das  Exempel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛkˈzɛmpl/

📖 What exactly is an Exempel?

Das Exempel (noun, neuter) means an example, a model case, or an illustration. It is used to clarify a situation, a rule, or a teaching. It is often also used to describe a cautionary tale or a deterrent example.

• Meaning 1: Example, illustration (Synonym to Beispiel, but often slightly more formal or elevated).
• Meaning 2: Model, archetype, or instructive case.
• Meaning 3: Deterrent example (frequently in the phrase "ein Exempel statuieren").

🚨 Attention: While Beispiel is very common in everyday language, Exempel often sounds a bit more archaic or is used in specific contexts (e.g., legal, pedagogical).

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Exempel

The word "Exempel" is a noun of neuter gender. The definite article is das.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Lehrer gab den Schülern ein klares Exempel für die grammatische Regel.
   (The teacher gave the students a clear example for the grammatical rule.)
2. Sein Verhalten dient als Exempel dafür, wie man es nicht machen sollte.
   (His behavior serves as an example of how not to do it.)
3. Der Richter wollte an dem Angeklagten ein Exempel statuieren, um andere abzuschrecken.
   (The judge wanted to make an example of the defendant to deter others.)
4. In der Predigt wurde das Exempel des barmherzigen Samariters erzählt.
   (In the sermon, the example/parable of the Good Samaritan was told.)

💡 How "Exempel" is Used

Das Exempel is mostly used in contexts where something needs to be illustrated or a lesson needs to be taught. It often carries a didactic or moral connotation.

• Formal Context: In academic, theological, or pedagogical texts to illustrate principles.
• "Ein Exempel statuieren": This fixed phrase means to make an example of someone/something, often involving harsh punishment to deter others or send a clear message. Example: "Um die Disziplin aufrechtzuerhalten, musste der Kommandant ein Exempel statuieren." (To maintain discipline, the commander had to make an example.)
• Comparison with "Beispiel": Beispiel is the more common and neutral word for 'example'. Exempel often sounds stronger, more instructive, or, in certain contexts, more deterrent. You would typically say "Gib mir ein Beispiel" (Give me an example) rather than "Gib mir ein Exempel".

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of it as DAS (= THE neutral) lesson piece, DAS thing you show – das Exempel. It's like an object (neuter, neutral) being presented.

Meaning Mnemonic: Exempel sounds similar to the English word "example". Both start with 'Ex' and refer to something that illustrates a point. Remember it's often a more formal or significant example.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Watch out for confusion: Do not confuse Exempel with Exemplar (a single copy or specimen of something, e.g., a book - ein Buchexemplar).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir ein Exempel für Dummheit nennen?"
(The teacher asks: "Who can give me an example of stupidity?")
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Mein Bruder hat gestern versucht, Wasser in einem Sieb zu tragen!"
(Little Fritz raises his hand: "Yesterday, my brother tried to carry water in a sieve!")
Lehrer: "Sehr gut, das ist ein treffendes Exempel!"
(Teacher: "Very good, that's a fitting example!")
Fritzchen: "Aber er war nicht dumm, er wollte nur die Löcher waschen!"
(Fritzchen: "But he wasn't stupid, he just wanted to wash the holes!")

📜 A Short Poem

Ein weises Wort, ein klarer Fall,
(A wise word, a clear case,)
Das Exempel lehrt uns überall.
(The example teaches us everywhere.)
Mal gut, mal schlecht, es zeigt den Weg,
(Sometimes good, sometimes bad, it shows the way,)
Ein Fingerzeig auf unsrem Steg.
(A signpost on our path.)
Man statuiert's mit strenger Hand,
(It's set up with a stern hand,)
Als Mahnung wohlbekannt im Land.
(As a warning well-known in the land.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich zeige auf, ich mache klar,
(I point out, I make clear,)
bin oft belehrend, wunderbar.
(am often instructive, wonderful.)
Manchmal schreck ich ab mit Macht,
(Sometimes I deter with power,)
hab' manchem schon 'ne Lehr' gebracht.
(have brought a lesson to many.)
Ich bin nicht 'Beispiel', doch verwandt,
(I'm not 'Beispiel', yet related,)
mit 'das' werd' ich im Satz benannt.
(with 'das' I am named in a sentence.)

(Solution: das Exempel)

🌐 Other Interesting Details

Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Exempel" comes from the Latin word exemplum, meaning "sample, pattern, model, precedent, copy". This derives from the verb eximere, meaning "to take out", suggesting an example is something taken out from a larger group to be shown or examined.

Cultural Significance: The concept of the Exempel (Latin: exemplum) is deeply rooted in European culture, from ancient fables (which often provide a moral Exempel) to medieval collections of sermons (Exempelsammlungen) that illustrated moral teachings through stories.