Here is a musical glossary of German terms based on The AB Guide to Music Theory (Part 1), by Eric Taylor1. These are terms which you’ll often see in 19th century Romantic music written by German composers, such as Fanny Mendelssohn.
| Term | Symbol (if appropriate) | Definition |
| aber | but | |
| als | than | |
| am Frosch | use the bow of a string instrument at the heel, ie the end held by the player | |
| an der Spitze | use the bow of a string instrument at the point, ie the end opposite to that held by the player | |
| Ausdruck | expression | |
| bestimmt | with decision, definite | |
| bewegt | with movement, agitated | |
| breit | broad, expansive | |
| Dampfer | mute | |
| doch | however, yet | |
| ein | a | |
| einfach | simple | |
| Empfindung | emotion, feeling | |
| etwas | somewhat, rather | |
| feurig | fiery | |
| Flatterzunge | Flzg. | flutter-tonguing, a direction for wood-wind instruments |
| frei | free | |
| frisch | vigorous | |
| frohlich | cheerful, joyful | |
| gebunden | joined | |
| gehend | at a stead speed, equivalent to andante | |
| gesangvoll | in a singing style, equivalent to cantabile | |
| geschwind | quick | |
| immer | always | |
| innig | heartfelt, sincere | |
| kraftig | strong | |
| langsam | slow, equivalent to adagio and lento | |
| lebhaft | lively, equivalent to vivace | |
| Leid | grief, pain | |
| Leidenschaft | passion | |
| leise | soft, gentle | |
| lieblich | lovely | |
| lustig | cheerful | |
| massig | at a moderate speed | |
| mit | with | |
| munter | lively | |
| nach und nach | gradually | |
| nicht | not | |
| noch | still, yet | |
| ohne | without | |
| rasch | quick | |
| ruhig | peaceful | |
| schleppen, schleppend | dragging | |
| schnell | fast | |
| schwach | weak | |
| sehr | very | |
| stark | strong | |
| suss | sweet | |
| traurig | sad | |
| und | and | |
| viel | much | |
| voll | full | |
| vorgetragen | brought out, prominent | |
| wenig | little | |
| wieder | again | |
| zart | tender, delicate | |
| ziemlich | moderately | |
| zu | to, too |
References:
