das
Interview
🎙️ What exactly is a 'das Interview'?
The word das Interview ([ˈɪntɐvjuː]) refers to a formal questioning or conversation conducted with the aim of gathering information. Typically, one person (der Interviewer - the interviewer) asks questions, and one or more other people (die Interviewten - the interviewees) answer.
It's a neuter noun (sächlich) and is a loanword from English. It's commonly used in journalism, research, human resources (Vorstellungsgespräch - job interview), and many other contexts.
🚨 There is only the neuter form das Interview. Other articles are incorrect.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Many foreign words → mostly neutral.
There are many foreign words, we won't list them all.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Interview
The noun "Interview" is neuter (sächlich) and is generally declined as follows. Being a loanword, it usually forms its plural with "-s".
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Interview |
| Genitive | des | Interviews |
| Dative | dem | Interview |
| Accusative | das | Interview |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Interviews |
| Genitive | der | Interviews |
| Dative | den | Interviews |
| Accusative | die | Interviews |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Journalist führte ein langes Interview mit dem Politiker. (The journalist conducted a long interview with the politician.)
- Sie bereitete sich gründlich auf das Interview für die neue Stelle vor. (She prepared thoroughly for the interview for the new job.)
- Die Ergebnisse des Interviews wurden in der Studie veröffentlicht. (The results of the interview were published in the study.)
- Wir haben mehrere Interviews für unsere Dokumentation gefilmt. (We filmed several interviews for our documentary.)
🗣️ How to use 'das Interview'?
"Das Interview" is used to describe a structured questioning session. Here are typical contexts:
- Journalism: A reporter questions a public figure, an expert, or an eyewitness. (e.g., ein Fernsehinterview - a TV interview, ein Radiointerview - a radio interview, ein Zeitungsinterview - a newspaper interview)
- Job Applications: An HR manager questions an applicant to assess their suitability. (= Vorstellungsgespräch, Jobinterview)
- Research: Scientists conduct interviews to gather data for studies (qualitative Forschung - qualitative research).
- Everyday Life: Sometimes used more casually for a targeted conversation, but generally more formal than a normal Gespräch (conversation).
Distinction: While das Gespräch refers generally to an exchange, das Interview implies a clearer role distribution (questioner/respondent) and often a specific goal of obtaining information.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Remember that MANY loanwords are neuter (das), especially those from English. Maybe it helps to think: The neutral conversation is often an InterVIEw.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone 'inter-' (between) getting a 'view' between two perspectives or into a person's thoughts – through questions and answers.
🔄 Synonyms & Opposites
Similar Words (Synonyms)
- Die Befragung: Questioning, interrogation; often more formal, sometimes in official or scientific contexts.
- Das Gespräch: Conversation; more general, less structured.
- Die Unterredung: Discussion, talk; rather formal, often between two parties.
- Das Vorstellungsgespräch: Job interview; specifically in the context of an application.
Opposite Concepts (Antonyms)
- Der Monolog: Monologue; speech by a single person without dialogue.
- Die Aussage: Statement; a one-sided declaration, not questioning.
- Die Präsentation: Presentation; presenting information, usually without interactive questioning.
⚠️ Be careful: Words like die Besprechung (meeting) or die Diskussion (discussion) are similar but emphasize the exchange of opinions or collaborative problem-solving rather than pure information retrieval.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Personaler im Interview: "Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren?"
Antwortet der Bewerber: "Am liebsten auf Ihrem Stuhl – aber mit mehr Gehalt!" 😉
(Translation: The HR manager asks in the interview: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
The applicant replies: "Preferably in your chair – but with more salary!")
📜 A Poem about the Interview
Ein Raum, zwei Stühle, Nervosität,
Das Interview, die Fragen konkret.
Der eine fragt, der andre spricht,
Ein Blick ins Innre, ans Tageslicht.
Ob Job, ob Zeitung, das Ziel ist klar,
Informationen, wunderbar.
Am Ende steht, ob's passt, ob nicht,
Ein Urteil fällt im Lampenlicht.
(Translation:)
A room, two chairs, nervousness high,
The interview, the questions fly.
One asks the questions, the other speaks out,
A glimpse inside, leaving no doubt.
For job or paper, the goal is clear,
Information, wonderfully dear.
In the end it's decided, if it's a fit or blight,
A judgment is passed in the lamp's soft light.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Gespräch, doch meist geplant,
Mit Fragen werd' ich oft bemannt.
Mal such' ich den Job, mal die Story,
Man nimmt mich auf, für spätere Glorie.
Was bin ich?
(I am a conversation, but usually planned,
With questions, I am often manned.
Sometimes I seek the job, sometimes the story,
I'm recorded, for future glory.)
Answer: Das Interview
🌐 Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Interview" comes directly from English (interview), which in turn goes back to the French entrevoir (to see briefly, to glimpse) or entrevue (meeting, talk).
Typical Collocations (Word Combinations):
- ein Interview führen (to conduct an interview)
- ein Interview geben (to give an interview)
- ein Interview haben (to have an interview)
- ein exklusives Interview (an exclusive interview)
- ein ausführliches Interview (a detailed/extensive interview)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Interview?
The German word "Interview" is a neuter noun and only takes the article das. It refers to a formal questioning or a targeted conversation aimed at gathering information, commonly used in journalism or job applications.