German Conversation · Level 17
88 words
German word
Trommel
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtʁɔməl/
Meaning
- feminine noundrum
Example
Er spielt die Trommel.
He plays the drum.
More examples
In der Ferne hörte man die dumpfe Trommel.
In the distance, one could hear the dull sound of a drum.
Core concept
A cylindrical body suggests both a skin-covered instrument and a rotating drum used as a machine part.
Common phrases
die Trommel schlagen
beat the drum
mit der Trommel den Takt schlagen
beat time with the drum
ein Trommelsolo geben
give a drum solo
Similar words
Schlagzeug: A set of drums and cymbals played together as a percussion instrument.
Kleine Trommel: A small, high-tension drum used in drum kits and military bands.
Pauke: A large orchestral drum struck with sticks to create a deep, resonant sound.
Becken: A metal percussion disc struck or clashed for a high, ringing sound.
Definition in German
ein meist rundes oder zylindrisches Schlaginstrument mit einem gespannten Fell, das durch Schläge mit der Hand oder einem Stock Töne erzeugt
Word origin
The German noun Trommel comes through Middle High German trumel from related medieval German forms such as Middle Low German tromme, probably echoing a drum sound.
Usage tips
- In technical contexts, Trommel can denote a rotating cylindrical drum, so context distinguishes an instrument from a machine part.
Other meanings
- cylindernoun
Opposites
- Stillesilencenoun
Related words
- trommelndrumverb
- Trommelstockdrumsticknoun
- Trommelwirbeldrum rollnoun