das
Debüt
🎬 What Does 'das Debüt' Mean?
The German word das Debüt (noun, neuter) refers to the first public appearance or first performance of a person (e.g., an artist, athlete) or a thing (e.g., a product, a play at a specific venue).
It originates from the French word 'début', meaning 'start' or 'beginning'.
In German, it's a neuter noun and always uses the article 'das'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Many foreign words → mostly neutral.
There are many foreign words, we won't list them all.
🧐 Grammar Corner: Declining 'das Debüt'
The noun 'Debüt' is neuter. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Debüt |
| Genitive | des | Debüts |
| Dative | dem | Debüt |
| Accusative | das | Debüt |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Debüts |
| Genitive | der | Debüts |
| Dative | den | Debüts |
| Accusative | die | Debüts |
Note: The plural 'die Debüts' is relatively rare but correct, especially when referring to multiple first appearances of different people or things.
Example Sentences
- Sein Debüt als Schauspieler war ein großer Erfolg. (His debut as an actor was a great success.)
- Die Band feierte ihr Debüt mit einem ausverkauften Konzert. (The band celebrated their debut with a sold-out concert.)
- Nach langem Warten gab der junge Stürmer endlich sein Debüt in der Nationalmannschaft. (After a long wait, the young striker finally made his debut for the national team.)
- Das Unternehmen plant das Debüt seines neuen Produkts für nächsten Monat. (The company is planning the debut of its new product for next month.)
- Die Debüts der Nachwuchskünstler wurden positiv aufgenommen. (The debuts of the young artists were received positively.)
🚀 Using 'das Debüt' Like a Pro
'Debüt' is often used in contexts like art, culture, sports, and sometimes in business (product launches).
- Typical Verbs: sein Debüt geben (to make one's debut), sein Debüt feiern (to celebrate one's debut), sein Debüt haben (to have one's debut).
- Context: It emphasizes the very first public appearance in a specific role or capacity.
- Difference from 'Premiere': While 'Premiere' often refers to the first performance of a specific work (film, play), 'Debüt' usually refers to the first appearance of a person in a certain role or capacity, or the first appearance of a product/band etc. An actress can have her Debüt at the theater (first appearance ever) and later celebrate the Premiere of a new play (first performance of that specific play).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Debüt'
- Remembering the Article: Think "Das is special" – a debut is special, and 'das' often goes with loanwords ending in -t (das Ballett, das Komplott, das Debüt). The 's' sound in 'das' connects to the event's significance.
- Remembering the Meaning: 'Debüt' sounds a bit like "Da Boot" – imagine someone getting 'the boot' onto the stage for their very first performance. Or: Imagine someone saying, "I'll do but... it's my debut!" (stress on 'bu'/'bü') – expressing slight nervousness before the first time.
↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
⚠️ Similar-sounding but Different Words:
- Debatte (die): A debate or discussion, unrelated to a first appearance.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Regisseur den jungen Schauspieler vor seinem Debüt: "Na, nervös?"
Antwortet der Schauspieler: "Nein, wieso? Sollten die Zuschauer etwa nervös sein?"
(Translation: The director asks the young actor before his debut: "Well, nervous?"
The actor replies: "No, why? Should the audience be nervous?")
✍️ A Poem About the Debut
Das Licht geht an, die Stille schwer,
Das Herz klopft laut, man hofft so sehr.
Der erste Schritt, ein neuer Klang,
Das Debüt beginnt, ein Leben lang
Erinnert man den Augenblick,
Den ersten Applaus, das große Glück.
(Translation: The light goes on, the silence heavy,
The heart beats loud, one hopes so dearly.
The first step, a new sound,
The debut begins, for a lifetime bound
One remembers the moment,
The first applause, the great contentment.)
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin der erste Schritt ins Licht,
Manch einer fürchtet mich, manch einer nicht.
Für Künstler, Sportler, ist's ein Muss,
Der allererste Auftrittsgruß.
Was bin ich?
(Translation:
I am the first step into the light,
Some fear me, others feel no fright.
For artists, athletes, it's a must,
The very first appearance's thrust.
What am I?)
Solution: das Debüt
💡 Other Information
- Word Origin (Etymology): The word comes directly from French: début means 'start', 'beginning', originally from the verb débuter 'to begin', which referred to the first strike of a ball in a ball game.
- Word Formation (Compounds): 'Debüt' can be part of compound nouns, e.g.:
- das Debütalbum (debut album)
- der Debütroman (debut novel)
- die Debütsaison (debut season)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Debüt?
The German word 'Debüt' is neuter, so the correct article is always 'das'. The genitive case is 'des Debüts', and the rare plural form is 'die Debüts'. It means the first public appearance or performance.