der  Rechner

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁeːçnɐ/

🖥️ What does "der Rechner" mean?

The German word der Rechner primarily has two meanings:

1. Computer: An electronic device for processing data. This is the most common meaning today. It can refer to a desktop PC, a laptop, or even larger computer systems.
   • Example: Mein alter Rechner ist sehr langsam geworden. (My old computer has become very slow.)
2. Calculator: A small, often handheld device for performing mathematical calculations.
   • Example: Für die Prüfung brauchen wir einen Taschenrechner. (We need a calculator for the exam.)

Less commonly, it can refer to a person who calculates, but this usage is rather dated or context-dependent.

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand whether a Computer or a Taschenrechner is meant. Usually, nowadays, it refers to a computer.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar in Detail: Der Rechner

Der Rechner is a masculine noun. The plural is die Rechner.

Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Rechner startet nicht mehr. (The computer doesn't start anymore.)
• Genitive: Die Leistung des Rechners ist beeindruckend. (The performance of the computer is impressive.)
• Dativ: Ich arbeite gerade an dem Rechner. (I am currently working on the computer.)
• Accusative: Sie hat sich einen neuen Rechner gekauft. (She bought herself a new computer.)
• Plural: In diesem Büro stehen viele Rechner. (There are many computers in this office.)

💡 How to use "der Rechner"?

Context is key:

• In everyday life and at work, der Rechner is mostly used as a synonym for Computer (PC, laptop, etc.). Example: "Schalte bitte deinen Rechner ein." (Please turn on your computer.)
• In school or for mathematical tasks, it often means Taschenrechner (calculator). Example: "Darf ich deinen Rechner kurz ausleihen?" (Can I borrow your calculator for a moment?)
• Sometimes, people specify to avoid ambiguity: "Taschenrechner" vs. "Computer" or "PC".

Distinction from other words:

• Computer: Is a more direct synonym for the electronic data processing machine. "Rechner" can be slightly more general or also mean the calculator.
• Laptop/Notebook: Specifically refers to a portable computer. A Laptop is always a Rechner, but not every Rechner is a Laptop.
• Taschenrechner: Clearly the device for calculations.

Using "Rechner" for computer is very common and understood in almost all contexts in German.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Rechner"

For the article "der":

Think of DER Terminator using DER Rechner (computer) to calculate... well, terminating stuff. He's a masculine figure (der).

For the meaning:

The word comes from the German verb "rechnen" which means to calculate or reckon. A Rechner is a device that does the reckoning for you - whether it's complex data (computer) or simple sums (calculator).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential Confusion):

• Rechnung (die): Means 'invoice' or 'calculation'. Not the device itself.
• Richter (der): Means 'judge'. Sounds vaguely similar but is unrelated.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Programmierer: "Können Sie eigentlich auch Witze erzählen?" Programmierer: "Klar, aber mein Rechner braucht immer etwas länger, um die Pointe zu kompilieren."

English: The boss asks his new programmer: "Can you actually tell jokes?" Programmer: "Sure, but my computer always takes a bit longer to compile the punchline."

✍️ Poem about the Rechner

German:
Der Rechner, klug und schnell,
Löst Aufgaben auf der Stell'.
Ob Code, Text oder Spiel,
Er kann unglaublich viel.

Manchmal meint er klein und fein,
Den Taschenrechner, muss auch sein.
Doch meistens ist's der Kasten schlau,
Der Rechner, grau in grau.

English Translation:
The Rechner, smart and fast,
Solves problems, a task unsurpassed.
Be it code, text, or game,
It achieves so much fame.

Sometimes it means small and neat,
The calculator, can't be beat.
But mostly it's the clever box you see,
The Rechner, grey as can be.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich habe Tasten, doch kein Klavier.
Ich zeige Zahlen und Bilder dir.
Ich kann rechnen, schreiben, spielen,
Helfe Menschen bei Zielen vielen.

Mal bin ich groß, mal passe ich in die Tasche klein,
Doch immer bin ich schlau und fein.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I have keys, but no piano bright.
I show numbers and images to your sight.
I can calculate, write, and play,
Helping people achieve goals each day.

Sometimes I'm big, sometimes fit in a pocket small,
But always I am clever, standing tall.

What am I? (... Der Rechner - the computer / calculator)

🧩 Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word Rechner derives directly from the verb rechnen (to calculate, to compute, to reckon). Originally, it referred to a person who performed calculations (compare how English 'computer' also initially referred to people). With the development of calculating machines and later electronic computers, the meaning shifted to the devices themselves.

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzung):

There are many compound words (Komposita) using "Rechner", for example:

• Taschenrechner (pocket calculator)
• Großrechner (mainframe computer)
• Quantenrechner (quantum computer)
• Rechnernetzwerk (computer network)
• Rechnerleistung (computing power)
• Bordrechner (on-board computer, e.g., in a car)