das  Autogramm

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊtoˌɡʁam/

✍️ What exactly is an Autogramm?

The German word das Autogramm (neuter gender) refers to the personal signature of a famous person (e.g., an actor, musician, athlete), often sought after by fans as a collector's item or souvenir.

It derives from Greek: autos (self) and gramma (writing). So it literally means 'self-written'.

🚨 Important: An Autogramm is specifically the signature of a famous person, serving as a keepsake. A normal, everyday signature on a document is simply called die Unterschrift (the signature).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of 'das Autogramm'

The noun „Autogramm“ is neuter (sächlich) and uses the article „das“. It follows the strong declension pattern.

💡 Short Example Sentences

• Ich habe endlich das Autogramm meines Lieblingssängers bekommen! (I finally got the autograph of my favorite singer!)
• Der Wert des Autogramms ist über die Jahre gestiegen. (The value of the autograph has increased over the years.)
• Sie gab dem Autogramm einen Ehrenplatz an der Wand. (She gave the autograph a place of honor on the wall.)
• Er sammelt leidenschaftlich Autogramme von Filmstars. (He passionately collects autographs from movie stars.)

🗣️ How to use 'Autogramm'?

The word „Autogramm“ is used almost exclusively in the context of celebrities and their fans.

• Typical verbs: ein Autogramm geben (to give), bekommen (to get), sammeln (to collect), jagen (to hunt for), erbitten (to request), unterschreiben (to sign, in the sense of putting an autograph on something).
• Context: People talk about autographs (Autogramme) at concerts, movie premieres, sports events, or special signing sessions (Autogrammstunden).
• Media: Autographs are often found on photos (Fotos), posters (Poster), books (Bücher), jerseys (Trikots), autograph cards (Autogrammkarten), or simply on a piece of paper (Zettel Papier).
• Distinction: As mentioned, die Unterschrift is the neutral term for any kind of signature, e.g., on contracts or letters. An Autogramm always implies fame and collectible value.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Autogramm'

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of das Foto (the photo) or das Poster (the poster) – common items to get an autograph on. These media are neuter, just like das Autogramm itself.

2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a star arriving in their AUTOmobile and quickly writing something for you on a tiny piece of paper – like a GRAM's worth of paper. That's your AUTO-GRAMM (autograph).

↔️ Synonyms & Similar Terms

⚠️ Caution - Confusing Words:

• Die Unterschrift: This is the general term for any signature, e.g., on a contract. It lacks the connotation of celebrity.
• Das Autograph: This is a very similar term, often used synonymously, but can also refer more broadly to any handwritten document (like a manuscript). „Autogramm“ is more common in everyday language for a star's signature.

😂 A little Joke

Fragt ein Fan den Rockstar: „Kann ich bitte ein Autogramm haben?“
Sagt der Rockstar: „Klar, aber mein Stift schreibt nicht mehr so gut.“
Antwortet der Fan: „Kein Problem, für IHR Autogramm reicht’s bestimmt!“

Translation:
A fan asks the rock star: "Can I please have an autograph?"
The rock star says: "Sure, but my pen isn't writing very well anymore."
The fan replies: "No problem, it's surely good enough for YOUR autograph!" (Implying the autograph itself isn't worth much)

🎤 A little Rhyme about the Autogramm

Ein Star tritt auf, die Menge bebt,
Ein jeder nach 'nem Foto strebt.
Doch was noch mehr das Herz erfreut,
Und man für immer bei sich trägt heut:
Ein Zettel klein, mit Schwung, mit Namen,
Das Autogramm, im güld'nen Rahmen.
Ein Stück vom Ruhm, ganz nah, ganz mein,
So soll die Erinnerung sein!

Translation:
A star appears, the crowd does shake,
Everyone tries a photo to take.
But what delights the heart much more,
And you keep with you evermore:
A paper small, with flair, with name,
The autograph, in golden frame.
A piece of fame, so close, all mine,
So shall the memory shine!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin die Schrift von hoher Hand,
Von Stars bekannt im ganzen Land.
Man sammelt mich auf Bild und Buch,
Ein seltener und lieber Besuch.
Bin ich gefälscht, ist's großer Mist,
Sag schnell, wie mein Name ist!

Lösung / Solution: Das Autogramm

Translation:
I am the script from a high hand,
From stars renowned throughout the land.
I'm collected on picture and book,
A rare and welcome look.
If I am forged, it's really bad,
Quickly tell me the name I've had!

🤓 Trivia & Origin

• Etymology: The word comes from Greek: αὐτός (autós) = self and γράφειν (gráphein) = to write/draw, or γράμμα (grámma) = something written, letter.
• Collector's Item: Autographs (Autogramme) are popular collectibles. Their value depends on the fame of the person, rarity, and the condition of the autograph.
• Autogrammkarte: A specific card (often a photo) used by celebrities to distribute autographs.
• Digitalization: Today, digital autographs also exist, but the classic, handwritten autograph often holds higher sentimental value.