der Ton
the tone, the sound
Intermediate Noun Masculine
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Pronunciation
/deːɐ̯ toːn/
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Cultural Note
The proverb 'Der Ton macht die Musik' (the tone makes the music) is one of Germany's most important communication maxims. It reflects the understanding that HOW something is said matters as much as WHAT is said. 'Einen anderen Ton anschlagen' (to strike a different tone) means to change one's manner of speaking.
📝 Example Sentences
Der Ton macht die Musik.
It's not what you say, but how you say it (literally: the tone makes the music).
Bitte schlag einen anderen Ton an!
Please change your tone!
Sein Ton war freundlich und warm.
His tone was friendly and warm.