philharmonic / concert hall
Loading your saved state.
philharmonic orchestra
A large, professional symphony orchestra. The term is often used as a short form of 'Philharmonisches Orchester' (philharmonic orchestra).
Die Wiener Philharmonie ist für ihr Neujahrskonzert weltberühmt.
The Vienna Philharmonic is world-famous for its New Year's Concert.
The word 'Philharmonie' comes from Greek and literally means 'love of harmony' or 'friend of music'. It is made up of 'philos' (friend, loving) and 'harmonia' (harmony, concord).
Die Liebe zur Musik spiegelt sich im Namen „Philharmonie“ wider.
The love of music is reflected in the name 'Philharmonie' (philharmonic).
You can tell from the context whether the orchestra or the building is meant. If musicians or an ensemble are being talked about, it is the orchestra. If it is about a place that you visit, it is the concert hall.
Die Berliner Philharmonie reist für ein Konzert nach Japan. (Orchester)
The Berlin Philharmonic is traveling to Japan for a concert. (orchestra)
When you mean the concert hall, use 'in die Philharmonie' for direction and 'in der Philharmonie' for location. This follows the rule for two-way prepositions with the accusative (wohin? = where to?) and dative (wo? = where?).
Fahren wir heute Abend in die Philharmonie?
Are we going to the philharmonic hall tonight?
orchestra
'Orchester' and 'Philharmonie' can both refer to a large group of musicians, especially in classical music. 'Orchester' is the more general word for a large group of musicians with different instruments. 'Philharmonie' often means a very professional symphony orchestra, but it can also mean the concert hall. That is why the words can be confused: sometimes people are talking about the musicians, and sometimes about the building. If you generally mean the group, 'Orchester' is safer. If it is about a well-known large orchestra or the concert hall, 'Philharmonie' fits.
Am Sonntag spielen wir in der Philharmonie ein klassisches Konzert.
On Sunday we are playing a classical concert in the Philharmonie.
Das Orchester probt heute Abend für das Konzert am Samstag.
The orchestra is rehearsing this evening for the concert on Saturday.