A2 noun #1,000 most common 7 min read

der Kontakt

At the A1 level, der Kontakt is introduced as a basic noun for social interaction. Learners focus on the simplest form: having or not having contact. You learn that it is a masculine noun ('der') and that the plural is 'die Kontakte'. The most important phrase at this stage is 'Ich habe Kontakt zu...', which helps you describe your family or friends. You also learn it in the context of your phone's address book. The focus is on the concrete: a person you know is a 'Kontakt'. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Mein Kontakt ist hier' or 'Hast du meine Nummer?'. It is one of the first words used to build a social vocabulary in German, allowing you to say who you talk to and who you don't. The concept of 'networking' isn't yet relevant; it's all about basic human connection.
At the A2 level, the use of der Kontakt expands into more functional daily life scenarios. You start using verbs like 'aufnehmen' (to establish) and 'halten' (to keep). You learn to express the idea of 'staying in touch' using 'in Kontakt bleiben'. This is also the stage where you begin to understand the prepositional requirement 'zu + Dativ'. You might describe your social life in more detail: 'Ich habe wenig Kontakt zu meinen alten Nachbarn.' You also encounter the word in more public settings, such as filling out forms that ask for 'Kontaktdaten' (contact details). The word becomes a tool for managing your social environment and navigating basic professional interactions, like asking for a contact person at a company. You are expected to handle the accusative case correctly: 'Ich suche einen Kontakt.'
By B1, you use der Kontakt to discuss more complex social and professional topics. You learn idiomatic expressions like 'Kontakte knüpfen' (to network/make contacts). You can discuss the quality of contact, using adjectives like 'eng' (close), 'regelmäßig' (regular), or 'flüchtig' (fleeting). You also start to see the word in technical or abstract contexts, such as 'Augenkontakt' (eye contact) or 'Kundenkontakt' (customer contact). In B1, you are expected to write letters or emails where you might say 'Ich freue mich auf unseren Kontakt' or 'Vielen Dank für den netten Kontakt'. The word is no longer just about a phone number; it's about the process of communication. You also learn to use it in the passive or more formal structures, such as 'mit jemandem in Kontakt treten'.
At the B2 level, der Kontakt appears in more specialized and academic contexts. You might read about 'soziale Kontakte' in a sociological text or 'Kontaktlinsen' (contact lenses) in a health article. You understand the nuances between 'Kontakt', 'Verbindung', and 'Beziehung'. You can use the word to describe abstract concepts, like the 'Kontakt' between two different cultures or ideas. In professional German, you use it to discuss 'Netzwerken' and the importance of 'Vitamin B' (relationships/contacts). You are comfortable with the genitive case: 'Die Pflege des Kontakts ist wichtig.' You also encounter technical terms like 'Wackelkontakt' in metaphorical senses, describing an unreliable relationship. Your ability to use the word in varied registers—from slang to highly formal—is expected.
At the C1 level, your use of der Kontakt is sophisticated and precise. You use it in complex sentence structures and can discuss its philosophical implications. For example, you might analyze the 'Mangel an zwischenmenschlichem Kontakt' (lack of interpersonal contact) in modern society. You understand the subtle difference between 'Kontakt aufnehmen' and 'in Kontakt treten', choosing the latter for formal diplomatic or business contexts. You can use compound nouns effectively, such as 'Kontaktaufnahme' or 'Kontaktfreudigkeit' (sociability). In literature or high-level journalism, you recognize 'Kontakt' as a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical. You are able to debate the impact of digital media on 'echten Kontakt' (real contact) versus 'virtuellen Kontakt'. Your grammar is flawless, including the correct use of the dative plural 'Kontakten'.
At the C2 level, der Kontakt is a tool for nuance and stylistic flair. You might use it in academic papers to describe the 'Kontaktzone' in linguistics or post-colonial studies. You are aware of the word's history and its Latin roots, and you can use it in highly abstract ways, such as 'der Kontakt der Seele mit der Außenwelt'. You can navigate the most formal environments, using phrases like 'die Intensivierung der Kontakte' in a political speech. You also understand very specific technical uses in fields like electrical engineering or chemistry without hesitation. At this level, you can play with the word, using it ironically or metaphorically in creative writing. You have a complete grasp of all synonyms and can explain exactly why 'Kontakt' is the best choice in a given sentence compared to 'Umgang' or 'Verkehr'.

