das  Deck

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/dɛk/

🚢 What does "das Deck" mean?

The German noun das Deck has several meanings, often related to a horizontal surface or level:

• Maritime/Aviation: The horizontal level(s) on a ship or large aircraft (e.g., das Oberdeck - upper deck, das Unterdeck - lower deck, das Sonnendeck - sun deck). It forms the floor or 'story'.
• Card Games: A set of playing cards (e.g., ein Skat-Deck - a Skat deck, ein Poker-Deck - a poker deck). Synonymous with Kartenspiel or Kartenstapel.
• Technology (dated): A playback device for audio media, especially cassettes (Kassettendeck - cassette deck) or formerly also records (Plattendeck as part of a stereo system).
• Architecture/Construction: A platform or level, often outdoors (e.g., Terrassendeck - terrace deck, Parkdeck - parking deck/level).

🚨 Attention: Although it originates from English, the article in German is always "das".

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Deck"

"Deck" is a neuter noun and therefore uses the article "das". It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences for Grammar

• Nominative: Das Deck des Schiffes ist nass. (The ship's deck is wet.)
• Genitive: Die Reling des Decks ist stabil. (The railing of the deck is stable.)
• Dative: Wir sitzen auf dem sonnigen Deck. (We are sitting on the sunny deck.)
• Accusative: Er betritt das Deck. (He steps onto the deck.)
• Plural: Die verschiedenen Decks des Kreuzfahrtschiffes bieten viel Platz. (The different decks of the cruise ship offer a lot of space.)
• Plural (Cards): Sie mischte die beiden Decks zusammen. (She shuffled the two decks together.)

💡 When to use "das Deck"?

The usage of "das Deck" heavily depends on the context:

• In maritime contexts: When talking about ships, "Deck" is the standard term for the levels. You talk about das Oberdeck (upper deck), das Hauptdeck (main deck), das Sonnendeck (sun deck), das Promenadendeck (promenade deck), etc.
• When playing games: In the context of card games, "das Deck" refers to the entire set of cards needed to play. Example: "Gib mir mal das Deck rüber." (Pass me the deck.)
• In technology (rather historical): Previously, "das Kassettendeck" or "das Tapedeck" was a common term for the playback device. Less used today.
• Architecture/Construction: Here, it often describes a raised, open platform, similar to a terrace or balcony (e.g., Holzdeck im Garten - wooden deck in the garden) or a level in a parking garage (Parkdeck).

⚠️ Distinction from "die Decke": Do not confuse it with die Decke! "Die Decke" refers to the ceiling of a room (Zimmerdecke) or a blanket/cover (Wolldecke).

🧠 How to remember "das Deck"

Article Mnemonic

Imagine das Schiff (the ship) has a large, flat Deck, just like das Tablett (the tray) you carry your food on. Both are neuter ("das"). Or: Many things fit onto das Deck – it's neutral like the word itself.

Meaning Mnemonic

Think of the English word "deck" itself, which has similar meanings (ship's deck, deck of cards). The German word is a loanword, so the meaning is closely related. Remember it covers an area (ship) or covers a collection (cards).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Deck"

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• die Decke: As mentioned, means ceiling or blanket.

😂 A little Joke

Fragt der Kapitän den neuen Matrosen: "Können Sie das Deck schrubben?"
Sagt der Matrose: "Klar, wenn ich die passenden Karten dafür finde!"

Translation:
The captain asks the new sailor: "Can you scrub the deck?"
The sailor says: "Sure, if I can find the right cards for it!" (Playing on 'Deck' meaning ship's deck and deck of cards).

📜 Poem about das Deck

Auf weitem Meer, das Deck so breit,
unter der Sonne, zur Reise bereit.
Der Wind weht salzig, die Möwe schreit,
man spürt die Freiheit, die Ferne, die Zeit.

Oder beim Spiel, mit Ass und mit Bube,
liegt das Deck bereit in der Stube.
Gemischt und gegeben, mit Glück und mit Tücke,
entscheidet die Karte so manche Brücke.

Translation:
On the wide sea, the deck so broad,
under the sun, ready for the journey abroad.
The wind blows salty, the seagull cries,
one feels the freedom, the distance, the time that flies.

Or in the game, with ace and with jack,
lies the deck ready in the homely shack.
Shuffled and dealt, with luck and with spite,
the card decides many a plight.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich habe viele Blätter, doch bin kein Baum.
Ich liege auf Schiffen, biete Raum.
Manchmal spielst du mit mir, hast Könige und Damen fein.
Was kann ich nur sein?

Translation:
I have many leaves (Blätter also means cards), but am not a tree.
I lie on ships, offer space.
Sometimes you play with me, have kings and queens so fine.
What can I possibly be?

Solution: das Deck (deck of cards or ship's deck)

✨ Other Information about "das Deck"

• Etymology: The German word "Deck" is a loanword from English ("deck"), which in turn originates from the Middle Dutch word "dec" (roof, cover). It established itself as a neuter noun in German.
• Compound Words (Komposita): There are many compound words with "Deck", e.g., Sonnendeck (sun deck), Oberdeck (upper deck), Achterdeck (quarterdeck/aft deck), Vorderdeck (foredeck), Zwischendeck (tween deck), Parkdeck (parking level), Kassettendeck (cassette deck), Tapedeck (tape deck), Kartendeck (deck of cards).