German word

Cello

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʃɛloː/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncello

Example

Er spielt das Cello.

He plays the cello.

Illustration for Cello (cello)

More examples

Das Orchester bat um ein Solo für Cello.

The orchestra asked for a solo for cello.

Core concept

A wooden body rests between the player's knees while a bow draws a deep, resonant voice from four strings.

Common phrases

  • ein Solo für Cello

    a solo for cello

  • am Cello üben

    practice the cello

Similar words

Violine: A bowed string instrument held on the shoulder that produces high notes.
Bratsche: A bowed string instrument held on the shoulder that produces middle and low notes.
Kontrabass: A large string instrument played with the fingers or a bow in a very low register.
Violoncello: The formal name for a large bowed string instrument with a low register.

Definition in German

Tief klingendes Streichinstrument mit vier Saiten, das im Sitzen mit dem Bogen gespielt und vor dem Körper gehalten wird.

Word origin

German Cello comes from Italian violoncello, the diminutive of violone, a term for a large bass string instrument.

Usage tips

  • Cello is neuter in German, so the standard article is das Cello; the plural forms are Cellos and Celli.

Related words

  • Cellobogencello bownoun
  • Cellolehrercello teachernoun

Word lists with this word