German word

Mobiltelefon

Pronunciation

IPA/moːˈbiːlteleˌfoːn/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncell phone

Example

Zwei Mobiltelefone klingelten gleichzeitig.

Two cell phones rang at the same time.

Illustration for Mobiltelefon (cell phone)

More examples

Ich muss mein Mobiltelefon aufladen, bevor wir losfahren.

I have to charge my cell phone before we leave.

Core concept

A small device carried in a pocket connects a person by voice while also serving as a portable digital tool.

Common phrases

  • das Mobiltelefon aufladen

    charge the cell phone

  • ein Mobiltelefon benutzen

    use a cell phone

  • mit dem Mobiltelefon surfen

    surf the internet on a cell phone

Similar words

Handy: A colloquial term for a small mobile phone used in everyday speech.
Smartphone: A portable phone with internet access and app capabilities.
Telefon: A broad term for a device that enables voice calls.

Definition in German

Ein mobiles Gerät zum Telefonieren, das unabhängig von einem festen Anschluss unterwegs funktioniert und oft zusätzliche Funktionen bietet.

Word origin

The compound joins "mobil", meaning mobile, to "Telefon", a word formed from Greek elements for distance and sound.

Usage tips

  • "Mobiltelefon" is common in formal or technical contexts, while everyday speech often uses "Handy" for the same device.

Opposites

  • Festnetztelefonlandline phonenoun

Related words

  • Mobiltelefonvertragcell phone contractnoun
  • Mobiltelefonherstellercell phone manufacturernoun
  • Mobiltelefonnummercell phone numbernoun

Word lists with this word