01
das Hörbuch
audiobook
An audio recording of a book that is read aloud by one or more speakers.
example
Auf langen Autofahrten höre ich am liebsten ein spannendes Hörbuch.
On long car trips, I prefer listening to an exciting audiobook.
das Hörbuch
audiobook
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a simple compound of the verb 'hören' (to hear/listen) and the noun 'Buch' (book). So it is literally a book that you listen to.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir das neue Hörbuch meines Lieblingsautors gekauft.
I bought the new audiobook by my favorite author.
Productive word part
The component 'Hör-' is also used in other words for acoustic media or experiences, for example in the word 'Hörspiel' (an audio play produced for radio) or 'Hörsaal' (a lecture hall at a university).
EXAMPLE
Als Kind habe ich gerne Hörspiele gehört.
As a child, I liked listening to audio plays.
Typical verb
A 'Hörbuch' (audiobook) is not 'gelesen' (read), but 'gehört' (listened to). Using the verb 'lesen' (to read) in this context is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Beim Putzen höre ich gerne Hörbücher.
I like listening to audiobooks while cleaning.
Compare with
Hörbuch vs Podcast
podcast
'der Podcast' and 'das Hörbuch' are both listened to as audio on a phone or computer. The difference lies in the content and the form. A podcast is usually a series with episodes, often about conversations, knowledge, news, or personal topics. An audiobook is a book that is read aloud. Learners may confuse the words because you can listen to both on the go. When it is about individual episodes of a series, 'Podcast' fits. When a book is read aloud as audio, 'Hörbuch' fits.
Hörbuch
Auf der langen Fahrt hat die Fahrerin ein Hörbuch gehört.
On the long drive, the driver listened to an audiobook.
Podcast
Am Morgen hört Adam einen Podcast über Gesundheit.
In the morning, Adam listens to a podcast about health.
In real life
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