der Kontakt in 30 Seconds

  • Der Kontakt is a masculine noun meaning 'contact' or 'connection'.
  • It is used for social networking, physical touch, and electrical connections.
  • Common phrases include 'in Kontakt bleiben' and 'Kontakt aufnehmen'.
  • The plural form is 'die Kontakte', and it often takes the preposition 'zu'.
The German noun der Kontakt is a versatile and essential term that mirrors the English word 'contact' in many ways, yet it carries specific nuances in German social and technical contexts. At its core, it refers to the state of touching, communicating, or being in a relationship with someone or something. In everyday German life, particularly at the A2 level, you will most frequently encounter it when discussing social relationships and networking. Whether you are meeting a new neighbor, exchanging phone numbers with a colleague, or trying to stay in touch with old friends, the word der Kontakt is your primary tool for describing these interactions.
Social Interaction
In a social sense, it describes the connection between people. You might say you have 'viel Kontakt' (much contact) with your family or 'wenig Kontakt' (little contact) with former classmates. It encompasses everything from a brief chat to a lifelong friendship.

Ich habe noch immer engen Kontakt zu meinen Schulfreunden.

Beyond the social sphere, der Kontakt is also used in technical and physical contexts. If you are talking about electricity, a 'Wackelkontakt' refers to a loose connection. In a medical or physical sense, it refers to the actual touching of surfaces. However, for most learners, the focus remains on the 'menschliche Kontakt' (human contact). Germans value their privacy, so 'Kontakt aufnehmen' (establishing contact) often follows specific social protocols, such as using formal titles until invited to do otherwise. In professional settings, 'Kontakte knüpfen' (to tie/make contacts) is the standard way to say 'networking'. This imagery of 'tying' suggests the active effort required to build a professional circle.
Technical Usage
In physics or engineering, it refers to the junction where two conductors meet. If your phone isn't charging, a German technician might say the Kontakt is dirty.

Vorsicht, die Batterie hat keinen richtigen Kontakt.

Understanding the breadth of this word allows you to navigate both a cocktail party and a hardware store with equal confidence. It is a 'bridge' word that connects human emotion with physical reality.
Using der Kontakt correctly requires attention to its grammatical gender (masculine) and the common verbs it associates with. In the nominative case, it acts as the subject: 'Der Kontakt ist wichtig.' In the accusative case, which is very common, it often follows verbs like 'haben', 'suchen', or 'verlieren'. For example, 'Ich suche den Kontakt zu neuen Leuten.' Notice how 'den' changes to reflect the masculine accusative.
Verbal Collocations
Common verbs include 'aufnehmen' (to start), 'halten' (to keep), and 'abbrechen' (to break off). Each verb changes the dynamic of the relationship described.

Wir müssen unbedingt in Kontakt bleiben, wenn du umziehst.

The phrase 'in Kontakt bleiben' (to stay in contact) is a fixed expression where 'Kontakt' doesn't take an article. This is a crucial point for learners: when expressing the state of being in touch, the article is often dropped. However, when referring to a specific person in your address book, you would use the plural: 'Meine Kontakte sind auf dem Handy gespeichert.' Another common pattern is 'Kontakt zu + Dativ'. 'Hast du Kontakt zu deinem Bruder?' (Are you in touch with your brother?). Here, the preposition 'zu' is mandatory to link the contact to the person.
Prepositional Usage
'Mit' is also used, but 'zu' is more frequent when describing the existence of a relationship. 'In Kontakt mit jemandem treten' is a more formal way to say you are reaching out to someone.

Die Firma ist bereits mit dem Kunden in Kontakt getreten.

Mastering these patterns allows for precise communication about social dynamics.
You will hear der Kontakt in a variety of settings, from the mundane to the highly professional. In a digital age, one of the most common places is on your smartphone or computer. The 'Contacts' app is always labeled 'Kontakte' in German. When you meet someone new at a party, they might say, 'Lass uns Kontakte austauschen' (Let's exchange contact info).
The Workplace
In business, 'Ansprechpartner' is often used for a specific person, but 'Kontakt' is used for the general connection. You might hear: 'Haben Sie einen Kontakt bei dieser Firma?'

Bitte hinterlassen Sie Ihre Kontaktdaten auf dem Formular.

