smartphone
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smartphone
A mobile phone that offers not only calling functions but also computer-like functions, such as internet access, email, and the use of apps.
Mit meinem neuen Smartphone kann ich unterwegs meine Bankgeschäfte erledigen.
With my new smartphone, I can take care of my banking while I'm on the go.
'Smartphone' is a loanword from English and is made up of 'smart' (klug, intelligent) and 'phone' (Telefon). So the literal meaning is 'intelligent phone'.
Das erste Smartphone kam vor über 20 Jahren auf den Markt.
The first smartphone came onto the market over 20 years ago.
To describe an action on the device, you use the preposition 'auf' with the dative. To express that someone is busy with it, people often say colloquially 'am Smartphone sein/hängen' (to be on/glued to one's smartphone).
Ich habe die Nachricht auf meinem Smartphone gelesen.
I read the message on my smartphone.
Common verbs connected with a smartphone are 'nutzen' (to use), 'entsperren' (to unlock), 'laden' (to charge), and 'einrichten' (to set up).
Ich muss mein Smartphone laden, der Akku ist fast leer.
I have to charge my smartphone; the battery is almost dead.
mobile phone / cell phone
'das Handy' and 'das Smartphone' both mean a mobile phone. 'Handy' is the more general everyday word in German. It can simply mean a mobile phone or cell phone. 'Smartphone' is more precise when the device has internet, apps, and many computer-like functions. Today, many people also mean a smartphone when they say 'Handy', so the words can easily be confused. If the technical features are important, 'Smartphone' is more precise. If the point is simply that you can call someone or be reachable while on the go, 'Handy' is often enough.
Mit dem neuen Smartphone kann Mehmet seine E-Mails schneller lesen.
With the new smartphone, Mehmet can read his emails faster.
Beim Training bleibt das Handy in der Tasche.
During training, the cell phone stays in the bag.