German Conversation · Level 91
59 words
German word
Pfeife
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈpfaɪ̯fə/
Meaning
- feminine nounwhistle
Example
Der Trainer hat eine Pfeife um den Hals.
The coach has a whistle around his neck.
More examples
Die Wanderin hatte eine Notpfeife, um im Notfall Hilfe zu rufen.
The hiker had an emergency whistle to call for help in an emergency.
Core concept
A narrow hollow object turns breath into a sharp signal or carries smoke; colloquially, the same word can describe a person regarded as useless.
Common phrases
Notpfeife
emergency whistle
eine Pfeife zur Hand haben
have a whistle at hand
bei einem Spiel die Pfeife benutzen
use the whistle at a game
Similar words
Glocke: A metal instrument that rings to announce visitors, times, or ceremonies.
Sirene: A warning device that emits a loud sound over a long distance.
Klingel: A small bell that rings when pressed on a door or bicycle.
Hupe: A vehicle device that makes a short, loud sound to warn others.
Definition in German
Handliches Gerät, das durch Pusten einen klaren Ton erzeugt und als Signal dient; das Wort bezeichnet auch eine Tabakpfeife und wird umgangssprachlich abwertend für eine untaugliche Person verwendet.
Word origin
Pfeife entered German through Old High German pfīfa and Middle High German pfīfe from Latin pipa, a word for a pipe.
Usage tips
- Pfeife is feminine, with the basic forms die Pfeife and die Pfeifen; its plural ends in -n rather than remaining unchanged.
Other meanings
- pipenoun
Opposites
- Stillesilencenoun
Related words
- Signalpfeifesignal whistlenoun
- Pfeiferwhistlernoun
- verpfeifenrat onverb