das Klavier
piano
A large keyboard instrument in which pressing keys makes small hammers strike strings to produce sounds.
EXAMPLE
Sie lernt seit fünf Jahren, Klavier zu spielen.
She has been learning to play piano for five years.
das Klavier
piano
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The most common combination is 'Klavier spielen' (to play piano). In this fixed expression, 'Klavier' is treated like part of the verb and appears without an article.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder kann sehr gut Klavier spielen.
My brother can play piano very well.
Preposition 'am'
To express that someone is sitting at the instrument and playing or practicing, you use the preposition 'am' (at the). The phrase is 'am Klavier sitzen' (to sit at the piano).
EXAMPLE
Er saß stundenlang am Klavier und komponierte ein neues Lied.
He sat at the piano for hours and composed a new song.
Typical verbs
Besides 'spielen' (to play), 'Klavier üben' (to practice piano) and 'sich ans Klavier setzen' (to sit down at the piano) are also very common combinations.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Nachmittag muss ich eine Stunde Klavier üben.
Every afternoon I have to practice piano for an hour.
Compare with
Klavier vs Flügel
wing / grand piano
A Flügel and a Klavier are both large keyboard instruments. Klavier is the general name for the instrument, while Flügel refers to a specific type with horizontally arranged strings. Use Klavier when the type of construction is unimportant, and Flügel when you mean this particular concert instrument.
Klavier
Meine Schwester übt jeden Abend Klavier im Wohnzimmer.
My sister practices the piano in the living room every evening.
Flügel
Für das Konzert wurde ein großer Flügel auf die Bühne gestellt.
A large grand piano was placed on the stage for the concert.
In real life
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