German Phrase
Tippe auf das App‑Symbol.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener to tap on the app icon, usually on a smartphone or tablet screen. It is an imperative instruction, using the verb “tippen” (to tap) in the second‑person singular informal form.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving a short, direct instruction in a tutorial, onboarding screen, or while helping someone navigate a mobile device. It works best in informal contexts such as a friend’s phone, a classroom demo, or a user‑experience guide.
✦Grammar Breakdown
TippeaufdasApp‑Symbol.
Imperative (2nd person singular)
“Tippe” is the informal command form of “tippen”. For formal address you would say “Tippen Sie”.
Preposition “auf” + Accusative
When “tippen” is used with a target, the preposition “auf” governs the accusative case, hence “das App‑Symbol”.
Neuter noun “Symbol”
“Symbol” is neuter, so the definite article in the accusative is “das”.
Compound noun “App‑Symbol”
German often creates compounds with a hyphen when the first element is a foreign word; “App‑Symbol” means the icon that represents an app.
🗨In Conversation
Um die App zu öffnen, tippe auf das App‑Symbol.
To open the app, tap on the app icon.
Okay, ich habe es getan.
Okay, I’ve done it.
✕Common Mistakes
Tippe auf das App‑Symbolen.
“Symbolen” is the plural dative; the phrase refers to a single icon, so use the singular “Symbol”.
Tippe das App‑Symbol.
The preposition “auf” is required with “tippen” when you mean “tap on”.
Tippen Sie auf das App‑Symbol.
If you want the formal version, you must conjugate the verb: “Tippen Sie …”. The lowercase “tippen” is incorrect in formal address.
↔Alternatives
Drück das App‑Symbol an.
Press the app icon.
Berühre das App‑Symbol.
Touch the app icon.
Klick auf das App‑Symbol.
Click on the app icon.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking apps the word “App‑Symbol” is common, but you’ll also see “App‑Icon” (borrowed from English) or simply “Symbol”. When speaking to older users, you might prefer “Drücken Sie …” (formal) instead of the informal “Tippe”.