der  Monitor

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/moˈniːtoːɐ̯/

🖥️ What does "der Monitor" mean?

The German word der Monitor is always masculine and has several meanings:

• Screen/Display Device: The most common meaning refers to a technical device for visually displaying data, like a Computerbildschirm (computer screen) or TV screen. Example: Mein neuer Monitor hat eine tolle Auflösung. (My new monitor has a great resolution.)
• Monitoring Device: It can also refer to a device used to monitor conditions or processes, e.g., in medicine (Herzmonitor - heart monitor) or technology. Example: Der Monitor zeigte stabile Vitalwerte an. (The monitor showed stable vital signs.)
• Supervisor/Proctor (less common): In specific contexts (e.g., school, exams), it can denote a person who supervises or controls something or someone. However, this meaning is less common than German words like Aufseher or Betreuer. Example: Der Monitor achtete darauf, dass niemand abschrieb. (The supervisor made sure nobody cheated.)

🚨 Although the word originates from English, it's firmly established in German and always used with the masculine article der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Monitor

The noun "Monitor" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Declension Masculine (der Monitor)

Example Sentences

1. Der Monitor meines Laptops ist kaputt.
   (The monitor of my laptop is broken. - Nominative Singular)
2. Die Qualität des neuen Monitors ist beeindruckend.
   (The quality of the new monitor is impressive. - Genitive Singular)
3. Ich schließe meine Tastatur an den Monitor an.
   (I connect my keyboard to the monitor. - Accusative Singular, if the monitor has a USB hub)
4. Die Daten werden auf mehreren Monitoren angezeigt.
   (The data is displayed on several monitors. - Dative Plural)

💡 How to use "der Monitor"

The term "Monitor" is mainly used in technical contexts:

• Computer Technology: Most commonly for a computer screen (Computermonitor, Gaming-Monitor, Flachbildschirm-Monitor - flat-screen monitor).
• Medical Technology: For monitoring bodily functions (Herzmonitor - heart monitor, Patientenmonitor - patient monitor).
• Studio Technology: As a control loudspeaker or screen (Studiomonitor, Regiemonitor - control room monitor).
• Surveillance Technology: For camera systems or other monitoring displays.

Compared to "Bildschirm" (screen), "Monitor" often emphasizes the function of both displaying and monitoring data or signals. "Bildschirm" is more general and can also refer to a projection screen. The meaning of "supervisor" is rather rare and usually found in specific institutional contexts (e.g., school, university), where often the English word is used directly, or German alternatives like "Aufsichtsperson" (supervisor) are preferred.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Monitor"

For the article 'der': Think of der Computer – many technical devices ending in -er are masculine in German, just like der Monitor. Imagine a big, strong male screen showing powerful images.

For the meaning 'screen': A moniTOR shows you a TOUR of the digital world.

For the meaning 'supervisor': Think of a school moniTOR who makes sure everyone behaves – he has the authoriTY (masculine role often implied traditionally).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef seinen IT-Mitarbeiter: "Warum starren Sie eigentlich immer auf den Monitor?" Antwortet der IT-Mitarbeiter: "Ich warte auf die Bildschirmpause!"

English: The boss asks his IT employee: "Why are you always staring at the monitor?" The IT employee replies: "I'm waiting for the screen break!" (Pun: Bildschirmpause = screen break / screensaver)

📜 A Poem about the Monitor

German:
Der Monitor, ein glattes Rechteck, kalt und klar,
zeigt Welten digital, Jahr für Jahr.
Mal Arbeit, mal Vergnügen, buntes Licht,
er ist aus uns'rem Alltag nicht mehr wegzudenken, schlicht.

English:
The monitor, a smooth rectangle, cold and clear,
shows digital worlds, year after year.
Sometimes work, sometimes pleasure, colourful light,
it's simply indispensable from our daily life, quite.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich habe ein Gesicht, doch keinen Mund,
\zeige dir Bilder, Sekund' um Stund'.
Am Computer bin ich meist zu Haus,
mal flach, mal breit, mal grau, mal Mausgrau.

Was bin ich?

English:
I have a face, but no mouth to speak,
I show you pictures, hour by the week.
At the computer, I'm usually found,
Sometimes flat, sometimes wide, on solid ground.

What am I?

Solution: Der Monitor (The Monitor)

➕ Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word "Monitor" comes from the Latin verb monere, meaning "to remind", "to warn", "to advise". A monitor was originally someone who warns or advises. This meaning still resonates when thinking of monitoring devices that warn of dangers or deviations (e.g., a heart monitor).

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen):

"Monitor" is often part of compound nouns in German:

• Computermonitor: Computer screen.
• Herzmonitor: Heart monitor (medical device).
• Studiomonitor: Studio monitor (speaker or screen for control in audio/video studios).
• Babyfon/Babymonitor: Baby monitor (often with a camera).
• Ultrawide-Monitor: Ultra-wide screen.