21 December 2025
What do you call a Connection in German?
It’s what keeps your internet running, your train schedule working, and your friendships alive. In German, it’s die Verbindung. This is your German word of the day, and it’s one of those words that links everything - literally and figuratively.
The noun Verbindung means connection, link, or association, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. Whether you’re talking about transport, relationships, or tech, this word is everywhere.
It’s a feminine noun, so we say die Verbindung (want gender to finally make sense? Watch our short and super-helpful video lesson to unlock the logic behind it).
Pronunciation
Verbindung is pronounced [fer-BIN-dung].
- Ver is unstressed, roughly “fer”; the r is often vocalized,
- bind like “binned,” with a short “i,”
- ung - short u, as in “put,” plus the ng of “sing”
- Stress is on the second syllable: ver-BIND-ung
It sounds solid and structural - just like a good connection.
Example sentences:
Die Verbindung ist leider sehr schlecht.The connection is unfortunately very poor.
Ich habe eine gute Verbindung nach Frankfurt.I have a good connection to Frankfurt.
Nuance and usage tips
Verbindung covers different types of connections, including:
- Physical or digital links
- Internetverbindung - internet connection
- Telefonverbindung - phone connection
- Transport connections
- Zugverbindung - train connection
- Flugverbindung - flight route
- Personal or professional relationships
- eine gute Verbindung zu jemandem haben - to have a good relationship with someone
- Chemical or structural bonds
- chemische Verbindung - chemical compound
- Stahlverbindung - steel joint
Typical expressions include:
- Verbindung herstellen - to establish a connection
- in Verbindung bleiben - to stay in touch
- Verbindung unterbrochen - connection interrupted
How does this word come up in real conversations?
Verbindung is one of those words you’ll hear constantly:
“Wir haben keine Verbindung.” - We have no signal.“Diese Verbindung ist nicht sicher.” - This connection isn’t secure.“Ich habe eine familiäre Verbindung nach Spanien.” - I have a family connection to Spain.
In both tech and human relationships, it’s your go-to word for “being linked.”
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Lena: Ich rufe dich gleich zurück. Die Verbindung ist schlecht.Mira: Okay. Ich versuch’s später nochmal.Lena: Vielleicht hab ich im Zug kein Netz.Mira: Kein Problem. Wir bleiben in Verbindung.
Lena: I’ll call you back. The connection is bad.Mira: Okay. I’ll try again later.Lena: Maybe I have no signal on the train.Mira: No problem. Let’s stay in touch.
Grammatical case examples:
Nominative:Die Verbindung war instabil.The connection was unstable.
Accusative:Ich habe die Verbindung nicht gefunden.I didn’t find the connection.
Dative:Mit der Verbindung hatte ich Schwierigkeiten.I had trouble with the connection.
Genitive:Die Qualität der Verbindung war entscheidend.The quality of the connection was crucial.
Feminine case pattern: die, die, der, der
Word variations and language tidbits
Useful compounds and phrases:
- Internetverbindung - internet connection
- Zugverbindung - train connection
- eine Verbindung abbrechen - to break off a connection; die Verbindung bricht ab - the connection drops
- in Verbindung treten - to get in contact
- Verbindungen haben - to have connections (to know the right people)
Cultural note: If you’re ever in a German university setting, Verbindung can also refer to a student fraternity - especially one with traditional uniforms, fencing, and rituals. But that’s a very specific use!
📘 Duden entry🎥 Want to confidently use the most important nouns in German? Our free video course walks you through the top 1000 with engaging visuals, grammar tips, and real-life examples that stick.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Do you know what Verfügung means? You’ll want it if you ever need access to anything important.What about Vergangenheit? That one might take you somewhere you haven’t been in a while.
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