In the news or in sociological discussions, you'll hear about 'soziale Kontakte'. During the pandemic, the term 'Kontaktbeschränkungen' (contact restrictions) became a household word. This highlights how the word scales from the individual to the societal level. In technical manuals, you'll see it frequently. If you're fixing a car or a computer, 'der elektrische Kontakt' is a term you cannot avoid. Even in the world of dating, 'erster Kontakt' refers to that first message or meeting.
Daily Life
At the doctor's office: 'Hatten Sie Kontakt zu infizierten Personen?' This shows the word's importance in health and safety.

Der Kontakt mit Wasser sollte vermieden werden.

Whether it's a social link or a physical touch, the word is omnipresent.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the wrong preposition. While in English we say 'contact with', in German, 'Kontakt zu' is often more natural for social relationships. Using 'mit' isn't always wrong, but 'zu' is the standard for 'being in touch with'.
Preposition Confusion
Incorrect: Ich habe Kontakt mit meine Mutter. Correct: Ich habe Kontakt zu meiner Mutter. (Note the dative case after 'zu').

Falsch: Ich mache Kontakt. Richtig: Ich nehme Kontakt auf.

Another common error is the literal translation of 'to make contact'. In German, you don't 'make' (machen) contact; you 'take it up' (aufnehmen). Saying 'Ich mache Kontakt' sounds very non-native and confusing. Learners also struggle with the plural. It's 'die Kontakte', not 'die Kontakten' (unless it's in the dative case). Using the wrong plural ending is a minor but noticeable mistake.
Article Omission
In the phrase 'in Kontakt bleiben', don't use an article. Saying 'in dem Kontakt bleiben' is grammatically possible but sounds very strange in this idiomatic context.

Wir haben den Kontakt verloren. (We lost touch).

Lastly, don't confuse 'Kontakt' with 'Anschluss'. While 'Anschluss' can mean connection (like a train or phone line), 'Kontakt' is specifically about the interaction or the physical point of meeting.
German has several words that overlap with der Kontakt, and choosing the right one can make your German sound much more sophisticated.
Verbindung vs. Kontakt
'Verbindung' (connection) is often used for technical links (internet, phone) or deep emotional bonds. 'Kontakt' is more about the act of communication or the specific link itself.

Die Verbindung zwischen uns ist sehr stark.

Another alternative is 'der Umgang'. This refers more to 'socializing' or 'associating' with people. If you say 'Er hat schlechten Umgang', it means he hangs out with the wrong crowd. 'Kontakt' is more neutral. 'Die Berührung' is the word for physical touch. While 'Kontakt' can mean physical contact, 'Berührung' is more specific to the sensation of touching.
Beziehung
'Beziehung' means relationship. You can have 'Kontakt' with someone without having a 'Beziehung' (like a one-time business contact).

Wir pflegen einen guten Kontakt zu unseren Nachbarn.

'Ansprechpartner' is the person you contact. If a website says 'Kontakt', it's the section; the person listed there is the 'Ansprechpartner'. Knowing these differences helps you avoid repetitive language and improves clarity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

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Fun Fact

The word entered German in the 18th century, initially as a technical term in physics before becoming a social term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɔnˈtakt/
US /kɑnˈtækt/
The stress is on the second syllable: Kon-TAKT.
Rhymes With
Takt Pakt Akt Fakt exakt intakt kompakt abstrakt
Common Errors
  • Stressing the first syllable (KON-takt) like in English.
  • Pronouncing the 'o' as a long 'oh' sound.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 't' at the end clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize due to the English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'zu + Dativ' rule.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but stress is important.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, easily distinguishable in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

haben zu mit bleiben neu

Learn Next

verbinden die Beziehung das Gespräch treffen anrufen

Advanced

die Kontaktaufnahme die Kontaktfreudigkeit interpersonell die Schnittstelle

Grammar to Know

Masculine Nouns in Accusative

Ich habe den Kontakt.

Preposition 'zu' with Dative

Kontakt zu meinem Vater.

Dative Plural '-n' ending

In den Kontakten.

Separable Verbs

Ich nehme Kontakt auf.

Zero Article in Fixed Phrases

In Kontakt bleiben.

Examples by Level

1

Ich habe einen Kontakt.

I have a contact.

Accusative masculine: 'einen Kontakt'.

2

Hast du meine Nummer in deinen Kontakten?

