01
der Klang
sound
The specific way something sounds; the quality of the tone of a voice, a musical instrument, or a noise.
example
Der warme Klang des Cellos erfüllte den Konzertsaal.
The warm sound of the cello filled the concert hall.
der Klang
sound
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Klang' (sound) belongs to the word family of the verb 'klingen' (to sound). When something sounds, it has a 'Klang' (sound). This connection helps you understand the meaning as the result of an audible process.
EXAMPLE
Ich mag den Klang von Regen auf einem Dach.
I like the sound of rain on a roof.
Typical collocations
To describe the quality of a tone, 'Klang' (sound) is often combined with adjectives such as 'hell' (bright), 'dunkel' (dark), 'voll' (full), 'klar' (clear), or 'dumpf' (muffled).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Stereoanlage hat einen sehr klaren Klang.
The new stereo system has a very clear sound.
Context clue
You can recognize this figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about a real noise. Instead, 'Klang' (connotation) refers to abstract things like words, names, or ideas in order to describe their associated effect.
EXAMPLE
Der Name der Firma hat in der Branche einen guten Klang.
The company's name has a good reputation in the industry.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Klang' (connotation) is often used with adjectives such as 'positiv' (positive), 'negativ' (negative), 'seltsam' (strange), or 'ironisch' (ironic). It usually appears in the fixed expression 'einen ... Klang haben' (to have a ... connotation/undertone).
EXAMPLE
Seine Entschuldigung hatte einen ironischen Klang.
His apology had an ironic undertone.
Compare with
Klang vs Stimme
voice / vote
'die Stimme' and 'der Klang' can both describe how something sounds. 'die Stimme' belongs to a person and is produced when speaking or singing. 'der Klang' is more general: it can belong to a voice, an instrument, or a noise. When it is about the person who is speaking or singing, 'Stimme' is more precise. When you are describing the quality of what can be heard, for example warm, bright, or soft, 'Klang' often fits.
Klang
Der Klang der Gitarre war warm und ruhig.
The sound of the guitar was warm and calm.
Stimme
Am Telefon habe ich sofort die Stimme meiner Schwester erkannt.
On the phone, I recognized my sister's voice immediately.
In real life
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