noun
computer, calculator
B1
Rechner (der) means primarily 'computer' and 'calculator'. It’s a masculine noun; singular genitive is 'des Rechners'. Plural usually 'Rechner'. Dative plural 'den Rechnern'. Use like 'der Rechner' for a PC or handheld calculator; no irregular plural, same form for nominative and accusative plural.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Mein Rechner ist schon wieder abgestürzt.
My computer has crashed again.
Für die Matheprüfung benutze ich einen einfachen Rechner.
For the math exam I use a simple calculator.
Wegen eines defekten Rechners verzögerte sich die Arbeit, obwohl die Abgabe bald sein sollte.
Because of a defective computer, the work was delayed, although the deadline was supposed to be soon.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
picture a box with numbers and a screen labeled 'Rechner'
sounds like 're-coner' → think of a device that 're-calculates'
der -> imagine a male technician (der Rechner) repairing a machine
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Rechner can mean either a computer or a (pocket) calculator depending on context. In compound words (z. B. Taschenrechner) the meaning is clearer.