Do you have my number in your contacts?

Dative plural: 'in deinen Kontakten'.

3

Der Kontakt ist neu.

The contact is new.

Nominative masculine: 'Der Kontakt'.

4

Ich brauche einen Kontakt in Berlin.

I need a contact in Berlin.

Accusative masculine.

5

Wir haben keinen Kontakt.

We have no contact.

Negation with 'keinen'.

6

Hier ist mein Kontakt.

Here is my contact.

Possessive 'mein'.

7

Sie sucht Kontakt.

She is looking for contact.

Zero article usage.

8

Ist das dein Kontakt?

Is that your contact?

Question form.

1

Ich möchte Kontakt zu dir halten.

I want to keep in touch with you.

Verb 'halten' + 'zu' + Dativ.

2

Wir bleiben in Kontakt.

We stay in touch.

Fixed expression 'in Kontakt bleiben'.

3

Haben Sie Kontakt zu Herrn Müller?

Are you in touch with Mr. Müller?

Formal address.

4

Ich nehme Kontakt mit der Firma auf.

I am contacting the company.

Separable verb 'aufnehmen'.

5

Er hat wenig Kontakt zu seiner Familie.

He has little contact with his family.

Adverb 'wenig'.

6

Bitte geben Sie mir Ihre Kontaktdaten.

Please give me your contact details.

Compound noun.

7

Ich habe den Kontakt verloren.

I lost touch.

Past tense with 'haben'.

8

Sie pflegt den Kontakt zu ihren Freunden.

She maintains contact with her friends.

Verb 'pflegen' (to maintain).

1

Auf der Messe kann man gut neue Kontakte knüpfen.

You can network well at the trade fair.

Idiom 'Kontakte knüpfen'.

2

Der Kontakt zum Kunden ist sehr wichtig.

Contact with the customer is very important.

Dative after 'zu'.

3

Wir sind seit Jahren in engem Kontakt.

We have been in close contact for years.

Adjective 'engem' in dative.

4

Vermeiden Sie den Kontakt mit Chemikalien.

Avoid contact with chemicals.

Imperative form.

5

Ich habe einen interessanten Kontakt hergestellt.

I established an interesting contact.

Perfect tense.

6

Der soziale Kontakt fehlt mir sehr.

I miss social contact a lot.

Subject of the sentence.

7

Hatten Sie direkten Kontakt?

Did you have direct contact?

Adjective 'direkten'.

8

Es gibt keinen Kontakt zwischen den Gruppen.

There is no contact between the groups.

Preposition 'zwischen'.

1

Der Kontakt zur Außenwelt wurde unterbrochen.

Contact with the outside world was interrupted.

Passive voice.

2

Er ist ein sehr kontaktfreudiger Mensch.

He is a very sociable person.

Adjective derived from 'Kontakt'.

3

Die Linse hat direkten Kontakt mit dem Auge.

The lens has direct contact with the eye.

Technical usage.

4

Wir müssen den Kontakt zur Realität bewahren.

We must maintain contact with reality.

Abstract usage.

5

Das Kabel hat einen Wackelkontakt.

The cable has a loose connection.

Compound noun.

6

Die Kontaktaufnahme gestaltete sich schwierig.

Establishing contact proved difficult.

Nominalization.

7

Durch diesen Kontakt ergaben sich neue Chancen.

New opportunities arose through this contact.

Preposition 'durch'.

8

Sie hat alle Kontakte abgebrochen.

She broke off all contacts.

Plural accusative.

1

Die Intensivierung der diplomatischen Kontakte ist das Ziel.

The goal is to intensify diplomatic contacts.

Genitive plural.

2

Es mangelt an echtem zwischenmenschlichem Kontakt.

There is a lack of real interpersonal contact.

Dative after 'an'.

3

Der Kontakt zwischen Theorie und Praxis ist essenziell.

Contact between theory and practice is essential.

Abstract noun.

4

Er trat in Kontakt mit seiner inneren Stimme.

He got in touch with his inner voice.

Metaphorical usage.

5

Die Kontaktzone ist ein Ort des kulturellen Austauschs.

The contact zone is a place of cultural exchange.

Academic term.

6

Trotz des Kontakts blieb die Situation unklar.

Despite the contact, the situation remained unclear.

Genitive after 'trotz'.

