German music has given the world everything from classical masterpieces to industrial metal. Whether you're jamming with German musicians or just want to understand liner notes, here's the vocabulary you need.
Instruments & Equipment
Die Gitarre
/diː ɡɪˈtaʁə/“Guitar”
The guitar. Whether acoustic (akustisch) or electric (elektrisch), this is essential vocabulary.
Der Verstärker
/deːɐ̯ fɛɐ̯ˈʃtɛʁkɐ/“Amplifier”
The amp. No rock band is complete without one.
Das Mikrofon
/das mɪkʁoˈfoːn/“Microphone”
Mic. Essential for vocalists and stage banter.
Genres & Styles
Klassische Musik
/ˈklasɪʃə muˈziːk/“Classical music”
From Bach to Beethoven, Germany's classical legacy is unmatched.
Elektronische Musik
/elɛkˈtʁoːnɪʃə muˈziːk/“Electronic music”
Kraftwerk pioneered it. Berlin's clubs perfected it.
Metal
/ˈmɛtl̩/“Metal”
Rammstein, Blind Guardian, Helloween – Germany does metal right.
Music Theory Terms
Der Takt
/deːɐ̯ takt/“Bar/measure”
The measure in sheet music. Also means 'tact' – don't confuse them!
Die Tonart
/diː ˈtoːnˌaːɐ̯t/“Key”
The key signature. Dur = major, Moll = minor.
Das Tempo
/das ˈtɛmpo/“Tempo”
Speed of the music. Not to be confused with the Italian coffee order.
Band & Performance Terms
Die Band
/diː bɛnt/“Band”
Pronounced like 'bent'. Yes, really.
Die Probe
/diː ˈpʁoːbə/“Rehearsal”
Band practice. Essential before any gig (der Gig).
Die Zugabe
/diː ˈt͡suːˌɡaːbə/“Encore”
When the crowd won't let you leave the stage.
Pro tip: Many German musicians speak excellent English, but using these terms shows respect – and might get you backstage.
Next Steps
Want more music vocab? Check out our guide to Slovak music genres or how to navigate German public transport to your next concert.
