It’s what powers your phone, frustrates your printer, and separates amateurs from pros. In German, it’s die Technik. This is your German word of the day, and it’s one of those flexible terms that fits into science, everyday life, and even the arts.
The noun Technik means technology or technique, depending on the context—and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. From school to sports to engineering, this word is everywhere.
It’s a feminine noun, so we say die Technik (not confident with gender yet? Our video lesson will help you spot the patterns and remember them with ease).
Pronunciation
Technik is pronounced [TEKH-nik].
Tech like “tech” in technology, but with a German “ch” sound like in Bach
nik rhymes with “Nick”
Stress is on the first syllable: TECH-nik
It sounds precise, modern, and structured—just like what it describes.
Example sentences:
Die Technik funktioniert heute nicht.
The technology isn’t working today.
Mit der richtigen Technik geht es viel leichter.
With the right technique, it’s much easier.
Nuance and usage tips
Technik can mean two different but related things:
Technology / equipment / hardware
Moderne Technik erleichtert den Alltag. – Modern tech makes everyday life easier.
Die Technik im Studio ist veraltet. – The equipment in the studio is outdated.
Technique / method / skill execution
Seine Lauftechnik ist beeindruckend. – His running technique is impressive.
Du musst an deiner Atemtechnik arbeiten. – You need to work on your breathing technique.
It’s often paired with an adjective or specific field:
Computertechnik – computer tech
Aufnahmetechnik – recording equipment
Kameratechnik – camera technology
Schwimmtechnik – swimming technique
How does this word come up in real conversations?
It’s very common in schools, training, sports, music, and technical jobs:
“Ich bin nicht gut mit Technik.” – I’m not good with technology.
“Er hat die Technik perfektioniert.” – He’s perfected the technique.
“Die neue Technik ist noch nicht installiert.” – The new tech isn’t installed yet.
You’ll also hear it in customer support and repair scenarios.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Timo: Warum funktioniert der Beamer nicht?
Lena: Keine Ahnung. Technikprobleme.
Timo: Schon wieder?
Lena: Willkommen im digitalen Zeitalter.
Timo: Why isn’t the projector working?
Lena: No idea. Tech issues.
Timo: Again?
Lena: Welcome to the digital age.
Grammatical case examples:
Nominative:
Die Technik hat sich in den letzten Jahren stark verändert.
Technology has changed a lot in recent years.
Accusative:
Ich habe die Technik nicht verstanden.
I didn’t understand the technique.
Dative:
Mit der Technik kenne ich mich aus.
I know my way around the technology.
Genitive:
Die Weiterentwicklung der Technik ist faszinierend.
The further development of the technology is fascinating.
Feminine case pattern: die, die, der, der
Word variations and language tidbits
Common related terms:
Techniker(in) – technician
Technologie – (more formal or scientific) technology
Technikwunder – technological marvel
Technikmuseum – technology museum
Technikfeindlich – anti-tech / technophobic
Technikfreak – tech nerd
Cultural note: Germans tend to distinguish between Technik (how something is built or executed) and Technologie (the field or science behind it). You’ll also hear Technik used when praising skill or precision, especially in performance and sports.
📘 Duden entry
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