das
Angeln
🎣 What does "das Angeln" mean?
Das Angeln is the nominalization of the verb angeln (to fish). It describes the activity of fishing, specifically with a fishing rod (Angelrute).
- It refers to the process or activity itself, often as a hobby or sport.
- It always uses the article das (neuter gender).
- ⚠️ Don't confuse it with die Angel (the fishing rod) or the verb angeln (to fish).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
📝 Grammar in Detail: Das Angeln
Das Angeln is a nominalized verb (from the infinitive angeln) and is therefore neuter (sächlich). It is generally only used in the singular as it describes an activity.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Angeln | The fishing (subject) |
| Genitive | des | Angelns | Of the fishing |
| Dative | dem | Angeln | To/for the fishing |
| Accusative | das | Angeln | The fishing (direct object) |
A plural form ('die Angeln') is grammatically unusual and practically non-existent because it refers to the general activity.
Example Sentences
- Das Angeln am See ist sein liebstes Hobby.
Fishing at the lake is his favorite hobby. - Wir genießen das Angeln in der Stille der Natur.
We enjoy fishing in the silence of nature. - Er hat viel über das Angeln von seinem Großvater gelernt.
He learned a lot about fishing from his grandfather. - Wegen des Sturms ist das Angeln heute verboten.
Because of the storm, fishing is forbidden today.
💡 How to use "das Angeln"?
Das Angeln is used to talk about the activity of fishing with a rod:
- Hobby & Leisure: "Er verbringt jedes Wochenende mit dem Angeln." (He spends every weekend fishing.)
- Sport: "Es gibt Wettbewerbe im sportlichen Angeln." (There are competitions in sport fishing.)
- Describing an activity: "Das Angeln erfordert Geduld." (Fishing requires patience.)
It differs from:
- Fischen: Das Fischen is a more general term, which can also include fishing with nets, etc., but is often used synonymously with das Angeln.
- die Angel: Refers only to the tool (the fishing rod).
- angeln (verb): The action itself. ("Ich angle" - I am fishing vs. "Ich mag das Angeln" - I like fishing).
🧠 Mnemonics for "das Angeln"
Article Mnemonic: Many nominalized verbs ending in -en that describe an activity are neuter (das Essen - eating, das Laufen - running, das Schwimmen - swimming...). Remember: Das doing, das making, das Angeln.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone using an Angel (fishing rod). The activity they are performing is das Angeln.
🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Confusions
Synonyms
Similar Words / Risk of Confusion
😄 A Little Fishing Joke
DE: Fragt ein Angler den anderen: "Na, beißen sie heute?" Sagt der andere: "Nein, du kannst sie ruhig streicheln."
EN: One angler asks another: "Well, are they biting today?" The other replies: "No, you can pet them if you like."
📜 Poem about Fishing
DE:
Am frühen Morgen, still der See,
beginnt das Angeln, wunderschön.
Die Rute schwingt, die Leine sinkt,
Ein Moment der Ruhe, der besinnt.
Warten, hoffen, leis und sacht,
Ob heut' ein Fischlein wird gebracht.
EN:
In early morning, still the lake,
Begins the fishing, for beauty's sake.
The rod does swing, the line descends,
A moment's peace, that thought transcends.
Waiting, hoping, soft and low,
Will a little fish decide to show?
❓ Riddle
DE:
Ich brauch' Geduld und einen Köder,
Manchmal sitz' ich still am Ufer oder
Auf einem Boot, ganz leis und sacht.
Was ist die Tätigkeit, die man da macht?
EN:
I need patience and some bait,
Sometimes I sit still by the shore or wait
On a boat, so quietly.
What is this activity?
Solution: das Angeln (fishing)
ℹ️ Additional Information
- Word Origin: Das Angeln derives from the noun die Angel (Old High German 'angul' = hook, point). It refers to the activity performed with this tool.
- Type: It's a nominalization of the infinitive verb.
- Greeting: Among German anglers, the greeting "Petri Heil!" (Good luck!, literally St. Peter's Hail) and the response "Petri Dank!" (Thanks!, literally St. Peter's Thanks) are common.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Angeln?
The word "Angeln", when referring to the activity of fishing with a rod, is always neuter: das Angeln. It is typically used in the singular and describes a leisure activity or sport.