7

Die Kontaktbeschränkungen wurden aufgehoben.

The contact restrictions were lifted.

Historical/Societal context.

8

Ein flüchtiger Kontakt reichte aus.

A fleeting contact was enough.

Adjective 'flüchtiger'.

1

Die ontologische Bedeutung des Kontakts wird oft unterschätzt.

The ontological significance of contact is often underestimated.

Genitive singular.

2

In der Kontaktlinguistik untersucht man Sprachmischungen.

In contact linguistics, one examines language mixing.

Specialized field.

3

Der Kontakt der Kulturen führt zu Hybridität.

The contact of cultures leads to hybridity.

Sociological theory.

4

Er suchte den Kontakt zum Transzendenten.

He sought contact with the transcendent.

High-level register.

5

Die Kontaktfläche muss absolut rein sein.

The contact surface must be absolutely pure.

Precision technical term.

6

Es kam zu einem folgenschweren Kontakt.

A momentous contact occurred.

Adjective 'folgenschweren'.

7

Die Subtilität des Kontakts war bemerkenswert.

The subtlety of the contact was remarkable.

Abstract quality.

8

Ohne jeglichen Kontakt zur Zivilisation überlebte er.

He survived without any contact with civilization.

Emphasis with 'jeglichen'.

Common Collocations

Kontakt aufnehmen
Kontakt halten
Kontakt abbrechen
in Kontakt bleiben
enger Kontakt
soziale Kontakte
direkter Kontakt
Kontakte knüpfen
Kontakt suchen
keinen Kontakt haben

Common Phrases

In Kontakt treten

Kontaktdaten hinterlassen

Den Kontakt verlieren

Kontaktperson

Kontaktformular

Augenkontakt halten

Erster Kontakt

Kontaktlinse

Kontaktscheu

Kontaktbereich

Often Confused With

der Kontakt vs Anschluss

Anschluss is for technical connections like internet or trains, while Kontakt is for interaction.

der Kontakt vs Verbindung

Verbindung is a broader term for any link; Kontakt is more specific to the act of reaching out.

der Kontakt vs Berührung

Berührung is specifically physical touch, whereas Kontakt is often social.

Idioms & Expressions

"Kontakte knüpfen"

To network or build a circle of acquaintances.

Auf Partys knüpft sie schnell Kontakte.

Neutral

"In Kontakt bleiben"

To continue communicating after a meeting.

Schreib mir mal, wir bleiben in Kontakt!

Informal

"Den Kontakt abbrechen"

To intentionally stop talking to someone.

Nach dem Streit hat er den Kontakt abgebrochen.

Neutral

"Einen Wackelkontakt haben"

To have a loose electrical connection; metaphorically, an unstable relationship.

Die Lampe hat einen Wackelkontakt.

Neutral

"Kontakt zur Basis verlieren"

To lose touch with the common people or ground reality.

Der Politiker hat den Kontakt zur Basis verloren.

Formal

"Mit jemandem in Kontakt treten"

To initiate communication formally.

Wir werden morgen mit Ihnen in Kontakt treten.

Formal

"Kontaktfreudig sein"

To be outgoing and enjoy meeting new people.

Für diesen Job muss man kontaktfreudig sein.

Neutral

"Keinen Kontakt zur Realität haben"

To be delusional or out of touch with reality.

Er hat völlig den Kontakt zur Realität verloren.

Neutral

"In engem Kontakt stehen"

To be in frequent and close communication.

Die beiden Firmen stehen in engem Kontakt.

Formal

"Kontaktdaten austauschen"

To swap phone numbers or emails.

Wollen wir Kontaktdaten austauschen?

Neutral

Easily Confused

der Kontakt vs der Anschluss

Both mean 'connection'.

Anschluss is used for phone lines, trains, and physical plugs. Kontakt is for people and electrical points.

Ich habe keinen Anschluss unter dieser Nummer.

der Kontakt vs die Beziehung

Both involve people.

Beziehung is a deep relationship (romantic or long-term). Kontakt can be a one-time interaction.

Unsere Beziehung ist sehr gut.

der Kontakt vs der Umgang

Both involve social circles.

Umgang refers to the act of socializing or the people you hang out with regularly.

Er hat schlechten Umgang.

der Kontakt vs die Verbindung

Very similar meaning.

