German word

Akkordeon

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈkɔʁdeˌɔn/

Meaning

  • neuter nounaccordion

Example

Er hat ein Akkordeon gekauft.

He bought an accordion.

Illustration for Akkordeon (accordion)

More examples

Sie lernte schnell, Akkordeon zu spielen.

She quickly learned to play the accordion.

Core concept

A box-shaped instrument expands and contracts a bellows while keys or buttons control its metal reeds.

Common phrases

  • Akkordeon spielen

    play the accordion

  • Akkordeon kaufen

    buy an accordion

Similar words

Handharmonika: A hand-pumped portable reed instrument often used for folk music or street performances.
Pianoakkordeon: A bellows-driven reed instrument with piano keys for playing melody and chords together.
Konzertina: A compact two-ended button instrument played by squeezing and stretching its bellows.
Bandoneon: A compact button accordion with a dark sound, strongly associated with tango music.

Definition in German

Ein Balginstrument mit Tasten oder Knöpfen, das durch Zusammendrücken und Auseinanderziehen des Balgs Luft über Metallzungen leitet und so Töne erzeugt.

Word origin

German Akkordeon was borrowed from French accordéon, a name related to accord for musical harmony or a chord and ultimately to Latin accordare.

Usage tips

  • Akkordeon is neuter, so the standard article is das; its plural is Akkordeons, not Akkordeone.

Related words

  • Akkordeonistaccordionistnoun
  • Akkordeonspielaccordion playingnoun

Word lists with this word