German word

Air

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nountune

Example

Ich pfeife ständig das Air.

I am constantly whistling that tune.

Illustration for Air (tune)

More examples

Seit dem Konzert habe ich ständig ein Air im Kopf.

Since the concert, I have constantly had a tune in my head.

Core concept

A memorable melody that can be carried by a voice or a whistle.

Common phrases

  • Air im Kopf haben

    have a tune in one's head

  • ein Air summen

    hum a tune

  • ein Air singen

    sing a tune

Similar words

Melodie: A connected series of notes performed by a voice or instrument.
Refrain: A recurring section of a song, often with the same words.
Lied: A relatively short piece of music with lyrics.
Motiv: A brief musical idea that returns several times in a piece.

Definition in German

Air bezeichnet eine singbare, meist kurze Melodie oder ein wiederkehrendes musikalisches Motiv, das leicht erkennbar bleibt.

Word origin

Air entered German as a French musical borrowing, with French air connected to the Italian term aria.

Usage tips

  • Air is used as a German noun with a capital letter, even though its English-looking spelling can suggest the unrelated word for atmosphere.

Other meanings

  • arianoun

Opposites

  • Schweigensilencenoun

Word lists with this word