das  Kabarett

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kabaˈʁɛt/

🎭 What Exactly is *das Kabarett*?

Das Kabarett (noun, neuter) refers to a form of *Kleinkunst* (*small-scale performing arts*), typically performed in smaller theaters or on stages. The focus is often on satirical, humorous, and socially or politically critical performances.

A *Kabarett* program usually consists of a mix of:

• 🗣️ Spoken word acts (*Monologe*, *Sketche*, *Dialoge*)
• 🎶 *Chansons* or songs (often with critical or witty lyrics)
• 🎭 Short scenic performances

In contrast to pure *Unterhaltungsvarieté* (*entertainment variety show*), German *Kabarett* traditionally places great emphasis on critical content and intellectual engagement with current issues.

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with the French cabaret, which often focuses more on dance, song, and show elements without a primary satirical aim, or a simple cabinet (though the word might be etymologically related).

Article rules for der, die, and das

✍️ Grammar Deep Dive: Using *das Kabarett*

The word *Kabarett* is a noun of neuter gender. Therefore, the definite article is always das.

Example Sentences

1. Wir gehen heute Abend ins Kabarett.
   (We are going to the cabaret tonight.)
2. Das politische Kabarett hat in Deutschland eine lange Tradition.
   (Political cabaret has a long tradition in Germany.)
3. Der Applaus nach dem Kabarett war ohrenbetäubend.
   (The applause after the cabaret was deafening.)
4. Die Themen des Kabaretts waren sehr aktuell.
   (The topics of the cabaret were very current.)
5. Viele Städte haben mehrere kleine Kabaretts.
   (Many cities have several small cabarets.)

💡 Usage Insights: When to Use *Kabarett*

*Das Kabarett* is used to refer to the art form itself or the venue where it is performed.

• Context: Cultural events, discussions about politics and society, theater reviews, leisure planning.
• Typical phrases:
  • ins Kabarett gehen (*to go to the cabaret*)
  • ein Kabarett besuchen/sehen (*to visit/see a cabaret show*)
  • politisches / satirisches / literarisches Kabarett (*political / satirical / literary cabaret* - specifying the type)
  • Kabarett machen / spielen (*to perform cabaret* - as an artist)
  • Das war bestes Kabarett! (*That was top-notch cabaret!* - expression of appreciation for a successful satirical performance, also used figuratively for an absurd real-life situation)
• Distinction: While *Theater* is a general term, *Kabarett* denotes a specific form with a satirical focus. *Varieté* emphasizes show elements and artistry more. *Comedy* (in the modern sense) often aims for pure humor without necessarily having a critical claim. A *Zirkus* (*circus*) offers animal training and acrobatics.

🧠 Memory Hooks for *das Kabarett*

1. For the article *'das'*: Think of **das** Spec*tacle* - a *Kabarett* performance can be quite a *spectacle*, and *spectacle* sounds like it could be neuter. So, **das** Kabarett. Or remember: **das** Programm (*the program*) at the *Kabarett* is neuter.
2. For the meaning *'satire/small-scale art'*: Imagine the performer asking: "**CA**n **BA**d **RE**ality **T**ruly be **T**ackled with humor?" This captures the critical yet humorous spirit. Or remember the phrase: **C**riticism **A**nd **B**iting **A**nalysis **R**evealed with **E**ntertaining **T**heatrics **T**onight.

↔️ Word Connections: Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Terms

• Comedy: Often focuses more on punchlines and laughs, not necessarily with critical depth.
• Revue: A show with dance, song, often without a continuous satirical thread.

😂 A Little Fun: *Kabarett* Joke

Der Intendant fragt den Kabarettisten: "Ihre Texte sind ja brillant, aber warum lachen die Leute nie an den richtigen Stellen?"

Antwortet der Kabarettist: "Weil die Realität meine Pointen ständig überholt!"

English Translation:

The artistic director asks the cabaret artist: "Your texts are brilliant, but why do people never laugh at the right moments?"

The cabaret artist replies: "Because reality constantly overtakes my punchlines!"

🎤 Witty Verses: A *Kabarett* Poem

Im Scheinwerferlicht, ganz allein,
steht der Künstler, wortgewandt und fein.
Das Kabarett, sein scharfes Schwert,
hat die Mächtigen oft belehrt.

Mit Witz und Spott, mal laut, mal leis,
zeigt er auf, was faul im Kreis.
Ein Lied, ein Sketch, ein Monolog,
der Wahrheit auf der Spur, im Dialog.

Man lacht, man denkt, ist aufgewühlt,
weil er den Nerv der Zeit erfühlt.
Das Kabarett, es lebt und spricht,
bringt Dunkles oft ans helle Licht.

English Translation:

In the spotlight, all alone,
stands the artist, eloquent and finely honed.
The Cabaret, his sharpest sword,
has often taught the powerful a word.

With wit and mockery, loud or low,
he points out what's rotten in the show.
A song, a sketch, a monologue,
tracking truth, in dialogue.

One laughs, one thinks, feels stirred inside,
because he senses the era's tide.
The Cabaret, it lives and speaks,
often brings darkness to light's peaks.

❓ What Am I? The *Kabarett* Riddle

Ich trage keinen Degen, doch meine Waffe ist das Wort.
Ich bringe Leute oft zum Lachen, doch der Ernst ist oft mein Hort.
Ich spiegle Politik und Leben, mal bissig, mal adrett.
Man geht am Abend zu mir hin. Ich bin ...?

Lösung: Das Kabarett

English Translation:

I carry no sword, yet my weapon is the word.
I often make people laugh, yet seriousness is often my hoard.
I reflect politics and life, sometimes biting, sometimes neat.
People go to me in the evening. I am ...?

Solution: Das Kabarett

🤓 Extra Facts: More About *Kabarett*

• Etymology: The word *Kabarett* originally comes from French (*cabaret*), where it meant an inn or small tavern. The German meaning evolved in the early 20th century in Berlin with the founding of the first literary-satirical stages like the *Überbrettl*.
• Famous German *Kabarettisten* (Cabaret Artists): Germany has a rich *Kabarett* tradition with many famous names, e.g., Kurt Tucholsky (as a writer), Werner Finck (during the Nazi era), Dieter Hildebrandt, Georg Kreisler (*chansonnier*), and contemporary artists like Lisa Eckhart, Urban Priol, or the TV show *Die Anstalt*.
• Social Role: *Kabarett* is often seen as an important voice of criticism and a "seismograph" of social moods.