Hi Archie,
Thanks for your interest in the AKGs. That's not a dumb question at all
![Smiley Smiley](https://www.decware.com/yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/smiley.gif)
If listening to music (I've not tried movies), the music is audible to others in the room, but is quite muted; maybe 10-20% of the level you hear while wearing the headphones.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best,
Chris