das
Gemäuer
🧱 What exactly is 'Gemäuer'?
Das Gemäuer (noun, neuter) refers to one or more Mauern (walls), often in the sense of Mauerwerk (masonry). It is frequently used to describe old, massive, or decaying walls or structures, such as the remnants of a castle or the thick walls of an old cellar.
It's a collective noun formed with the prefix Ge- from Mauer (wall). The connotation is often historical or slightly archaic.
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 of 'das Gemäuer'
The word "Gemäuer" is a noun of neuter gender (das). It is mostly used in the singular.
Declension
| Case | Article | Word | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Gemäuer | the masonry/walls |
| Genitive | des | Gemäuers | of the masonry/walls |
| Dative | dem | Gemäuer | to/for the masonry/walls |
| Accusative | das | Gemäuer | the masonry/walls |
| Case | Article | Word | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gemäuer | the masonries/walls |
| Genitive | der | Gemäuer | of the masonries/walls |
| Dative | den | Gemäuern | to/for the masonries/walls |
| Accusative | die | Gemäuer | the masonries/walls |
Example Sentences
- Das alte Gemäuer der Burg ragte in den Himmel. (The old walls/masonry of the castle towered into the sky.)
- Hinter dem efeubewachsenen Gemäuer verbarg sich ein geheimer Garten. (Behind the ivy-covered walls/masonry, a secret garden was hidden.)
- Die Archäologen legten das Gemäuer eines römischen Bades frei. (The archaeologists uncovered the masonry of a Roman bath.)
🗣️ How to use "Gemäuer"?
"Das Gemäuer" is typically used in contexts referring to old, massive, or historical walls.
- Ruins and Historical Sites: Often used to describe the remnants of castles, palaces, or old buildings (e.g., das ehrwürdige Gemäuer - the venerable walls/masonry).
- Thick, Solid Walls: Can also be used for thick, sturdy walls of more modern but solid constructions, like cellars or fortresses.
- Distinction from "Mauer": While "Mauer" refers to a single wall or a boundary wall, "Gemäuer" often implies a larger, more complex structure or the masonry as a whole and has a slightly elevated or archaic tone.
- Literary Use: More common in literature or formal descriptions than in everyday spoken German.
You would rarely use "Gemäuer" for a simple garden wall or the wall of a modern house; here, "Mauer" or "Wand" (wall, usually interior) would be more appropriate.
💡 Mnemonics for 'das Gemäuer'
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Haus (the house). What does das Haus have? Thick, old walls – das Gemäuer.
Meaning Mnemonic: The prefix Ge- often indicates a collection (like Gebirge - mountains, Gewässer - waters). A Gemäuer is a collection of Mauerwerk (masonry), often old and venerable. Imagine "grand masonry" for "Gemäuer".
🔄 Similar and Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
Caution: Do not confuse with Gebäude (building - general term for a structure with roof and walls) or Bauwerk (structure - even more general, can include bridges, etc.).
😄 A little joke
Warum hat das alte Schlossgespenst das Gemäuer verlassen?
Es fand die Miete zu hoch – die reinste Abzocke im alten Gemäuer! 👻
Translation:
Why did the old castle ghost leave the masonry/walls?
It found the rent too high – a real rip-off in the old walls! 👻
📜 A little poem
Uralt ragt das Gemäuer,
Zeuge mancher Abenteuer.
Stein auf Stein, vom Moos umrankt,
hat den Zeiten widerstandt.
Wind und Wetter zog vorbei,
ließ nur Stille und Geschrei
von den Vögeln in der Luft,
in des Gemäuers kühler Gruft.
Translation:
Ancient rise the walls so grand,
Witness to adventures spanned.
Stone on stone, with moss entwined,
Have withstood the tests of time.
Wind and weather passed it by,
Leaving silence and the cry
Of the birds high in the air,
In the cool crypt resting there.
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich bin aus Stein, oft alt und grau,
man findet mich in Burg und Bau.
Ich bin nicht nur 'ne Wand, oh nein,
als Ganzes werd' ich meist geseh'n.
Ich trage das sächliche Gewand.
Wie werd' ich denn genannt?
Translation:
I'm made of stone, often old and grey,
Found in castles and buildings on display.
I'm not just a wall, oh no,
As a whole, I'm usually seen, you know.
I wear the neuter article's brand.
How am I known throughout the land?
Solution: Das Gemäuer (the masonry/walls)
✨ More to Know
Word Formation: The word "Gemäuer" is an example of a collective noun formed with the prefix Ge- and an umlaut of the stem vowel (Mauer -> Gemäuer), similar to Berg (mountain) -> Gebirge (mountain range) or Busch (bush) -> Gebüsch (bushes/thicket). This formation often indicates a collection or totality.
Cultural Significance: Old Gemäuer (masonry/walls) are often romanticized and feature prominently in many sagas, legends, and historical narratives.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gemäuer?
The correct form is das Gemäuer. It refers to old or massive masonry or walls, often belonging to ruins or historic buildings.