Verbindung is more abstract or technical. Kontakt is more about the specific point of interaction.

Die Verbindung wurde unterbrochen.

der Kontakt vs die Berührung

Both can mean touch.

Berührung is the physical sensation. Kontakt is the state of being in touch.

Die Berührung war nur kurz.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Ich habe [Adjektiv] Kontakt.

Ich habe neuen Kontakt.

A2

Ich habe Kontakt zu [Person].

Ich habe Kontakt zu meiner Schwester.

A2

Lass uns in Kontakt bleiben.

Lass uns in Kontakt bleiben.

B1

Ich nehme Kontakt mit [Firma] auf.

Ich nehme Kontakt mit der Bank auf.

B1

Es ist wichtig, Kontakte zu knüpfen.

Es ist wichtig, Kontakte zu knüpfen.

B2

Der Kontakt wurde abgebrochen.

Der Kontakt wurde abgebrochen.

C1

Die Pflege der Kontakte ist zeitaufwendig.

Die Pflege der Kontakte ist zeitaufwendig.

C2

In der Kontaktzone entstehen neue Ideen.

In der Kontaktzone entstehen neue Ideen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written German.

Common Mistakes
  • Ich mache Kontakt. Ich nehme Kontakt auf.

    You don't 'make' contact in German; you 'take it up'.

  • Ich habe Kontakt mit meine Freunde. Ich habe Kontakt zu meinen Freunden.

    Use 'zu' + Dative for social contact.

  • Das Kontakt ist gut. Der Kontakt ist gut.

    Kontakt is masculine, not neuter.

  • Wir bleiben in dem Kontakt. Wir bleiben in Kontakt.

    The article is omitted in this fixed idiom.

  • Ich habe viele Kontakten. Ich habe viele Kontakte.

    The plural is 'Kontakte'. 'Kontakten' is only for dative plural.

Tips

Preposition Choice

Use 'zu' for people you know personally and 'mit' for companies or formal entities.

Networking

Learn the phrase 'Kontakte knüpfen' to describe meeting people at events.

Endings

Make sure to pronounce the 't' at the end of 'Kontakt' clearly to avoid sounding like 'Kontak'.

Privacy

Germans value privacy; 'Kontakt aufnehmen' should be done respectfully.

Electronics

If your device isn't working, check the 'Kontakte' (the metal parts that touch).

Compound Nouns

German loves compounds. Use 'Kontaktdaten' instead of 'Daten für den Kontakt'.

Cognates

Since it looks like 'contact', focus your energy on learning the verbs that go with it.

Maintaining Links

Use 'Kontakt pflegen' to describe the effort of keeping friendships alive.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Kontakt' in a shop, it likely refers to a person you should talk to.

Formal Phrases

Use 'In Kontakt treten' in cover letters to sound professional.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Plug' making 'Contact'. In German, you 'Take up' (aufnehmen) the plug to make the connection.

Visual Association

Imagine two gears clicking together. That click is the 'Kontakt'.

Word Web

Handy E-Mail Freunde Telefonnummer Netzwerk Berührung Strom Gespräch

Challenge

Try to find three different 'Kontakte' in your phone and write a sentence about how often you have 'Kontakt' with them.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'contactus', which is the past participle of 'contingere'.

Original meaning: To touch, to seize, or to happen to.

Indo-European (via Latin to German).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Kontakt abbrechen'; it is a very strong statement indicating a permanent end to a relationship.

English speakers often use 'contact' as a verb ('Contact me!'). In German, you usually use the verb 'kontaktieren' or the phrase 'Kontakt aufnehmen'.

Der erste Kontakt (Star Trek: First Contact title in German) Kontakt (famous German sociology textbook) Kontakte (popular German language learning series)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Media

  • Kontakte hinzufügen
  • Kontakte blockieren
  • Neue Kontakte finden
  • In Kontakt treten

Business Networking

  • Kontakte knüpfen
  • Visitenkarten austauschen
  • Einen Kontakt vermitteln
  • Berufliche Kontakte

Technical Support

  • Der Kontakt ist lose
  • Kein Kontakt vorhanden
  • Wackelkontakt prüfen
  • Elektrischer Kontakt

Health/Medicine

  • Enger Kontakt zu Infizierten
  • Hautkontakt vermeiden
  • Kontaktlinsen reinigen
  • Direkter Kontakt

Daily Life

  • Kontakt halten
  • In Kontakt bleiben
  • Den Kontakt verlieren
  • Kontaktdaten geben

Conversation Starters

"Hast du noch Kontakt zu deinen Freunden aus der Schulzeit?"

