German word

Sinfonie

Pronunciation

IPA/zɪnfoˈniː/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsymphony

Example

Ich habe gestern eine Sinfonie gehört.

I listened to a symphony yesterday.

Illustration for Sinfonie (symphony)

More examples

Der Dirigent probt die Sinfonie vor dem Konzert.

The conductor is rehearsing the symphony before the concert.

Core concept

A large orchestral journey moves through contrasting movements that belong together as one work.

Common phrases

  • eine Sinfonie hören

    listen to a symphony

  • eine Sinfonie komponieren

    compose a symphony

  • eine Sinfonie aufführen

    perform a symphony

Similar words

Konzert: A multi-movement work featuring a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.
Sonate: An instrumental work in several movements for one or a few performers.
Oper: A staged musical drama in which singers convey a story.
Kammermusik: Instrumental music written for a small group and performed in an intimate setting.

Definition in German

Sinfonie, ein meist viersätziges Instrumentalwerk für Orchester, bei dem einzelne Sätze zu einem zusammenhängenden Ganzen verbunden werden.

Word origin

Sinfonie entered German through Italian sinfonia from Latin symphonia, ultimately from Greek symphōnia, meaning sounds together or harmony.

Usage tips

  • Sinfonie is feminine: die Sinfonie, eine Sinfonie, and the plural Sinfonien.

Related words

  • sinfonischsymphonicadjective
  • Sinfonieorchestersymphony orchestranoun
  • Sinfonikersymphony orchestra membernoun

Word lists with this word