, sie ist recht preiswert.No, it is quite affordable.
- HannahDarf ich die Geige einmal ausprobieren?May I try out the violin?
- MaximilianNatürlich, Hannah, probiere sie gerne aus.Of course, Hannah, feel free to try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “violin” translations and entries Geige, Violine, Fidel, Fiedel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fidel, Fiedel, Geige, Violine, fidel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
