das  Fernglas

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɛʁnˌɡlas/

🔭 What is a Fernglas?

A Fernglas (neuter, article: das) is an optical instrument used to view distant objects in a magnified way. It essentially consists of two small telescopes mounted parallel to each other, one for each eye, which allows for stereoscopic (three-dimensional) vision. In English, this is known as binoculars or sometimes field glasses.

It's often used for activities like bird watching, hiking, hunting, astronomy, or at events (e.g., concerts, sports).

Because it's considered a single device (even with two eyepieces), it's neuter in German: das Fernglas.

📚 Grammar in Detail: Das Fernglas

The word "Fernglas" is a neuter noun. The correct article is das.

Declension (Beugung)

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

• Hast du das Fernglas eingepackt? (Did you pack the binoculars?)
• Die Qualität des Fernglases war entscheidend. (The quality of the binoculars was crucial.)
• Mit dem Fernglas konnte er das Schiff sehen. (With the binoculars, he could see the ship.)
• Ich habe mir ein neues Fernglas gekauft. (I bought myself new binoculars.)
• Es gab viele verschiedene Ferngläser. (There were many different binoculars.)

🤔 How to Use "Fernglas"?

The term Fernglas is used whenever referring to the portable optical device for magnifying distant objects (binoculars).

• Contexts: Nature observation (Tiere, Vögel), hiking (Wandern), astronomy (Astronomie - e.g., moon, star clusters), hunting (Jagd), navigation at sea (Seefahrt), military (Militär), surveillance (Überwachung), events (Veranstaltungen - concerts, opera, sports).
• Distinction: A Fernrohr (or Teleskop) is often larger, usually has only one eyepiece (monocular), and is frequently mounted on a tripod, especially in astronomy. A Lupe (magnifying glass) is used for magnifying nearby objects. A Mikroskop (microscope) is used for extreme magnification of very small, nearby objects.
• Colloquial Use: Sometimes the term Feldstecher (field glasses) is used synonymously, although it originally had a more military connotation. An Opernglas (opera glasses) is a specific, often smaller and decorated type for theater visits.

Remember, it's always "das Fernglas," even though it has two 'eyes'.

🧠 Mnemonics for Fernglas

1. For the Article (das): Think of "das Glas" (the glass). A Fernglas is essentially a special type of Glas for looking into the Ferne (distance). Many compound words ending in "-glas" are neuter: das Trinkglas (drinking glass), das Weinglas (wine glass), and das Fernglas. So, it's das funny Glas for the far distance!
2. For the Meaning: Imagine seeing something far (fern) away. You need special glass (Glas) to see it clearly. Put them together: Fern-glas!

"To see things far, clear as can be,
Grab das special Glas, you agree!"

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Optiker den Kunden: "Ist das neue Fernglas gut?"
Kunde: "Und ob! Wenn ich damit aus dem Fenster schaue, sehe ich meine Nachbarin beim Kochen – und ich kann sogar hören, wie die Kartoffeln anbrennen!"

Translation:
The optician asks the customer: "Are the new binoculars any good?"
Customer: "You bet! When I look out the window with them, I can see my neighbor cooking – and I can even hear the potatoes burning!"

📜 Poem about Binoculars

Weit entfernt, am Horizont,
Wo das Auge kaum mehr konnt',
Greif ich schnell zu meinem Schatz,
Finde einen guten Platz.Durch das Fernglas schau ich klar,
Was zuvor verborgen war:
Vogel fliegt und Schiff zieht hin,
Alles nah, welch ein Gewinn!Zwei Linsen, scharf und rein,
Fangen mir die Ferne ein.

Translation:
Far away, on the horizon's line,
Where the eye could scarce define,
I quickly grab my treasured prize,
Find a spot before my eyes.Through the binoculars I see clear,
What before was nowhere near:
Bird takes flight and ship sails on,
All brought close, a victory won!Two lenses, sharp and pure,
Capture distance, make it sure.

❓ A Riddle to Guess

Ich habe zwei Augen, doch kann ich nicht sehen.
Ich bringe die Ferne ganz nah – wunderschön!
Für Vögel im Baum oder Schiffe im Meer,
Holt man mich zum Schauen oft her.
Was bin ich?

... Das Fernglas

Translation:
I have two eyes, but cannot see.
I bring the distance close to thee – beautifully!
For birds in trees or ships at sea,
People often use me eagerly.
What am I?

... Binoculars (Das Fernglas)

🧩 Interesting Facts and Trivia

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Fernglas" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Fern: Referring to distance, far away.
• Glas: Referring to the glass of the lenses (although other materials are used today) and its function as an optical instrument.

Trivia:

• The numbers on binoculars (e.g., 8x42) indicate the magnification (8 times) and the objective lens diameter in millimeters (42mm). Die Zahlen auf einem Fernglas (z.B. 8x42) geben die Vergrößerung (8-fach) und den Objektivdurchmesser in Millimetern (42mm) an.
• The invention of the telescope is often credited to Hans Lippershey (early 17th century), who also built the first spyglass. Galileo greatly improved the telescope shortly thereafter. Binocular instruments emerged later. Die Erfindung des Fernrohrs wird oft Hans Lippershey zugeschrieben (frühes 17. Jahrhundert). Binokulare Instrumente kamen später auf.