German word

Instrument

Pronunciation

IPA/ɪnstruˈmɛnt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmusical instrument

Example

Sie kauft ein neues Instrument.

She is buying a new musical instrument.

Illustration for Instrument (musical instrument)

More examples

Sie spielt seit ihrer Kindheit ein Instrument.

She has been playing an instrument since childhood.

Core concept

A device used by a person to shape sound in performance or carry out a practical job.

Common phrases

  • am Instrument üben

    practice an instrument

  • Instrument spielen

    play an instrument

  • für ein Instrument sparen

    save up for an instrument

Similar words

Musikinstrument: A device designed specifically for making music.
Gerät: A machine or appliance that carries out a practical task.

Definition in German

Instrument ist ein Gerät, mit dem man Töne erzeugt oder Musik macht; im weiteren Sinn auch ein Werkzeug.

Word origin

Instrument comes from Latin instrumentum, an implement or means, formed from instruere, 'to equip or construct'.

Usage tips

  • In musical contexts, Musikinstrument makes the intended meaning explicit because Instrument also denotes a tool or apparatus.

Other meanings

  • apparatusnoun
  • toolnoun

Related words

  • Instrumentalistinstrumentalistnoun
  • instrumentellinstrumentaladjective

Word lists with this word