The German word for program is das Programm.
Programm in German can refer to a television schedule, an event itinerary, a software application, or even a plan of action. It’s used in both digital and analog contexts—practical, broadcast, and political alike.
It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (and included in our free illustrated PDF).
Gender and Pronunciation
It’s a neuter noun: das Programm.
Need gender hacks that work? This video lesson can help you memorize them for good.
Pronunciation:
Programm is pronounced [pro-GRAHM]
“pro” like in “project”
“GRAHM” rhymes with “calm”
Two syllables: pro-GRAHM
Example sentences
Das Programm beginnt um acht Uhr.
The program starts at 8 o’clock.
Ich habe ein neues Computerprogramm installiert.
I installed a new computer program.
Das Festival bietet ein buntes Programm.
The festival offers a colorful schedule.
How does this word come up in real conversations?
"Kennst du das neue Programm auf ZDF?"
Do you know the new show on ZDF?
"Welches Programm benutzt du zum Schneiden?"
Which program do you use for editing?
"Unser heutiges Programm ist ziemlich voll."
Our schedule today is pretty packed.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Tina: Was steht heute im Programm?
Jonas: Erst Frühstück, dann ein Workshop.
Tina: Und danach?
Jonas: Freizeit bis Abendessen!
Translation:
Tina: What’s on the schedule today?
Jonas: First breakfast, then a workshop.
Tina: And after that?
Jonas: Free time until dinner!
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:
Das Programm ist sehr abwechslungsreich.
The program is very diverse.
Accusative:
Ich habe das Programm gestern gesehen.
I watched the program yesterday.
Dative:
Mit dem neuen Programm arbeite ich schneller.
I work faster with the new program.
Genitive:
Die Inhalte des Programms sind interessant.
The contents of the program are interesting.
Other ways to say program in German
While Programm is the go-to for program in German, you might hear Sendung for individual TV episodes or Anwendung for apps. For schedules or agendas, Ablaufplan or Tagesordnung might appear.
Word variations and tidbits
You’ll hear Fernsehprogramm (TV guide), Computerprogramm (software), Tagesprogramm (daily schedule), Kulturprogramm (cultural schedule), and Bildungsprogramm (educational program). In politics, Wahlprogramm is a party platform.
📘 Duden entry for Programm
🎥 Want a solid learning Programm? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 German nouns—with examples, structure, and a printable PDF.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Opfer means? Many Programme aim to support them.
And what about Realität? Sometimes, the Programm is better than real life.