cello
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cello
A large string instrument from the violin family that is held between the knees when played. The official term is violoncello.
Sie spielt seit ihrer Kindheit Cello im Orchester.
She has played cello in the orchestra since childhood.
'Cello' is the common short form of the official Italian name 'Violoncello' (violoncello). In German, both terms are understood, but 'Cello' (cello) is much more common in everyday language.
Das Violoncello gehört zur Familie der Streichinstrumente.
The violoncello belongs to the family of string instruments.
When talking about making music, you use the fixed expression 'Cello spielen' (to play cello). As a rule, no article is placed before 'Cello' (cello).
Mein Bruder lernt seit zwei Jahren, Cello zu spielen.
My brother has been learning to play cello for two years.
To express which piece is being played on the instrument, you use the preposition 'auf' followed by the dative. The structure is: 'etwas auf dem Cello spielen' (to play something on the cello).
Er spielte eine Sonate von Bach auf dem Cello.
He played a sonata by Bach on the cello.
violin
'die Geige' and 'das Cello' are both string instruments, so learners may confuse them. They belong to the same instrument family and are played with a bow. But the difference is clear: the violin is small, has a high pitch, and is held against the shoulder and chin while playing. The cello is much larger, sounds lower, and stands between the knees while playing. If you are thinking of a small, high-pitched instrument, 'Geige' fits. For a large, low-pitched instrument, 'Cello' fits.
Tom setzte sich auf den Stuhl und stellte das Cello zwischen seine Knie.
Tom sat down on the chair and placed the cello between his knees.
Am Wochenende spiele ich Geige bei einem kleinen Konzert im Gemeindehaus.
At the weekend, I play violin in a small concert at the community center.