Is there any online German dictionary similar to Cambridge Dictionary or Macmillan Dictionary?

Question

When I began learning English, I preferred using Cambridge Dictionary or Macmillan Dictionary to learn vocabulary. This is because they not only explain the meaning of a word in a simple phrase but also they have the functionalities of pronunciation, thesaurus, and example sentences.

For example, when I search for the meaning of learn, then the online dictionary should show a simple phrase that explains what learn is, such as to get knowledge or skill in a new subject or activity.

Moreover, there should be several example sentences regarding which context the word should be used in, for example, I've learned a lot about computers since I started work here or We were told to learn Portia's speech by heart.

Finally, I also expect the pronunciation and the thesaurus for the word.

I'm wondering if there exists an online German dictionary which provides fully functionalities as I described above.

Now, I am using dict.cc for vocabulary and conjugator.reverso.net for the declension. Obviously, I am not satisfied with these two websites due to the lack of functionalities I described above.

Answer 1

The commercial Duden Online site is at first sight promising but tons of adverts including pop-ups or flashing videos with audio make this site almost unuseable. In contrast to their conclusive print media the online version of Duden also considerably lacks content.

DWDS

I would therefore like to recommend the free-to-use DWDS online dictionary (in German language) which has a scientific background (Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften) and provides incredibly concise informations including audio-samples for pronunciation, word-formation, meaning, meaning in context, usage examples, quotes from newspapers and other sources, etymology, thesaurus, and more.

The correspondig page for lernen is so huge that a screenshot hardly fits here.

For other dictionaries also see:

• Resources for learning German

Answer 2

Most obvious recommendation is the

Duden Deutsches Universalwörterbuch

which is a real brick of nearly 2000 pages.

Attention, do not confuse it with the Duden editions that focus on spelling (as opposed to meaning) and are only about 1/5th the size (speaking of spacial dimensions and mass). You want to large book that concentrates on meaning and gives, as you request, short, but well-phrased explanations, plus sometimes synonyms, antonyms and typical expressions and usage. Earlier editions were called "Duden Universalwörterbuch A-Z".

Or alternatively try

Wahrig Deutsches Wörterbuch

which is a similar product, with similar standing and tradition.

Both should be available for about 50 euros new. You can also find on-screen editions (applications to install on your computer). If 50 euros for a new book is too much, you can look for a used one on one of the platforms for used books, e.g. www.booklooker.de.

One thing you should consider is if you need a book that displays orthography as after the mid-1990s reform. Some people are indifferent towards that reform and are happy with an older edition that has only the pre-reform spelling.

An advantage of a brand-new book (latest edition) is that it will have also the very new words (often in areas such as computer or youth language).