01
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
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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 aktiv
active
'aktiv' and 'mobil' can both describe that someone is not passive and can do a lot. 'Aktiv' emphasizes that a person does something, participates, or gets involved. It can also mean that something is in operation. 'Mobil' emphasizes mobility more: a person can get easily from one place to another, or something can be moved. With older people, the two words can sound similar: an 'aktive' person does a lot of activities, while a 'mobile' person can still move around well and be out and about.
mobil
Nach der Operation ist mein Großvater wieder mobil und geht allein einkaufen.
After the operation, my grandfather is mobile again and goes shopping by himself.
aktiv
Trotz ihres vollen Jobs bleibt Anna im Sportverein sehr aktiv.
Despite her full-time job, Anna remains very active in the sports club.
In real life
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