das
Gemälde
🖼️ What exactly is a Gemälde?
A Gemälde (article: das) refers to a picture created by applying paint to a surface (like canvas, wood, or paper), which is generally considered a work of art. Es ist das Ergebnis des Malens (It is the result of painting).
In contrast to the more general word Bild (which can also include photographs, drawings, etc.), Gemälde specifically refers to a painted artwork.
There's only one article for this word, das, which makes things simpler! 😊
Article rules for der, die, and das
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
📊 Grammar: Das Gemälde in Detail
The noun „Gemälde“ is neuter (sächlich) and therefore uses the article das. It belongs to the nouns that keep a "-" ending in the plural (no extra ending) but take an umlaut (ä).
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | das | Gemälde |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Gemäldes |
| Dative (To/For whom?) | dem | Gemälde |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | das | Gemälde |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gemälde |
| Genitive | der | Gemälde |
| Dative | den | Gemälden |
| Accusative | die | Gemälde |
📝 Example Sentences
- Im Museum hängt ein berühmtes Gemälde von Monet. (A famous painting by Monet hangs in the museum.)
- Der Wert des Gemäldes ist über die Jahre gestiegen. (The value of the painting has increased over the years.)
- Ich stehe vor dem Gemälde und bewundere die Farben. (I stand in front of the painting and admire the colors.)
- Er kaufte das Gemälde auf einer Auktion. (He bought the painting at an auction.)
- Die Gemälde in dieser Galerie sind sehr modern. (The paintings in this gallery are very modern.)
- Die Restaurierung der Gemälde war sehr aufwendig. (The restoration of the paintings was very complex.)
- Mit den Gemälden wurde die Wand verschönert. (The wall was decorated with the paintings.)
- Sie betrachtet die Gemälde nachdenklich. (She thoughtfully looks at the paintings.)
🎨 When to use "Gemälde"?
The word Gemälde is used when specifically referring to a painted picture as an art form. You often find it in contexts like:
- Art galleries and museums: "Die Ausstellung zeigt seltene Gemälde des Barock." (The exhibition shows rare paintings from the Baroque period.)
- Art history: "Die Analyse alter Gemälde gibt Einblicke in vergangene Epochen." (The analysis of old paintings provides insights into past eras.)
- Interior design: "Ein abstraktes Gemälde schmückt das Wohnzimmer." (An abstract painting decorates the living room.)
- Auctions and art trade: "Das Gemälde erzielte einen Rekordpreis." (The painting achieved a record price.)
Difference from "Bild":
While every Gemälde is also a Bild, not every Bild is a Gemälde. Bild is the general term and can also mean photograph, drawing, print, or even metaphorically ("ein Bild der Lage" - a picture of the situation). Gemälde is more precise, emphasizing the act of painting and often the artistic quality.
⚠️ Don't use Gemälde for a simple drawing or a photo – that would be inappropriate.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic (das):
Think of other neuter words related to art or creation: das Bild (picture), das Kunstwerk (artwork), das Museum. Imagine das neutral, protective museum building housing das precious Gemälde.
Meaning Mnemonic (Painting):
The word Gemälde contains "MÄL", which strongly resembles the verb malen (to paint). A Ge-mäl-de is something that has been gemalt (painted). Simple!
↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Bild: General term for picture, but often used synonymously if it's clear a painting is meant.
- Kunstwerk: General term for artwork; a Gemälde is a specific type of Kunstwerk.
- Malerei: Often refers to the technique or style of painting, but can also mean a single painting ("eine beeindruckende Malerei" - an impressive painting).
- Ölbild/Aquarell etc.: More specific terms based on the technique (oil painting/watercolor etc.).
Antonyms (Opposites in the Context of Art):
- Skulptur: Sculpture (three-dimensional artwork).
- Fotografie: Photograph (image created by light).
- Zeichnung: Drawing (image created with lines).
- Druckgrafik: Print (reproducible image like woodcut, etching).
🚨 Similar but Different Words:
Be careful not to confuse Gemälde with Gebäude (building), even though both start with 'Ge-' and are neuter!
😂 A Little Art Joke
DE: Warum hat der Maler seine Leiter mit ins Museum genommen?
Er wollte zur hohen Kunst aufsteigen!
EN: Why did the painter take his ladder to the museum?
He wanted to ascend to high art! (Note: "hohe Kunst" means high art, and "aufsteigen" means to climb up/ascend.)
📜 A Poem about the Gemälde
DE:
Ein Pinselstrich, ein Farbenmeer,
das Gemälde, still und hehr.
Es fängt die Zeit, hält fest den Blick,
ein Fenster in ein altes Glück.
Auf Leinwand ruht die Ewigkeit,
von Meisterhand zur Schau geweiht.
Das Gemälde spricht, ganz ohne Laut,
hat eine Welt uns anvertraut.
EN:
A brushstroke, a sea of colour bright,
the painting, silent, solemn sight.
It captures time, holds fast the gaze,
a window into bygone days.
On canvas rests eternity,
by master's hand, for all to see.
The painting speaks, without a sound,
a world to us it has unbound.
❓ Little Riddle
DE:
Ich hänge still an deiner Wand,
bin oft von Künstlerhand.
Mit Farben bin ich reich geschmückt,
hab manchen Blick schon tief entzückt.
Mal bin ich alt, mal bin ich neu,
bin stummer Zeuge, doch nie scheu.
Ich zeige Landschaften, Porträts,
bin ein gemaltes Etwas stets.
Was bin ich?
EN:
I hang silently on your wall,
often made by an artist's call.
With colours I am richly dressed,
many gazes I have deeply blessed.
Sometimes I'm old, sometimes I'm new,
a silent witness, but never shy to view.
I show landscapes, portraits clear,
always a painted something dear.
What am I?
(Answer: das Gemälde / the painting)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Formation (Wortbildung):
The word Gemälde is derived from the verb malen (to paint). The prefix Ge- and the suffix -de often indicate a collective noun or the result of an action (similar to Gebäude (building) from bauen (to build), Gerede (talk/gossip) from reden (to talk)). Here, it signifies the result of painting.
Famous Paintings (Berühmte Gemälde):
Think of world-famous paintings like the Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci), The Starry Night (Vincent van Gogh), or Guernica (Pablo Picasso).
Summary: is it der, die or das Gemälde?
The word "Gemälde" is always neuter. The correct form is: das Gemälde. The plural is die Gemälde.