das  Gebiss

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈbɪs/

🦷 What Exactly is "das Gebiss"?

The German word das Gebiss primarily has two meanings:

1. The complete set of teeth: It describes all the natural teeth of a person or animal in the jaw. For instance, one might talk about the Milchgebiss (milk teeth in children) or the Raubtiergebiss (predator's dentition).
2. Dentures: Colloquially and in dentistry, "das Gebiss" is often used as a synonym for removable dentures, i.e., artificial teeth (also called die Dritten - "the third ones").

It's a neuter noun, so it always takes the article das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Focus: Das Gebiss

"Das Gebiss" is a neuter noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Das Kind hat schon ein vollständiges Milchgebiss. (The child already has a complete set of milk teeth.)
• Der Zahnarzt überprüft das Gebiss des Patienten. (The dentist checks the patient's set of teeth.)
• Mein Opa trägt ein Gebiss, weil er keine eigenen Zähne mehr hat. (My grandpa wears dentures because he doesn't have his own teeth anymore.)
• Nachts legt sie ihr Gebiss in ein Glas Wasser. (At night, she puts her dentures in a glass of water.)
• Die verschiedenen Gebisse der Säugetiere sind an ihre Nahrung angepasst. (The different sets of teeth of mammals are adapted to their food.)

🗣️ How to Use "Gebiss"?

The use of "das Gebiss" depends on the context:

• Natural Teeth: When talking generally about the entire set of teeth in the mouth (human or animal), "Gebiss" is correct. Example: "Ein gesundes Gebiss ist wichtig." (A healthy set of teeth is important.)
• Dentures: In everyday language and often at the dentist's, "Gebiss" is used to refer to removable dentures. Example: "Das Gebiss muss gereinigt werden." (The dentures need to be cleaned.)

Important Distinction:

"Das Gebiss" refers to the entire set of teeth or the denture. If you want to talk about individual teeth, you use the word "der Zahn" (plural: "die Zähne").

Potential Pitfall ⚠️: Don't confuse "das Gebiss" with "der Biss" (the act of biting, e.g., snakebite, dog bite).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of "das Set". A Gebiss is a set of teeth (natural or artificial). "Set" sounds neutral -> das Gebiss.
2. Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains "Biss" (bite). With your Gebiss, you can take a firm biss (bite) – whether with real teeth or dentures.

You need das right tool for biting: das Gebiss.

🔁 Similar and Opposite Terms

Be careful with similar words:

• Der Biss: The act of biting or the bite wound. (e.g., Der Biss des Hundes war tief. - The dog's bite was deep.) It has nothing to do with the set of teeth itself.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Zahnarzt den geizigen Patienten: "Möchten Sie die Zahnlücke überbrücken lassen?" Sagt der Patient: "Nur wenn die Brücke keinen Zoll kostet!"

Translation: The dentist asks the stingy patient: "Would you like to have the gap bridged?" The patient replies: "Only if the bridge doesn't cost any toll!" (It's a pun: "überbrücken" means to bridge, "Brücke" means bridge, and "Zoll" means toll, but also sounds like inch).

✍️ Poem about "Gebiss"

Das Gebiss, ob echt, ob neu,
hilft beim Kauen, bleibt dir treu.
Reih an Reih, ganz weiß und schick,
bringt es dir dein Lächeln zurück.
Pfleg es gut, bei Tag und Nacht,
damit es dir lange Freude macht.

Translation:
The set of teeth, if real or new,
Helps with chewing, stays true to you.
Row on row, all white and neat,
It brings your smile back, oh so sweet.
Care for it well, by day and night,
So it brings you joy with all its might.

🧩 Who or What Am I?

Ich habe viele Zähne, doch kann nicht essen.
Manchmal lieg ich nachts vergessen,
in einem Glas, ganz still und rein.
Mal bin ich echt, mal künstlich fein.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have many teeth, but cannot eat.
Sometimes at night, I lie forgotten,
In a glass, quite still and clean.
Sometimes I'm real, sometimes artificial and keen.

What am I?

Solution: das Gebiss (set of teeth / dentures)

💡 More Interesting Facts

Word Formation:

The word "Gebiss" is a collective noun formed with the prefix "Ge-". This prefix often indicates a collection or totality of something in German (compare Gebirge - mountain range, Gewässer - body of water, Geflügel - poultry). The base is the noun "der Biss" (the bite). So: A collection of what is used for biting.

Cultural Notes:

A complete and well-cared-for set of teeth (Gebiss) is considered a sign of health and youthfulness in many cultures. Losing teeth and wearing dentures (ein Gebiss tragen) is often associated with aging.