WLAN
/ˈveːlaːn/
The English phrase "wifi" is translated into German as WLAN.
WLAN refers to a wireless network that allows devices to connect to the internet. While the English term "Wifi" is widely understood in informal German contexts, WLAN is a common and widely used term for WiFi in Germany.
What does it mean word for word?
WLAN is an abbreviation for the technical term "Wireless Local Area Network".
Which one should you use?
While English speakers say 'wifi', Germans almost exclusively use the term WLAN to refer to a wireless network.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word WLAN is a neuter noun, so it takes the article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈveːlaːn/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to say "wifi" in Germany, but using WLAN will sound much more natural to native speakers.
Did you know?
- In German, WLAN is often pronounced as a single word, sounding like 'vellan', rather than as four separate letters.
- While 'Wifi' is a brand-associated term, Germans prefer WLAN because it describes the technology itself rather than a specific commercial product.
- If you ask for the 'WLAN-Passwort', you are using a compound noun, which is a common way German merges multiple concepts into one single word.
Examples in context
- Wie lautet das WLAN-Passwort?What's the wifi password?This sentence is useful for asking what the WLAN password is.Tatoeba #8672537 by Luiaard, translation #5905552 by tvindy
- Kann ich Ihr WLAN-Passwort haben?Can I have your wifi password?This sentence is useful for asking to have the WLAN password.Tatoeba #8463443 by Luiaard, translation #8463440 by Luiaard
- In diesem Hotel gibt es kein kostenloses WLAN.There's no free WiFi in this hotel.This sentence is useful for stating that there is no free WLAN in a hotel.Tatoeba #10018895 by Melang, translation #10054942 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie WLAN hier? Ich muss eine wichtige E-Mail verschicken.Excuse me, do you have WLAN here? I need to send an important email.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A cafe where two friends are working.
- JulianHast du das WLAN-Passwort?Do you have the WLAN password?
- SarahJa, es steht auf dem Tisch.Yes, it is on the table.
- JulianSuper, das WLAN ist sehr schnell.Great, the WLAN is very fast.
- SarahDas stimmt, ich finde es auch toll.That's true, I think it's great too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry WLAN, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
