das
Copyright
📜 What does "das Copyright" mean?
Das Copyright (noun, neuter) is a term adopted from English (an Anglicism) that refers to Urheberrecht (copyright law). It protects the intellectual property of creators in their works (e.g., Texte (texts), Musik (music), Bilder (images), Software).
In German usage, the term Urheberrecht is often preferred, as it also forms the legal basis. However, 'das Copyright' is frequently used synonymously, especially in international contexts or the digital world.
⚠️ Although it originates from English, the grammatical gender in German is neuter: das Copyright.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Many foreign words → mostly neutral.
There are many foreign words, we won't list them all.
🧐 Grammar and Declension of "Copyright"
"Das Copyright" is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is mostly used in the singular.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Copyright |
| Genitive | des | Copyrights |
| Dative | dem | Copyright |
| Accusative | das | Copyright |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Copyrights |
| Genitive | der | Copyrights |
| Dative | den | Copyrights |
| Accusative | die | Copyrights |
Note: The plural "die Copyrights" is rather rare, as the term is mostly used collectively for the right itself.
📝 Example Sentences
- Das Copyright für dieses Buch liegt beim Autor.
(The copyright for this book belongs to the author.) - Achten Sie auf das Copyright, wenn Sie Bilder aus dem Internet verwenden.
(Pay attention to the copyright when using images from the internet.) - Der Verlag kümmert sich um die Verwaltung des Copyrights.
(The publishing house takes care of managing the copyright.) - Verletzungen des Copyrights können rechtliche Konsequenzen haben.
(Copyright infringements can have legal consequences.)
💡 Usage and Context for "das Copyright"
The term das Copyright is primarily used in the context of protecting intellectual property. It appears in the following contexts:
- Recht (Law): In discussions about the Urheberrechtsgesetz (UrhG - German Copyright Act).
- Medien & Verlagswesen (Media & Publishing): When publishing books, music, films, etc.
- Software & Internet: To protect programs, website content, and digital works.
- Kunst & Design (Art & Design): When protecting artistic creations.
Although das Urheberrecht is the more precise and legally correct German term, das Copyright has become established as an internationally understandable term, often recognizable by the © symbol.
🚨 Important Difference: German Urheberrecht offers more comprehensive protection to the creator (Urheber) and their work, and the authorship right itself is non-transferable (only usage rights can be granted). In contrast, Anglo-American copyright focuses more on economic exploitation rights and is transferable. Nevertheless, the terms are often used synonymously in everyday language.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article 'das': Think of 'das Recht' (the right/law). Copyright is a type of Recht, and many abstract legal concepts in German are neuter (e.g., das Gesetz - the law, das Patent - the patent, das Recht - the right/law). So, das Copyright fits the pattern.
Meaning: Imagine you 'copy' something someone has the 'right' to control. You need das Recht (the right) to copy it – das Copyright!
🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms, and Similar Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- das Urheberrecht: The legally correct and most common German term.
- der Schutz geistigen Eigentums: 'Protection of intellectual property' – a broader description.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- die Gemeinfreiheit (Public Domain): Works whose protection term has expired or which were never protected.
- die Raubkopie (Pirated Copy): Illegal duplication of protected works (not a direct antonym, but an opposing concept).
⚠️ Similar but Different Terms:
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Komponist sein Passwort ständig geändert?
Damit niemand sein Copyright verletzt! 😉
(Why did the composer keep changing his password?
So that nobody would violate his copyright!)
✍️ A Poem about Copyright
Ein Werk erschaffen, neu und fein,
soll es geschützt und sicher sein.
Das Copyright, ein starkes Schild,
dass niemand einfach kopiert wild.
Ob Text, ob Ton, ob Bild, ob Code,
es schützt vor fremder Hände Mode.
Der Schöpfer hat das Recht allein,
sein Werk soll unverfälscht gedeih'n.
(A work created, new and fine,
Should be protected and safely shine.
The Copyright, a sturdy shield,
That no one simply copies, revealed.
Whether text, or sound, or image, or code,
It guards against another's mode.
The creator has the right alone,
Their work should thrive, untainted, shown.)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Recht, doch kein Gericht,
schütze dein Werk, dein Geisteslicht.
Im Englischen mein Name klingt,
im Deutschen oft "Urheberrecht" schwingt.
Mein Symbol ist ein C im Kreis,
ich sichere dir deinen Fleiß.
Wer bin ich?
(I am a right, but not a court,
Protect your work, your mental fort.
In English, my name does sound,
In German, "Urheberrecht" is often found.
My symbol's a C within a ring,
I secure the rewards your efforts bring.
Who am I?)
(Answer: das Copyright / das Urheberrecht)
🌍 Other Information
Word Origin: The term "Copyright" comes directly from English, combining "copy" and "right". It literally means "right to copy".
Symbol: The internationally recognized symbol for copyright is ©.
Legal Basis in Germany: The relevant law is the Urheberrechtsgesetz (UrhG).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Copyright?
The correct article for Copyright is das: das Copyright. It is a term adopted from English meaning Urheberrecht (copyright law).