German word

Roboter

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɔbɔtɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounrobot

Example

In der Fabrik arbeiten viele Roboter.

Many robots work in the factory.

Illustration for Roboter (robot)

More examples

Zu Hause hilft ein Roboter beim Staubsaugen.

At home, a robot helps with the vacuuming.

Core concept

A machine-shaped worker carries out human tasks on its own or under remote control.

Common phrases

  • einen Roboter steuern

    control a robot

  • Roboter als Assistent

    robot as an assistant

  • Android-ähnliche Roboter

    android-like robots

Similar words

Maschine: A powered device that performs physical work.
Automat: A machine programmed to perform set actions automatically without direct operation.
Serviceroboter: A robot built to assist people with everyday activities.
Android: A humanoid robot made to imitate human appearance and movements.

Definition in German

Automatisch oder ferngesteuert arbeitendes Gerät, das menschliche Tätigkeiten ersetzt oder unterstützt.

Word origin

German Roboter was borrowed from Czech robot, a term popularized by Karel Capek's 1920 play R.U.R. and related to Czech robota, meaning forced labor.

Usage tips

  • Roboter is masculine, with der Roboter in the singular and die Roboter in the plural; the noun form does not change for number.

Opposites

Related words

  • Roboterarmrobot armnoun
  • robotisierenrobotizeverb
  • Robotertechnikrobot technologynoun

Word lists with this word