double bass
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double bass
The largest and lowest string instrument in an orchestra, played while standing or sitting on a high stool.
Der Klang des Kontrabasses bildet das rhythmische und harmonische Fundament der Jazzband.
The sound of the double bass forms the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the jazz band.
The word consists of 'Kontra-' and 'Bass' (bass). In music, the prefix 'Kontra-' means 'one octave lower'. The double bass is therefore the instrument that produces even lower notes than a normal bass.
Im Orchester bilden Cello und Kontrabass die Gruppe der tiefen Streicher.
In the orchestra, cello and double bass form the group of low strings.
You can tell whether the instrument or the person is meant by the verb. Actions like 'üben' (to practice), 'spielen' (to play), or states like 'ist krank' (is sick) refer to the person. Actions like 'stimmen' (to tune), 'transportieren' (to transport), or 'bauen' (to build) refer to the instrument.
Der Kontrabass muss für das Konzert neu gestimmt werden.
The double bass has to be retuned for the concert.
The double bass is played differently depending on the style of music. Typical verbs are 'streichen' (to bow, in classical music) and 'zupfen' (to pluck, often in jazz).
In dieser Jazz-Ballade wird der Kontrabass nur gezupft.
In this jazz ballad, the double bass is only plucked.
bass
'der Bass' and 'der Kontrabass' can both mean a low musical instrument. 'Bass' is more general: it can be, for example, an electric bass or a double bass. 'Kontrabass' is more specific and means the large, low string instrument that you often see in an orchestra or in jazz. Learners may confuse the words because a double bass is a type of bass. If you mean the exact instrument, say 'Kontrabass'; if the type or function in the low range is what matters, 'Bass' is often appropriate.
Wegen seiner Größe braucht der Kontrabass im Auto fast den ganzen Platz.
Because of its size, the double bass takes up almost all the space in the car.
Der Bass gibt dem Lied einen warmen und tiefen Klang.
The bass gives the song a warm, deep sound.