Mobiltelefon

mobile phone, cell phone

noun mo-BEEL-teh-leh-fon Rare

Origin: Mobil from Latin mobilis 'movable'; Telefon from Greek.

Usage Note

Mobiltelefon is the formal and official term for a mobile phone in German. In everyday speech Handy dominates, but Mobiltelefon appears in official documents, legislation, and technical contexts.

Examples

"Die Verwendung von Mobiltelefonen ist im Unterricht nicht gestattet."

Natural Translation

The use of mobile phones is not permitted during lessons.

Literal Translation

The use of mobile-phones is in-the lesson not permitted.

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