microphone
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microphone
A technical device that converts sound waves into electrical signals in order to record or amplify sounds.
Der Redner klopfte leicht auf das Mikrofon, um zu prüfen, ob es eingeschaltet war.
The speaker tapped lightly on the microphone to check whether it was switched on.
The word comes from Greek. The part 'mikro' means 'small' and 'phon' means 'voice' or 'sound'. So a 'Mikrofon' (microphone) is literally a device for 'small sounds' or for amplifying them.
Moderne Mikrofone sind sehr empfindlich.
Modern microphones are very sensitive.
The following actions are often associated with a microphone: 'in ein Mikrofon sprechen' (to speak into a microphone), 'ein Mikrofon halten' (to hold a microphone), 'ein Mikrofon ein- oder ausschalten' (to switch a microphone on or off), and 'ein Mikrofon einstellen' (to adjust a microphone).
Vor der Aufnahme müssen wir das Mikrofon richtig einstellen.
Before the recording, we need to adjust the microphone properly.
Pay attention to the case after prepositions. You say 'in das Mikrofon' (into the microphone; accusative, direction) or stand 'vor dem Mikrofon' (in front of the microphone; dative, location).
Der Journalist sprach direkt in das Mikrofon der Kamera.
The journalist spoke directly into the camera's microphone.
mic
'das Mikro' and 'das Mikrofon' mean the same device. The difference is mainly in style. 'Mikro' is the short, colloquial form and sounds very natural in conversation. 'Mikrofon' is the full form and works well in neutral, technical, or somewhat more formal situations. The words are easy to confuse because they refer to the same thing. If you are speaking casually, 'Mikro' is normal. If you want to be more precise or more formal, use 'Mikrofon'.
Vor dem Vortrag prüft sie das Mikrofon am Rednerpult.
Before the presentation, she checks the microphone at the lectern.
Mehmet merkt erst in der Schule, dass sein Mikro nicht funktioniert.
Mehmet only realizes at school that his mic is not working.