der  Receiver

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁɪˈsiːvɐ/

📡 What exactly is a Receiver?

The term Receiver (pronounced [ʁiˈsiːvɐ] in German) is a loanword from English (an Anglizismus) and is primarily used in German in a technical context. It refers to a receiving device (Empfangsgerät) that receives signals (e.g., radio, television, or satellite signals) and processes them for further handling or playback.

Typical examples include:

• AV-Receiver: A central component in home cinema systems (Heimkinoanlagen), receiving audio and video signals from various sources, amplifying them, and forwarding them to speakers and screens.
• Satelliten-Receiver (Sat-Receiver): Receives TV and radio programs via a satellite dish.
• Kabel-Receiver: Receives TV and radio programs via the cable network.
• DVB-T2-Receiver: Receives digital terrestrial television.

⚠️ Important: In German, 'Receiver' is always masculine (der Receiver).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Der Receiver in Detail

The word 'Receiver' is a masculine noun (maskulines Substantiv). It is declined like most masculine nouns ending in -er borrowed from English. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der neue Receiver unterstützt Dolby Atmos.
   (The new receiver supports Dolby Atmos.)
2. Ich habe Probleme mit dem Empfang meines Satelliten-Receivers.
   (I'm having problems with the reception of my satellite receiver.)
3. Schließe das HDMI-Kabel an den Receiver an.
   (Connect the HDMI cable to the receiver.)
4. Die Auswahl an Receivern ist riesig.
   (The selection of receivers is huge.)

⚙️ Application and Context

The term Receiver is used almost exclusively in a technical context, especially concerning consumer electronics (Unterhaltungselektronik) and signal reception (Signalempfang).

• Home Cinema & Hi-Fi: Here, the AV receiver is often the heart of the system (das Herzstück der Anlage).
• TV Reception: Sat, cable, or DVB-T2 receivers are necessary if the TV doesn't have an integrated tuner or if additional features are desired.
• Network Technology: Sometimes the term is used for network components that receive data (e.g., WLAN-Receiver), although 'Empfänger' or more specific terms are more common here.

Distinction from 'Empfänger':

The German word 'Empfänger' has a broader meaning. It can also refer to a technical device (synonym for Receiver), but also to a person who receives something (e.g., a letter, a message, a payment).

Example:

• Technical: "Der Empfänger des Radiosignals ist defekt." ('Receiver' could also be used here if it's the specific component).
• Person: "Der Empfänger des Pakets war nicht zu Hause." ('Receiver' is inappropriate here).

In technical contexts, 'Receiver' is often preferred because it's more specific and internationally understood (due to its English origin).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article (der): Think of DER technical box, DER boss (der Chef) in the home cinema, DER apparatus that receives the signals. Many technical devices in German are masculine (der).

For the Meaning (Empfangsgerät / Receiving Device): The English word "receive" means "empfangen" in German. So, a Receiver is simply something that receives – a receiving device.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:

• Rezipient: Usually refers to a person who receives or perceives something (often art or information), not primarily a technical device.
• Hörer: Usually refers to the telephone receiver (handset) or a person who listens.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der alte Receiver so schlecht funktioniert?

(Why did the old receiver work so poorly?)

Er hatte wohl Empfangsstörungen in seiner Beziehung zum Fernseher!

(It probably had reception problems ('Empfangsstörungen' also sounds like 'relationship problems') in its relationship with the TV!)

🎵 A Poem about the Receiver

Der Kasten schwarz, modern und schick,
bringt Bild und Ton mit nur 'nem Klick.
Signale fängt er aus der Luft,
vertreibt im Wohnzimmer den Muff.
Der Receiver, klug und stark,
verbindet Welten, Tag für Tag.
Vom Satellit, vom Kabelstrang,
ertönt Musik und Wortgesang.

---

(The box black, modern and chic,
brings picture and sound with just a click.
It catches signals from the air,
banishes staleness from the living room's lair.
The Receiver, clever and strong,
connects worlds, all day long.
From satellite, from cable's strand,
resounds music and spoken command.)

🧩 Who or What am I?

Ich habe viele Augen (Anschlüsse), aber kann nicht sehen.
Ich fange Wellen, ohne im Wasser zu stehen.
Ich spreche nicht, doch bringe Stimmen in dein Haus.
Ich bin oft schwarz und sehe technisch aus.

---

(I have many eyes (connections), but cannot see.
I catch waves without standing in the sea.
I don't speak, yet bring voices into your place.
I'm often black with a technical face.)

(Answer: Der Receiver / The Receiver)

💡 Other Information

Word Origin (Wortherkunft):

The word comes directly from the English verb "to receive". It has established itself in German as a technical term in electronics.

Compounds (Zusammensetzungen):

The term 'Receiver' often forms part of compound nouns to specify the type of reception:

• Satellitenreceiver (satellite receiver)
• Kabelreceiver (cable receiver)
• AV-Receiver (Audio/Video receiver)
• WLAN-Receiver (Wi-Fi receiver)