das  Notebook

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnoʊtbʊk/

💻 What does "das Notebook" mean?

The word "das Notebook" is a noun borrowed directly from English and refers to a portable computer, often also known as a laptop. It's a device with a screen, keyboard, and touchpad (or mouse connection) that can be folded shut and used on the go.

There is only one article for this word in German: "das" (neuter).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Notebook"

"Das Notebook" is a neuter noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

• Mein neues Notebook ist sehr schnell.
  (My new notebook/laptop is very fast.)
• Ich habe den Akku des Notebooks aufgeladen.
  (I charged the notebook's battery.)
• Sie arbeitet oft mit ihrem Notebook im Café.
  (She often works with her notebook in the café.)
• Er kauft sich morgen ein Notebook.
  (He is buying a notebook tomorrow.)
• Viele Studenten bringen ihre Notebooks mit zur Vorlesung.
  (Many students bring their notebooks to the lecture.)

💡 How to use "das Notebook"?

"Das Notebook" is used in German just like in English, referring to a portable computer. It's a very common word in everyday life, school, university, and professional settings.

• Context: Technology, work, education, leisure.
• Alternative: Often, the word "Laptop" is used synonymously, which is also neuter ("das Laptop"). Less common is the descriptive German term "der Klapprechner" (folding computer).
• Note: As an English loanword, it often retains the English plural ending "-s" ("die Notebooks").

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Notebook"

Article Mnemonic: Think of technical devices in German often being neuter: das Gerät (the device), das Handy (the mobile phone), das Tablet... so it's das Notebook. It's a 'thing', an 'it'.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Notebook is like a digital notebook (das Buch is neuter too!). You use it to take notes or work, and it folds like a book.

🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• das Notizbuch: A physical notebook for writing on paper.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Notebook kalte Füße bekommen?
Weil es zu viele Fenster offen hatte! 🥶💻

(Why did the notebook get cold feet?
Because it had too many windows open!)

📜 A Poem about the Notebook

Das Notebook, klein und flach,
hält Geist und Wissen wach.
Mit Klick und Tastendruck,
verbindet's Stück für Stück.
Im Café, Zug, daheim,
nie ist man ganz allein.
Das treue Arbeitslicht,
vergisst die Pausen nicht!

(The notebook, small and flat,
keeps mind and knowledge awake.
With click and keystroke,
it connects piece by piece.
In the café, train, at home,
one is never quite alone.
The faithful work light,
doesn't forget the breaks!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe Tasten, doch kein Klavier,
einen Bildschirm zeige ich dir.
Man klappt mich zu, nimmt mich oft mit,
für Arbeit, Spiel und jeden Schritt.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk es dir gut!

Was bin ich?

(I have keys, but no piano,
A screen I show to you.
You fold me shut, often take me along,
For work, play, and every step.
My article is neuter, remember it well!

What am I?)
Solution: das Notebook

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: "Notebook" is a direct loanword from English. It combines "note" and "book," originally referring to its size and appearance, similar to a paper notebook.

Cultural Significance: The Notebook (or Laptop) has revolutionized how we work, learn, and communicate, symbolizing mobility and digital connectivity.