"Wie knüpfst du am liebsten neue Kontakte?"

"Ist es dir wichtig, jeden Tag sozialen Kontakt zu haben?"

"Was machst du, wenn ein Kabel einen Wackelkontakt hat?"

"Wie viele Kontakte hast du in deinem Telefon gespeichert?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über einen wichtigen Kontakt in deinem Leben und wie ihr euch kennengelernt habt.

Warum ist es manchmal schwierig, den Kontakt zu alten Freunden zu halten?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du erfolgreich neue berufliche Kontakte geknüpft hast.

Wie hat sich der soziale Kontakt durch das Internet verändert?

Was bedeutet 'echter Kontakt' für dich im Vergleich zu digitalem Kontakt?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine: der Kontakt. This is important for articles and adjective endings.

The most common way is 'in Kontakt bleiben'. You can also say 'Kontakt halten'.

The plural is 'die Kontakte'. In the dative case, it becomes 'den Kontakten'.

Yes, 'Kontakt mit' is possible, but 'Kontakt zu' is more common for social relationships.

It means to network or to start making new acquaintances and professional links.

It is a loose electrical connection that works only intermittently.

You should say 'Bitte kontaktieren Sie mich' or 'Treten Sie mit mir in Kontakt'.

Yes, the address book on a German phone is called 'Kontakte'.

Kontakt is usually the act of meeting or communicating; Verbindung is the underlying link or technical connection.

In fixed phrases like 'in Kontakt bleiben', the article is omitted. Otherwise, it usually needs one.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'in Kontakt bleiben'.

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writing

Write a sentence about having contact with your family.

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writing

Translate: 'I lost touch with him.'

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writing

Translate: 'Please leave your contact details.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Kontakte knüpfen'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a loose connection (Wackelkontakt).

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writing

Translate: 'He is very sociable.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Kontakt aufnehmen'.

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writing

Translate: 'We are in close contact.'

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writing

Write a sentence about eye contact.

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writing

Translate: 'I have no contact with my neighbors.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Kontaktperson'.

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writing

Translate: 'The contact was interrupted.'

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writing

Write a sentence about contact lenses.

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writing

Translate: 'She broke off all contact.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'soziale Kontakte'.

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writing

Translate: 'Let's exchange contact info.'

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writing

Write a sentence about maintaining contact.

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writing

Translate: 'He avoids contact.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Kontaktformular'.

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speaking

Say: 'Ich habe einen Kontakt.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Wir bleiben in Kontakt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Hast du meine Kontaktdaten?'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich möchte Kontakt aufnehmen.'

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speaking

Say: 'Lass uns Kontakte knüpfen.'

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speaking

Say: 'Er hat einen Wackelkontakt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich habe den Kontakt verloren.'

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speaking

Say: 'Sie ist sehr kontaktfreudig.'

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speaking

Say: 'Halten Sie Augenkontakt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Wer ist die Kontaktperson?'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich pflege meine Kontakte.'

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speaking

Say: 'Treten Sie mit uns in Kontakt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich habe keinen Kontakt zu ihm.'

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speaking

Say: 'Das ist ein wichtiger Kontakt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Wir tauschen Kontakte aus.'

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speaking

Say: 'Die Kontaktlinsen sind neu.'

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speaking

Say: 'Er hat den Kontakt abgebrochen.'

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speaking

Say: 'Vermeiden Sie Hautkontakt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich suche den Kontakt zu dir.'

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speaking

Say: 'Wir sind in engem Kontakt.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Wir müssen in Kontakt bleiben.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Hast du seine Kontaktdaten?'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Er knüpft gerne Kontakte.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Das ist ein Wackelkontakt.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Ich habe den Kontakt verloren.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Sie ist kontaktfreudig.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Wer ist die Kontaktperson?'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Bitte Augenkontakt halten.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Ich trage Kontaktlinsen.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Kein Kontakt möglich.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Kontaktanzeigen sind altmodisch.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Vermeiden Sie Kontakt.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'In Kontakt treten.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Soziale Kontakte pflegen.'

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Erster Kontakt.'

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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