mündlich

Mündlich is a German adjective that translates to "oral" or "verbal" in English. It describes something that is spoken rather than written. In the context of language and communication, mündlich refers to the spoken form of a language. This can encompass a wide range of activities, from everyday conversations and discussions to formal presentations, lectures, and speeches.

The term is often used in educational settings. For example, a "mündliche Prüfung" is an oral examination, where a student is assessed on their spoken knowledge and understanding of a subject. Similarly, "mündlicher Unterricht" refers to teaching methods that emphasize spoken interaction and dialogue between the teacher and students. In contrast to written communication, mündlich relies on intonation, tone of voice, body language, and immediate feedback to convey meaning.

Beyond formal education, "mündlich" also signifies the transmission of information and culture through spoken tradition. Stories, songs, and historical accounts passed down from generation to generation without being written are considered mündliche Überlieferung, or oral tradition. This highlights the importance of spoken word in preserving knowledge and cultural heritage. The concept of mündlich emphasizes the dynamic and interactive nature of communication that takes place through speech.