mobil
mobile
Able to move; capable of moving or being moved from one place to another.
EXAMPLE
Dank meines Laptops und des Firmenwagens bin ich beruflich sehr mobil.
Thanks to my laptop and the company car, I’m very mobile for work.
mobil
mobile
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Meanings
mobil
mobile
Relating to mobile communications technology, especially with regard to phones and the internet.
EXAMPLE
Das mobile Netz ist hier auf dem Land leider sehr schlecht.
Unfortunately, the mobile network here in the countryside is very poor.
mobil
mobile
Physically or mentally lively and active, often referring to older people.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter ist mit 90 Jahren noch erstaunlich mobil und macht alles selbst.
At 90, my grandmother is still amazingly mobile and does everything herself.
Usage tips
Word family: movement
The word 'mobil' (mobile) comes from the Latin 'movere' (to move). You can also recognize this root in words like 'Automobil' (automobile, a vehicle that is movable) or 'Immobilien' (real estate, immovable goods).
EXAMPLE
Ein Automobil ist ein Fahrzeug, das einen mobil macht.
An automobile is a vehicle that makes you mobile.
Work and everyday life
In the meaning 'beweglich' (able to move / flexible), 'mobil' is often used in a work context to express flexibility. Typical phrases are 'beruflich mobil sein' (to be mobile for work) or 'einen mobilen Arbeitsplatz haben' (to have a mobile workplace).
EXAMPLE
Als Beraterin bin ich viel unterwegs und muss sehr mobil sein.
As a consultant, I travel a lot and have to be very mobile.
Context: technology
When 'mobil' comes before nouns like 'Netz' (network), 'Daten' (data), or 'Telefon' (phone), it always refers to mobile communications technology. Here it is used almost exclusively as an adjective before a noun.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe auf meinem Handy kein mobiles Internet mehr für diesen Monat.
I don’t have any mobile internet left on my phone for this month.
Context: health
In connection with older people or health, 'mobil sein' (to be mobile) or 'mobil bleiben' (to stay mobile) means that someone is physically and/or mentally fit and active.
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßige Spaziergänge helfen ihr, auch im hohen Alter mobil zu bleiben.
Regular walks help her stay mobile even at an advanced age.
Compare with
mobil vs tragbar
portable / acceptable / wearable
When referring to a device, both “mobil” and “tragbar” can be appropriate. “Tragbar” emphasizes that a person can easily take it with them, while “mobil” here highlights use while on the move or via a mobile connection. If the focus is on carrying the device, “tragbar” is appropriate; if the focus is on mobile use, “mobil” is more suitable.
mobil
Mit dem mobilen Internet kann ich auch unterwegs arbeiten.
With mobile internet, I can work while on the go.
tragbar
Der tragbare Computer ist klein genug für meinen Rucksack.
The portable computer is small enough to fit in my backpack.
In real life
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