das Handy, -s
cell phone · mobile phone · cellphone · phone
Ein kleines tragbares Gerät, mit dem man telefonieren, Nachrichten schreiben und ins Internet gehen kann.
The German word "Handy" is a noun used specifically to refer to a mobile phone or cellphone. Despite its English-sounding construction, the word "Handy" as used in German does not have an equivalent meaning in English. It appears to stem ostensibly from the notion of a phone being "handy" (i.e., convenient), and widely popularized with the spread of mobile phones.
Similar terms for "Handy" in English would be "mobile phone" or "cell phone". Interestingly, the term "Handy" may cause confusion between English and German speakers because in English, "handy" could describe something that is convenient or useful, not specifically a mobile phone. Meanwhile, in German, "Handy" directly signifies the mobile communication device prevalently used worldwide.
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Examples
Dein Handy klingelt.noun
Your cell phone is ringing.
Das Handy liegt auf dem Tisch.noun
The mobile phone is on the table.
Sein Handy liegt auf dem Tisch.noun
His cell phone is on the table.
Mein Handy hat einen neuen Klingelton.noun
My cellphone has a new ringtone.
Das Handy klingelt in meiner Tasche.noun
The phone is ringing in my pocket.
Das Handy klingelt.noun
The cell phone is ringing.
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