German word

Theater

Pronunciation

IPA/teˈaːtɐ/

Meaning

  • neuter nountheater

Example

Wir gehen ins Theater.

We are going to the theater.

Illustration for Theater (theater)

More examples

Ich kaufe online Karten fürs Theater.

I buy tickets for the theater online.

Core concept

A public stage turns stories and emotions into visible performances, while the same staged quality can describe exaggerated behavior or fuss.

Common phrases

  • ins Theater gehen

    go to the theater

  • eine Vorstellung im Theater sehen

    see a performance at the theater

Similar words

Kino: A building or venue where films are screened for viewers.
Vorstellung: One performance or show given for an audience.
Schauspiel: A scripted dramatic work performed by actors.
Bühne: The area set aside for actors or performers during a show.

Definition in German

Theater ist ein Ort (Gebäude oder Saal) für Aufführungen; im sprachlichen Gebrauch steht es außerdem für theatralische, übertriebene Darstellung oder großes Aufheben.

Word origin

Theater comes through Latin theatrum from Greek theatron, meaning a place for viewing, and German later extended the performance sense to exaggerated behavior.

Usage tips

  • The phrase Theater machen means to make a fuss or create unnecessary drama, not to produce a play.

Other meanings

  • dramanoun
  • fussnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Theaterbesuchtheater visitnoun
  • Theaterkartetheater ticketnoun

Word lists with this word