der  Computer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔmˈpjuːtɐ/

💻 What does "der Computer" mean?

Der Computer refers to an electronic device for processing data using programmable calculation rules. It's a central tool in the modern world for work, education, communication, and entertainment.

As it's a loanword from English, it retains the masculine article "der" in German. There are no different meanings dependent on different articles.

🚨 Attention: Although the word has English origins, it's capitalized in German because it's a noun (Substantiv).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Computer

The word "Computer" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der neue Computer ist sehr schnell. (The new computer is very fast.)
2. Die Festplatte des Computers ist voll. (The computer's hard drive is full.)
3. Ich arbeite oft an dem Computer. (I often work on the computer.)
4. Er hat den Computer gestern gekauft. (He bought the computer yesterday.)
5. Die Computer im Büro sind vernetzt. (The computers in the office are networked.)
6. Die Software der Computer muss aktualisiert werden. (The computers' software needs to be updated.)
7. Wir arbeiten mit den neuen Computern. (We are working with the new computers.)
8. Sie repariert die alten Computer. (She is repairing the old computers.)

💡 How to use "Computer" correctly

"Der Computer" is an everyday word used in many contexts:

• Technology & IT: As a general term for the device (desktop PC, often including laptops, although the more specific word "der Laptop" exists).
• Work & Office: An indispensable tool in almost all professions.
• Education: Used in schools and universities for learning and research.
• Leisure: For gaming (Computerspiele), surfing the internet, watching movies, etc.

Compared to "Rechner", "Computer" is the more internationally common and frequently used word in everyday life. "Rechner" can sometimes sound a bit more technical or dated, but it is also used synonymously.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Computer"

Remembering the article: Think of the typical computer user often stereotyped as male - der Mann uses der Computer. Many technical devices in German are masculine (der Drucker, der Scanner, der Bildschirm).

Remembering the meaning: The English word "compute" means "to calculate" or "berechnen". A Computer is therefore a machine that calculates and processes data – a calculating machine.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Synonyms (similar meaning):

• Der Rechner: Often used synonymously, sometimes sounds more technical or general (can also mean calculator).
• Der PC / Personal Computer: Refers more specifically to a single-user computer, often a desktop.
• Die Rechenmaschine: Rather outdated or used for very simple devices.
• Die Datenverarbeitungsanlage (DVA): Very formal and technical, rather outdated term for data processing system.

Antonyms (opposite meaning):

Direct antonyms are difficult. One could argue:

• Der Mensch: (Human) In the context of artificial vs. human intelligence/processing.
• Analoge Geräte: (Analog devices) Devices that do not work digitally (e.g., a slide rule).

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution):

• Der Laptop / Das Notebook: Specific types of portable computers.
• Das Tablet: Another type of portable computer with a touchscreen.

😄 For a Laugh

DE: Warum hat der Computer kalte Füße? Weil er ständig Windows offen hat!

EN: Why does the computer have cold feet? Because it always has Windows open! (Pun: "Windows" is the operating system, but "windows" also means Fenster)

📜 Poetic Words

Der Computer, schlau und flink,
\Ein Kasten, der uns Wissen bringt.
\Mit Tastatur und Maus dabei,
\Ist er des Menschen Helfertreu.
\Er rechnet schnell, vergisst fast nichts,
\Ein Wunderwerk des Lichts.

--- Translation ---

The computer, clever and quick,
A box that brings us knowledge slick.
With keyboard and a mouse nearby,
It's humankind's loyal ally.
It calculates fast, forgets almost naught,
A miracle of light, well-wrought.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe Tasten, doch kein Klavier.
Ich habe einen Bildschirm, zeige Bilder dir.
Ich kann rechnen, schreiben, spielen, senden,
Und helfe dir bei tausend Dingen an allen Enden.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation & Answer ---

I have keys, but no piano near.
I have a screen, I show pictures clear.
I can calculate, write, play, send,
And help you with a thousand things no end.

What am I?

Answer: Der Computer (The Computer)

🤓 Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Computer" is a direct loanword from English ("to compute" = berechnen).
• Masculine Gender: Like many technical devices and loanwords in German (especially from English), "Computer" is masculine (maskulin).
• Compounds: The word forms many compound nouns (Komposita), e.g.: Computerspiel (computer game), Computervirus (computer virus), Computermaus (computer mouse), Computernetzwerk (computer network), Computerprogramm (computer program).