der / das  Laptop

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlaptɔp/

💻 What does "Laptop" mean and which article is correct?

A Laptop (also called Notebook in German) is a portable computer designed for mobile use. It combines a screen (*Bildschirm*), keyboard (*Tastatur*), touchpad (*Touchpad*) or trackpoint, and the computing unit (*Rechnereinheit*) in a foldable case (*Gehäuse*).

There's a peculiarity regarding the article: Both der Laptop (masculine) and das Laptop (neuter) are common and correct. The Duden (authoritative German dictionary) recommends "der Laptop", likely based on similar masculine tech terms like *"der Computer"* or *"der Rechner"* (calculator/computer). *"Das Laptop"* aligns more closely with the neuter English origin ("the laptop" -> "it"). Both forms are widely used and understood.

• Der Laptop (Masculine): More frequently recommended and used, aligning with similar German tech terms.
• Das Laptop (Neuter): Also correct and common, based on the English origin.

🚨 There are no differences in meaning between *"der Laptop"* and *"das Laptop"*. The choice of article is often a matter of personal preference or regional habits.

🧐 Grammar: The Declension of "Laptop"

Here you can see the declension for both possible genders: masculine (*der*) and neuter (*das*).

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Laptop steht auf dem Schreibtisch. (The laptop is on the desk.)
• Ich brauche einen neuen Akku für meinen Laptop. (I need a new battery for my laptop. - using masculine accusative)
• Das Laptop ist sehr leicht und dünn. (The laptop is very light and thin.)
• Kannst du mir das Laptop kurz leihen? (Can you lend me the laptop for a moment? - using neuter accusative)
• Die Festplatte des Laptops ist voll. (The laptop's hard drive is full. - Genitive is the same for both genders)
• Alle Laptops müssen während des Starts ausgeschaltet sein. (All laptops must be turned off during takeoff. - Plural is the same for both genders)

💡 How "Laptop" is Used

"Laptop" is a very common word in German, especially in the fields of Technik (technology), Arbeit (work), Bildung (education), and Freizeit (leisure). It clearly refers to the portable computer.

• Context: Used in both formal and informal conversations. In technical specifications or retail, the term "Notebook" is often found and used synonymously.
• Article Choice: As mentioned, both *"der"* and *"das"* are correct. *"Der"* is somewhat more common and preferred by reference works like the Duden. In everyday language, the choice is often individual.
• Differentiation: A *Laptop* differs from a Desktop-PC (not portable) and a Tablet (usually without a permanently attached keyboard, focus on touch operation). An Ultrabook is a particularly thin and light type of laptop.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

• Remembering the article (der/das): Think of der Computer (masculine) or das Gerät (neuter device). Both somewhat fit a laptop, so both articles are okay! Or: Der guy (masc.) types on das thing (neuter).

• Remembering the meaning: The word comes from English: "Lap" + "Top". So, a *Laptop* is something you can use "on top of your lap". Picture yourself comfortably sitting with the computer on your lap. 💻🛋️

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Terms (Caution - potential confusion):

• Tablet: A flat computer, usually without a keyboard, primarily operated via touchscreen.
• Netbook: An older category of very small, low-power, and inexpensive laptops.
• Ultrabook: A category defined by Intel for particularly thin, light, and powerful laptops.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Laptop kalte Füße? Weil er Windows offen hatte!

English: Why does the laptop have cold feet? Because it had Windows open! (Pun: "Windows offen haben" can mean having the software Windows open, or literally having windows open letting cold air in.) 🥶

📜 A Poem about the Laptop

German:
Ob der, ob das, ist nicht so klar,
Doch nützlich ist er, wunderbar.
Klappe auf, der Schirm erhellt,
Die digitale, weite Welt.

Tasten klappern, leis und schnell,
Im Café oder im Hotel.
Arbeit, Spiel, bei Tag und Nacht,
Der Laptop hat's möglich gemacht.

English Translation:
Whether 'der' or 'das', isn't so clear,
But useful it is, wonderfully dear.
Flip it open, the screen shines bright,
Revealing the digital world's vast light.

Keys clatter softly, swift and low,
In cafés or hotels, wherever you go.
Work and play, by day and night,
The laptop made it all take flight.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich habe Tasten, doch kein Klavier.
Ich hab' 'nen Schirm, doch kein Regenschirm hier.
Ich zeige dir die Welt, ganz flach und klein,
Du klappst mich zu, dann schlaf' ich ein.
Man sagt mal "der", man sagt mal "das" zu mir,
Was bin ich nur, sag es mir!

English Translation:
I have keys, but not a piano's sound.
I have a screen, but no umbrella around.
I show you the world, quite flat and small,
You fold me shut, and asleep I fall.
Sometimes they call me "der", sometimes "das" I hear,
What am I then, tell me, my dear?

Solution: Der/Das Laptop (The Laptop)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The term "Laptop" is an Anglicism, directly adopted from English. It combines "lap" and "top", describing the original idea of being able to use the device on one's lap.

Prevalence (Verbreitung): Laptops have become extremely widespread in recent decades and are indispensable in modern life (*moderner Alltag*). They are central tools for work (*Arbeit*), education (*Bildung*), and entertainment (*Unterhaltung*).