das  Ensemble

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɑ̃sɑ̃ˈblə/

🎭 What does "das Ensemble" mean?

The word das Ensemble ([ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ːblə] or [ɑŋˈzãːblə]) comes from French and originally means "together". In German, it has several related meanings, mostly in artistic or architectural contexts:

• Artistic group: A group of artists (musicians, singers, dancers, actors) who regularly perform or work together. Example: das Ensemble eines Theaters (the ensemble of a theater), ein Streicherensemble (a string ensemble).
• Whole / Collection: A group of related things considered as a unit, often in fashion. Example: Ein modisches Ensemble aus Rock und Bluse (A fashionable ensemble of skirt and blouse).
• Architecture/Urban planning: A group of buildings, structures, or squares that function as a cohesive unit and are often protected historical sites. Example: ein historisches Ensemble in der Altstadt (a historic ensemble in the old town).

It is always neuter: das Ensemble.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar in Detail: Das Ensemble

The noun "Ensemble" is neuter (sächlich). Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences 📝

1. Das gesamte Ensemble erhielt tosenden Applaus. (The entire ensemble received thunderous applause.)
2. Die Qualität des Ensembles war herausragend. (The quality of the ensemble was outstanding.)
3. Wir danken dem Ensemble für die wunderbare Vorstellung. (We thank the ensemble for the wonderful performance.)
4. Der Regisseur lobte das junge Ensemble. (The director praised the young ensemble.)
5. Viele Ensembles aus aller Welt nahmen am Festival teil. (Many ensembles from all over the world participated in the festival.)
6. Die Programme der verschiedenen Ensembles waren sehr vielfältig. (The programs of the various ensembles were very diverse.)
7. Man bot den Ensembles gute Auftrittsmöglichkeiten. (The ensembles were offered good performance opportunities.)
8. Der Veranstalter buchte mehrere bekannte Ensembles. (The organizer booked several well-known ensembles.)

💡 Usage in Context

"Das Ensemble" is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Arts & Culture: Very common in theater, opera, ballet, and music (classical, jazz, etc.). It refers to the permanent group of artists. (Das Berliner Ensemble ist weltberühmt. - The Berliner Ensemble is world-famous.)
• Architecture: To describe groups of buildings that form a unit and often have historical value. (Das architektonische Ensemble am Marktplatz steht unter Denkmalschutz. - The architectural ensemble on the market square is a protected historical site.)
• Fashion: Less common, refers to a coordinated clothing combination. (Sie trug ein elegantes Ensemble in Blau. - She wore an elegant ensemble in blue.)

Compared to "Gruppe" (group), "Ensemble" emphasizes the artistic or aesthetic coherence and the harmonious interaction of the parts more strongly.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Ensemble"

Article Mnemonic: Think of other neutral (sächlich) words in arts and culture, like das Theater or das Orchester. Many are loanwords. Das Ensemble fits right in. Or: "Think of the 'S' in Ensemble standing for 'sächlich' (neuter)!"

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine how all the parts (singers, musicians, buildings) work together (French: ensemble) to form a harmonious whole – das perfect Ensemble!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Watch out for similar words:

Don't confuse "Ensemble" with the English "assembly" or simple groups lacking artistic/aesthetic connection.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Warum hat das Gemüse-Ensemble aufgehört zu spielen?
... Weil die Karotte den Takt nicht halten konnte und die Tomate immer rot wurde!

EN: Why did the vegetable ensemble stop playing?
... Because the carrot couldn't keep the beat and the tomato kept turning red (blushing)!

🎶 A Little Poem

DE:
Das Ensemble, fein und klein,
ob Musik, ob Bau aus Stein.
Im Theater, auf der Bühn',
sie lassen Kunst erblüh'n.

Als Gruppe stark, im Einklang rein,
so soll ein gutes Ensemble sein.
Ein Ganzes, mehr als nur die Zahl,
das ist sein Zauber, allemal.

EN:
The Ensemble, fine and small,
be it music, or buildings tall.
In the theater, upon the stage,
they let art blossom and engage.

As a group strong, in harmony pure,
that's how a good ensemble should endure.
A whole, much more than just the count,
that is its magic, paramount.

🧩 Little Riddle

DE:
Ich bin eine Gruppe, doch mehr als nur das,
Mal spiel ich Musik, mal steh' ich im Gras (als Gebäude).
Im Theater hörst du meinen Klang,
In der Stadt bewunderst du meinen Rang.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk dir das fein.
Was kann ich nur sein?

EN:
I am a group, but more than just that,
Sometimes I play music, sometimes where buildings sat.
In the theater, you hear my sound,
In the city, my rank is renowned.
My article is neuter, remember this cue.
What can I be? Do you have a clue?

Solution/Lösung: das Ensemble

💡 Other Information

Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The word "Ensemble" was adopted into German in the 18th century from French (ensemble = together, mutually; entirety). It retains its French pronunciation.

Monument Protection (Denkmalschutz): In architecture and urban planning, the term "Ensemble" also has a legal meaning in the context of monument protection (Ensembleschutz), which ensures the preservation of the overall appearance of a group of buildings.