Refers to the content-related and technical combination of different media such as text, images, sound, video, and animation in a digital system, often with interactive elements.
example
Die neue Ausstellung im Museum nutzt Multimedia, um die Geschichte lebendig zu machen.
The new exhibition in the museum uses multimedia to bring history to life.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is an internationalism and is made up of 'multi' (Latin for 'many') and 'Media' (Latin for 'media'). So it literally describes the use of many different media.
EXAMPLE
Moderne Webseiten sind oft reich an Multimedia.
Modern websites are often rich in multimedia.
Use without an article
Similar to words for materials or substances, 'Multimedia' (multimedia) is often used without an article when referring to the concept in general.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Kurs lernen wir, wie man mit Multimedia arbeitet.
In this course, we learn how to work with multimedia.
Common compound
'Multimedia' (multimedia) is very often used as the first part of compound nouns to describe something more precisely. Examples are 'Multimedia-Anwendung' (multimedia application), 'Multimedia-Inhalte' (multimedia content), or 'Multimedia-Projekt' (multimedia project).
EXAMPLE
Er entwickelt eine neue Multimedia-Anwendung für Schulen.
He is developing a new multimedia application for schools.