die / das  App

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ap/

📱 What exactly is an *App*?

The word App is a short form of the English word 'application' and refers to an *Anwendungsprogramm* (application program), usually for mobile devices (*Smartphones, Tablets*) or desktop computers.

There are two possible articles for 'App' in German:

• die App (feminine): This is the much more common and recommended form. It derives from the feminine German word 'die Applikation' or 'die Anwendung' (the application).
• das App (neuter): This form is rarer and is sometimes used in technical jargon or regionally. It might be influenced by the neuter word 'das Programm' (the program). ⚠️ Using 'das App' can sometimes be perceived as less standard, although it is permitted according to the Duden dictionary.

🧐 Grammar Check: Declining *die* or *das App*

The declension differs depending on the article used. Here are the tables for both forms:

Declension "die App" (feminine - more common)

Declension "das App" (neuter - rarer)

Example Sentences

1. Ich habe mir gestern eine neue App heruntergeladen. (I downloaded a new app yesterday.) [die App]
2. Der Speicherplatz meines Handys ist voll mit Apps. (My phone's storage is full of apps.) [Plural]
3. Die Entwicklung der App hat lange gedauert. (The development of the app took a long time.) [Genitive, die App]
4. Mit dieser App kann man Fotos bearbeiten. (With this app, you can edit photos.) [Dative, die App]
5. Im technischen Datenblatt wird es als 'das App XY' bezeichnet. (In the technical data sheet, it is referred to as 'das App XY'.) [das App - rarer context]

💡 Everyday Use: When to say what?

In general language use, especially when talking about mobile applications, die App is the standard form.

• "Welche Wetter-App benutzt du?" (Which weather app do you use?)
• "Diese Lern-App ist wirklich hilfreich." (This learning app is really helpful.)
• "Ich brauche eine App für meine Online-Banking-Geschäfte." (I need an app for my online banking.)

You hear das App less often. Possible contexts:

• Technical jargon: When referring more neutrally to a software module.
• Regional differences: In some areas, 'das App' might be more common.
• Uncertainty: Sometimes speakers use 'das' when unsure about the article (similar to 'das E-Mail').

Recommendation: When in doubt, always use die App. You'll be correct in the vast majority of cases and sound standard.

There's little risk of confusion, as 'App' is a very specific term, clearly distinguished from the broader terms 'Anwendung' (application) or 'Programm' (program), even though it's a short form of them.

🧠 Mnemonics for *App*

For the article: Think of the German origin word: It's die Applikation, so it's usually die App too. The neuter 'das App' is rare, like a four-leaf clover – possible, but unusual!

For the meaning: An 'App' is like an 'appetizer' – a small, practical software bite for your device.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Similar but Different Terms

• Widget: A small control element on the screen, often part of an app, but not the app itself.

😂 An App Joke

Warum hat das Smartphone beim Therapeuten angerufen?

Es hatte zu viele Probleme mit seinen Apps! 😄

(Why did the smartphone call the therapist? It had too many issues/problems [in German: 'Probleme', also 'apps']!)

✍️ App Poem

Ob Wetter, Spiel, ob Chat, ob Plan,
die App zieht uns in ihren Bann.
Ein Fingertipp, die Welt wird weit,
für jede Lebenslage steht sie bereit.
Man sagt auch 'das App', doch hör gut hin,
'die Applikation' steckt meistens drin.
So merk dir leicht: Feminin klingt's gut,
gibt deinem Handy neuen Mut.

(Whether weather, game, chat, or plan,
the app casts its spell on us.
A fingertip, the world expands,
ready for every situation.
One also says 'das App', but listen closely,
'die Applikation' is mostly within.
So remember easily: Feminine sounds good,
gives your phone new courage.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich wohne auf deinem Handy klein,
mal nützlich, mal zum Zeitvertreib allein.
Man lädt mich runter, klickt mich an,
ich helf' dir, so gut ich kann.
Meist bin ich weiblich, manchmal sächlich,
mein Name kurz und sehr alltäglich.

Wer bin ich?

(I live small on your phone,
Sometimes useful, sometimes just for fun alone.
You download me, click on me,
I help you as best as I can be.
Mostly I'm feminine, sometimes neuter,
My name is short and very common, a suitor.

What am I?)

(Solution: die/das App)

💡 Other Info about *App*

• Origin: The word is a shortening of the English term 'application software'.
• Word Formation: It's frequently used in compound words, e.g.: Handy-App (mobile app), Web-App, Fitness-App, Banking-App, App-Store, App-Entwicklung (app development).
• Pronunciation: [ɛp] (as in English)