das
Grillen
🍖 What does "das Grillen" mean?
Das Grillen (neuter noun) refers to the process of cooking food (typically meat, sausages, vegetables, or fish) over direct heat, usually on a grill rack (Grillrost) over glowing coals (glühende Kohle), a gas flame (Gasflamme), or an electric heat source. It is the nominalization (Substantivierung) of the verb grillen (to grill/barbecue).
So, it describes the activity of grilling/barbecuing itself, often associated with social gatherings outdoors.
⚠️ Don't confuse it with die Grille (the cricket).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
📊 Grammar of 'das Grillen' in Detail
Das Grillen is a nominalized verb (derived from grillen) and is therefore neuter (sächlich). It is generally only used in the singular, as it describes an activity. The plural form is very uncommon.
Declension (Singular):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Grillen |
| Genitive | des | Grillens |
| Dative | dem | Grillen |
| Accusative | das | Grillen |
Example Sentences
- Das Grillen am Wochenende war sehr gemütlich. (The barbecue at the weekend was very cozy.)
- Wir freuen uns schon auf das Grillen im Sommer. (We are already looking forward to barbecuing in the summer.)
- Beim Grillen sollte man immer auf Sicherheit achten. (When barbecuing, one should always pay attention to safety.)
- Er ist für das Grillen zuständig. (He is responsible for the grilling.)
☀️ How to use 'das Grillen'?
Das Grillen is used to describe the activity of cooking on a grill. It is strongly associated with summer (Sommer), good weather (gutes Wetter), garden parties (Gartenpartys), and social gatherings (geselliges Beisammensein).
- Context: Leisure, cooking, food, social events.
- Typical Phrases: "zum Grillen einladen" (to invite someone for a barbecue), "Lust auf Grillen haben" (to feel like barbecuing), "beim Grillen helfen" (to help with the barbecuing), "das Grillen vorbereiten" (to prepare the barbecue).
- Distinction: While der Grill refers to the device, das Grillen means the action. A Grillparty is the event (BBQ party).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Grillen'
Article Mnemonic: Nominalized verbs (infinitives used as nouns) in German are almost always neuter ('das'). Think of: das Essen (eating), das Trinken (drinking), das Laufen (running), das Schlafen (sleeping)... and also das Grillen (grilling). It describes a general activity, something abstract – typical for 'das'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the 'grilling' sounds – the 'Grrrrr' of the flames and the 'illen' like 'chillin'' outdoors. Das Grillen is 'grrrr-chillin'' with food!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- das Barbecue / BBQ (from English)
- das Rösten (roasting - specifically over fire/on a grid)
Potential Confusion:
- Die Grille (f): The cricket (the chirping insect). Nothing to do with cooking!
😂 A Little Grilling Joke
DE: Fragt der eine Griller den anderen: "Grillst du mit Gas oder Kohle?" Antwortet der andere: "Weder noch, ich grilliere!"
EN: One griller asks the other: "Do you grill with gas or coal?" The other replies: "Neither, I 'grilliate'!"
(A pun, humorously modifying the verb 'grillen')
📜 Poem about Grilling
DE:
Die Sonne lacht, der Hunger nagt,
es wird heut' frisch gegrillt, gewagt!
Das Fleisch zischt leis', Gemüse bunt,
das Grillen tut der Seele kund:
Gemütlichkeit und Sommerwind,
wo Freunde froh beisammen sind.
EN:
The sun laughs, hunger gnaws,
today we'll grill fresh, taking a pause!
The meat sizzles low, veggies bright,
das Grillen tells the soul's delight:
Coziness and summer breeze,
where happy friends gather with ease.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich bin 'ne Tätigkeit, oft heiß begehrt,
find' meist im Freien statt, bin viel wert.
Ich brauch' 'nen Rost und Glut darunter,
mach' Würstchen, Steak und Herzen munter.
Was bin ich, sag's geschwind,
beginnend mit 'nem G, geliebt von Frau und Kind?
EN:
I am an activity, often hotly desired,
usually outdoors, much admired.
I need a rack and embers below,
making sausages, steak, and hearts glow.
What am I, tell me fast,
starting with 'G', a joy meant to last?
Solution: das Grillen (barbecuing/grilling)
💡 Good to Know
Word Origin: The German word grillen comes from the Latin craticulum (small grid/rack). It entered German via Italian griglia and French grille.
Cultural Significance: Das Grillen is a very popular leisure activity in Germany, especially in summer. It symbolizes sociability (Geselligkeit), relaxation (Entspannung), and enjoyment (Genuss).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Grillen?
The activity of cooking food on a grill, when used as a noun in German, is neuter: It's always das Grillen.