Skip to content

Tonsetzer

composer; setter of tones (older elevated style)

noun TOHN-ze-tser Rare

Usage Note

Tonsetzer is an older, somewhat elevated synonym for Komponist (composer), still encountered in literary and historical contexts. It emphasises the craftsmanship aspect of placing notes (Töne setzen).

Examples

"Der Tonsetzer widmete sein Leben der symphonischen Musik."

Natural Translation

The composer dedicated his life to symphonic music.

Literal Translation

The tone-setter dedicated his life to symphonic music.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore German by topic