sound
der Schall, die Schalle
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sound
The propagation of pressure and density fluctuations in a medium such as air or water, which can be perceived as a noise or tone.
Im Vakuum des Weltalls gibt es keinen Schall, da ein Medium für seine Ausbreitung fehlt.
In the vacuum of outer space, there is no sound, because there is no medium for it to travel through.
sound and smoke
A fixed expression meaning that something is unimportant, fleeting, or only an illusion.
Seine großen Versprechungen waren am Ende nur Schall und Rauch.
In the end, his big promises were nothing but sound and smoke.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schalle |
| genitive | des Schalls |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Schall | die Schalle die Schälle |
| accusative | den Schall | die Schalle die Schälle |
| dative | dem Schall | den Schallen den Schällen |
| genitive | des Schalls des Schalles | der Schalle der Schälle |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word 'Schall' (sound) is mainly used in a scientific or technical context to describe the physical phenomenon of sound. A plural form is not commonly used.
Licht ist viel schneller als Schall.
Light is much faster than sound.
'Schall' (sound) is the base word for many technical terms. Common compounds are 'die Schallgeschwindigkeit' (the speed of sound), 'die Schallwelle' (the sound wave), and 'die Schalldämmung' (sound insulation).
Gute Fenster sorgen für eine effektive Schalldämmung.
Good windows provide effective sound insulation.
The expression 'Schall und Rauch' (sound and smoke) is a fixed unit and means that something is fleeting or meaningless. It is usually used with the verb 'sein' (to be).
Seine ganzen Pläne waren am Ende nur Schall und Rauch.
In the end, all his plans were nothing but sound and smoke.
tone / clay
Ton and Schall can both refer to something audible, but they emphasize different aspects. A Ton is a particular sound with a specific pitch and quality, whereas Schall describes the propagation that makes noises or tones audible. Use Ton for what is heard and Schall for its propagation.
Durch die Wände konnte sich der Schall des Lautsprechers ausbreiten.
The sound from the speaker was able to spread through the walls.
Aus dem Lautsprecher kam ein hoher, klarer Ton.
A high, clear tone came from the speaker.
