German word

Software

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈsɔftvɛːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsoftware

Example

Ich installiere die neue Software.

I'm installing the new software.

Illustration for Software (software)

More examples

Ich habe die Software gestern heruntergeladen.

I downloaded the software yesterday.

Core concept

An invisible layer of programs and related data that lets a computer perform useful tasks.

Common phrases

  • Software herunterladen

    download software

  • Software-Update durchführen

    perform a software update

  • für die Software bezahlen

    pay for software

Similar words

Programm: A standalone piece of software designed to perform a specific function or task.
App: A small, easy-to-use software application for a smartphone or tablet.
Anwendung: Software operated by users to accomplish a particular purpose.
Softwareprodukt: A finished software product made for sale on the market.

Definition in German

Software bezeichnet Programme sowie zugehörige Daten, die auf Rechnern ausgeführt werden und Anwendungen ermöglichen.

Word origin

English coined software in the mid-20th century from soft, contrasting with hardware, and ware, meaning goods or articles; German borrowed the term.

Usage tips

  • Software is feminine in German, so the standard article is die, as in die neue Software.

Opposites

  • Hardwarehardwarenoun

Related words

  • Software-Updatesoftware updatenoun
  • Softwareproduktsoftware productnoun

Word lists with this word