das  Judo

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈjuːdo/

🥋 What does 'das Judo' mean?

Das Judo (pronounced with stress on the first syllable: Judo) is a Japanese martial art developed in the late 19th century by Jigorō Kanō. The name literally means "the gentle way" (柔道, jūdō). The goal is to defeat the opponent using skillful throws or grappling techniques, utilizing the opponent's strength and movement.

It is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). The article is always das.

Important Note: In German, Judo as a sport or discipline is always used with 'das'. There are no other articles for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Judo' in Detail

The word "Judo" is a neuter noun (Neutrum). It is usually used without a plural form, as it refers to a type of sport. Theoretically, one could form a plural when talking about different Judo styles or events, but this is uncommon.

Note on Genitive Form: The form "des Judos" is less common and often avoided, e.g., by using circumlocutions like "die Regeln des Judo" (the rules of Judo).

Example Sentences

1. Er betreibt seit seiner Kindheit das Judo.
   He has been practicing Judo since his childhood.
2. Beim Judo lernt man Disziplin und Respekt.
   In Judo, one learns discipline and respect.
3. Die Prinzipien des Judo sind Effizienz und gegenseitiges Helfen.
   The principles of Judo are efficiency and mutual welfare.
4. Sie interessiert sich sehr für das Judo.
   She is very interested in Judo.

💡 How to use 'das Judo'?

"Das Judo" is used when talking about the sport itself:

• As a hobby or professional sport: "Mein Sohn macht Judo." (My son does Judo.)
• In the context of training and competitions: "Das Judo-Training findet dienstags statt." (The Judo training takes place on Tuesdays.)
• Referring to the philosophy behind it: "Das Prinzip des 'sanften Weges' ist zentral im Judo." (The principle of the 'gentle way' is central to Judo.)

Related terms:

• Der Judoka: A person who practices Judo (male or generic).
• Die Judoka: A female person who practices Judo.
• Der Judogi: The Judo uniform.

It is often used without an article when referring generally to the activity: "Er macht Judo." (He does Judo.) vs. "Er erklärt mir das Judo." (He explains Judo [as a concept] to me.).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Judo'

For the article (das):

Think of many abstract concepts, activities, or sports in German often being neuter (das): das Spiel (the game), das Rennen (the race), das Schwimmen (swimming), and thus das Judo. Imagine DAS unique thing, Judo.

For the meaning:

Imagine saying "You do Judo gently." The sound "You do" is similar to "Judo", reminding you of the action and the gentle nature.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different martial arts:

• Karate: Focuses on strikes and kicks.
• Aikido: Similar philosophy, focuses on joint locks and throws for defense.
• Jiu-Jitsu / Ju-Jutsu: Broader range of techniques, often as a self-defense system.

😂 A little Judo Joke

German: Warum sind Judoka so schlecht im Versteckspielen? – Weil sie immer ihre Deckung aufgeben, um zu werfen! 😉

English Translation: Why are Judoka so bad at hide-and-seek? – Because they always drop their guard (lit: give up their cover) to throw! 😉

📜 Poem about Judo

German:
Auf der Matte, weiß der Anzug (Judogi),
Respekt und Gruß, so fängt es an, oh wie!
Ein Wurf, ein Halt, mit Technik fein,
Das Judo lehrt, geschmeidig sein.
Der sanfte Weg, mit Geist und Kraft,
Hat schon so manchen stark gemacht.

English Translation:
On the mat, the suit (Judogi) is white,
Respect and bow, it starts so right!
A throw, a hold, with technique fine,
Das Judo teaches to be supple in line.
The gentle way, with spirit and might,
Has made many strong, and filled them with light.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Weg, doch ohne Pflastersteine.
Ich bin sanft, doch brauche starke Beine.
Man wirft sich hin, doch ohne Zorn,
Respekt vorm Gegner steht ganz vorn.
Im weißen Anzug kämpft man hier,
Welcher Sport aus Japan bin ich schier?

English Translation:
I am a way, but without paving stones.
I am gentle, yet require strong bones (lit: legs).
One throws down, but without ire,
Respect for the opponent is higher.
In a white suit, they compete here,
Which sport from Japan am I, my dear?

Solution: Das Judo

✨ More Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: Japanese 柔道 (jūdō), composed of 柔 (jū) = gentle, yielding and 道 (dō) = way, principle.
• Founder: Jigorō Kanō (1860–1938) developed Judo from various styles of Jiu-Jitsu.
• Olympic Discipline: Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964 (men) and 1992 (women).
• Belt Colors: The color of the belt (Obi) indicates the Judoka's rank, starting from white up to the black belt (Dan grades).