How is an entry structured?
The PONS Online Dictionary entries are structured in the same way in all languages. The keyword is the uninflected form: infinitive for verbs, nominative singular for nouns and adjectives. Some entries have additionally examples in conjugated or declined forms. Words that belong to more than one word or verb category, e.g. to run as a transitive verb (to run sth – to manage) and as an intransitive verb (to run – the activity) are shown using one or more Roman numerals (I, II, III, …) as in a printed dictionary. Words that have numerous meanings (e.g. run) are shown using one or more Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, …) as in a printed dictionary.
The grey header, where the keyword is, also includes grammatical information about the word, e.g. the word category. German nouns are accompanied by the genitive and the plural forms, pronunciation and the gender. Irregular verbs are accompanied by the base forms, pronunciation and verb category. This information can vary according to the language and word category. Examples can be found in the entries themselves or under the heading ‘Example’, directly under the search box.
What does the information following the keyword mean?
Information about grammar, style and context usage of the word are in the grey heading following the keyword. For example, information about plural forms, specific forms of conjugation, use of the word in specific situations (formal or informal language, ...), use of the word in a specialised field (IT, medicine, …) or in a particular region (northern/southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland …). Certain regional information is highlighted with a flag, e.g. examples of American, Australian or British English, for Canadian English and French, for European and Brazilian Portuguese as well as German from Austria or Switzerland.
What do the abbreviations in the PONS Online Dictionary mean?
Common abbreviations are used in the entries, e.g. jd, jdn, sb, qq, qu, for jemand, jemanden, somebody, quelqu'un, qualcuno and etw, sth, qc, qu for etwas, something, quelque chose, qualcuno. Roll-over an abbreviation with your mouse and an explanation appears in a small info-box.
How does the pronunciation function work?
You can activate the pronunciation function in the target language for every word. The word is spoken when you tap on the pronunciation symbol (loudspeaker following the word). In some languages there are also regional variations of the word (e.g. Spanish pronunciation vs. Mexican pronunciation). Ensure the loudspeaker on your computer or smartphone is turned on before tapping on the pronunciation symbol.
How do the verb tables work?
There are verb tables showing all the forms of given verbs in many languages included in the PONS Online Dictionary. The table can be found on the right of the entry in the source language for every verb (e.g. sing). Use the ‚View verb table‘ button to call up all the available forms.
To get to the verb table in the target language (e.g. cantar), tap on the word in the target language in the entry. You can then see the table for the verb in the target language (cantar).