das  Feuilleton

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fœj.tlɔ̃/

📰 What Exactly is a Feuilleton?

The word Feuilleton (pronounced roughly [føjəˈtɔ̃ː] or [føjəˈtɔŋ]) refers to the cultural and entertainment section of a newspaper or magazine. It's the part typically dealing with topics like literature (Literatur), theatre (Theater), film (Film), music (Musik), art (Kunst), but also societal debates, essays, and columns (Glossen).

Originally, the Feuilleton was a 'supplementary sheet' (French feuille = leaf/page), separated from the main part of the newspaper page by a line, offering lighter, entertaining content. Today, it's an integral part of many newspapers and often represents sophisticated cultural journalism (Kulturjournalismus).

There is only one article for this word: das Feuilleton.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Feuilleton

The word 'Feuilleton' is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Ich lese am liebsten das Feuilleton am Wochenende.
   (I prefer reading the Feuilleton on the weekend.)
2. Der Autor schreibt regelmäßig für das Feuilleton einer überregionalen Zeitung.
   (The author regularly writes for the Feuilleton of a national newspaper.)
3. Im Feuilleton fand ich eine interessante Theaterkritik.
   (I found an interesting theatre review in the Feuilleton.)
4. Der Preis des Feuilletons wurde gestern verliehen.
   (The prize of the Feuilleton was awarded yesterday.)

💡 How to Use "Feuilleton"?

The term das Feuilleton is primarily used in the context of print media (Zeitungen, Zeitschriften) and, more recently, online media, to designate the cultural section.

• Typical Context: Discussions about media (Medien), journalism (Journalismus), culture (Kultur), reading recommendations.
• Distinction: While Feuilleton is often used synonymously with 'Kulturteil' (cultural section), it can sometimes imply a more intellectual, essayistic, or literary focus than a mere events calendar or pure entertainment news.
• Related terms: Kulturteil, Kulturressort, Kulturseite.

One speaks of 'reading in the Feuilleton' (im Feuilleton lesen), 'writing for the Feuilleton' (für das Feuilleton schreiben), or 'opening the Feuilleton' (das Feuilleton aufschlagen).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article: Many loanwords from French ending in -on are neuter (sächlich) in German, like das Chanson, das Medaillon – and also das Feuilleton. Think: "Das is quite a ton of culture!" for Feuilleton.

For the meaning: Imagine leafing through many Feuilles (French for 'leaves' or pages) that contain tons of cultural content – that's das Feuilleton.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Although often used interchangeably, 'Feuilleton' might imply a stronger focus on essays, critique, and intellectual debate than the general 'Kulturteil'.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum liest der Geist immer nur das Feuilleton?

Weil er wissen will, was in der überirdischen Kulturszene los ist! 👻

(Why does the ghost always read only the Feuilleton?)

(Because he wants to know what's going on in the supernatural cultural scene!)

✍️ Poem about the Feuilleton

Auf zartem Papier, das Blatt so fein,
Das Feuilleton lädt uns heute ein.
Von Kunst und Geist, von Wort und Klang,
Ein kritischer, ein weiser Sang.

Theaterlicht und Buchdebatt’,
Es schärft den Sinn, macht niemals matt.
Ein Raum für Tiefgang, fern vom Lärm,
Im Herzen der Zeitung, hält es warm.

(On delicate paper, the page so fine,)
(Das Feuilleton invites us today.)
(Of art and mind, of word and sound,)
(A critical, a wise song.)

(Theatre light and book debate,)
(It sharpens the mind, never makes weary.)
(A space for depth, far from the noise,)
(In the heart of the newspaper, it keeps warm.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Teil, doch nicht vom Kuchen,
man kann mich in der Zeitung suchen.
Ich spreche über Kunst und Buch,
Musik und Film, Besuch für Besuch.
Mit „das“ steh ich stets vorn im Satz,
wer bin ich, dieser edle Platz?

(I am a part, but not of cake,)
(You can search for me in the newspaper's make.)
(I talk of art and books so grand,)
(Music and film, throughout the land.)
(With 'das' I always start my phrase,)
(Who am I, this noble place?)

Solution: das Feuilleton

🌐 Origin and Trivia

Etymology: The word comes directly from French. Feuilleton is a diminutive of feuillet, which in turn is a diminutive of feuille ('leaf'). So it literally means 'little leaf' or 'leaflet'.

History: The Feuilleton originated in early 19th century France. Initially, it was indeed a separate supplement or the part of a newspaper page printed below a line (Trennstrich), dealing with non-political, often entertaining or cultural topics, sometimes to bypass censorship or make the newspaper more attractive.

Shift in Meaning: Today, it usually refers to the entire cultural section (Kulturressort) of a newspaper and stands for quality journalism in this field.