Silbe
Meaning and Usage
A "Silbe" is a syllable in German, the basic phonological unit of a word. It is the part of a word that is pronounced with a single, uninterrupted sound.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "Silbe" has no prefix or suffix. It comes from the Middle High German "silbe," which in turn comes from the Old High German "silba," ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic "*silubô."
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Silbe" is similar to its English counterpart "syllable" both in meaning and in the sound of its pronunciation.
Cultural Context
Understanding syllables is crucial in learning German pronunciation and understanding the rhythm of the language.
Example Sentences
- Die Silbenzahl in diesem Wort ist leicht zu bestimmen. (It is easy to determine the number of syllables in this word.)
- Bitte zähle die Silben für mich. (Please count the syllables for me.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "Silbe," think of the word "syllable" in English and how it represents the same concept.
Additional Vocabulary
Related words: die Betonung (emphasis), die Aussprache (pronunciation), der Laut (sound)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
Noun: die Silbe (feminine) Plural: die Silben
Conjugation (for verbs)
Not applicable, as "Silbe" is a noun and therefore not a verb.