das
Kochbuch
📖 What exactly is a Kochbuch?
A Kochbuch (noun, neuter) is a book containing a collection of cooking recipes (Kochrezepte). It serves as instructions for preparing food and drinks.
There is only one article for Kochbuch: das Kochbuch. It corresponds to the English word cookbook.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Books, documents → mostly neutral.
Caution: see exceptions
📜 Grammar and Declension of 'das Kochbuch'
The word "Kochbuch" is neuter, hence it uses the article "das". It follows the standard declension pattern for neuter nouns in German.
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Kochbuch |
| Genitive | des | Kochbuch(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Kochbuch(e) |
| Accusative | das | Kochbuch |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kochbücher |
| Genitive | der | Kochbücher |
| Dative | den | Kochbüchern |
| Accusative | die | Kochbücher |
📝 Example Sentences
- Ich habe ein neues Kochbuch geschenkt bekommen. (I received a new cookbook as a gift.)
- In diesem Kochbuch stehen viele vegetarische Rezepte. (This cookbook contains many vegetarian recipes.)
- Die Seiten meines liebsten Kochbuchs sind schon ganz fleckig. (The pages of my favorite cookbook are already quite stained.)
- Kannst du mir das Kochbuch vom Regal holen? (Can you get the cookbook from the shelf for me?)
- Wir haben viele alte Kochbücher von unserer Großmutter geerbt. (We inherited many old cookbooks from our grandmother.)
🧑🍳 How to use 'Kochbuch'?
A Kochbuch is used in everyday language to refer to a book with recipes. It can be a general cookbook, specialized ones (e.g., for Backen (baking), Grillen (grilling), specific national cuisines), or thematic ones (e.g., quick meals, cooking for beginners).
- Context: Küche (kitchen), Kochen (cooking), Rezepte (recipes), Geschenke (gifts), Buchhandel (bookstore), Bibliothek (library).
- Comparison: Similar to Rezeptsammlung (recipe collection) or Rezeptbuch (recipe book), but Kochbuch is the most common term.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the article: Think of das Buch (the book). A cookbook is a type of book, and 'Buch' is neuter (das). So: das Buch -> das Kochbuch.
Remembering the meaning: The word is composed of kochen (to cook) and Buch (book). So, it's simply a book for cooking.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Rezeptsammlung (recipe collection)
- Rezeptbuch (recipe book)
- Backbuch (baking book - specifically for baking recipes)
Antonyms (opposites):
Direct antonyms are rare. Possible opposites in context:
- Roman (novel - a different type of book)
- Leeres Notizbuch (empty notebook - without recipes)
- Speisekarte (menu - list of dishes in a restaurant, not instructions)
⚠️ Similar, but different words:
- Kochkurs: A course where you learn to cook (not a book).
- Menükarte/Speisekarte: The menu in a restaurant.
😂 A little Joke
Warum hat das Kochbuch geweint?
Weil es zu viele Zwiebelrezepte hatte!
(Why did the cookbook cry?
Because it had too many onion recipes!)
📜 A Poem about the Kochbuch
Ein Buch aus Papier, oft bunt und schwer,
(A book of paper, often colorful and heavy,)
voller Geheimnisse, bitte sehr.
(full of secrets, if you please.)
Mit Bildern von Kuchen, Braten, Saft,
(With pictures of cakes, roasts, juice,)
gibt es uns beim Kochen Kraft.
(it gives us strength while cooking.)
Es leitet die Hand, würzt mit Bedacht,
(It guides the hand, seasons thoughtfully,)
damit das Essen Freude macht.
(so that the meal brings joy.)
Folge den Zeilen, Schritt für Schritt,
(Follow the lines, step by step,)
das Kochbuch führt dich sicher mit.
(the cookbook guides you safely along.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe viele Blätter, doch bin kein Baum.
(I have many leaves, but am not a tree.)
Ich erzähle von Essen, erfülle manchen Traum.
(I tell of food, fulfill many a dream.)
Ich steh' oft im Regal, nahe dem Herd,
(I often stand on the shelf, near the stove,)
bin beim Zubereiten Goldes wert.
(I am worth gold during preparation.)
Was bin ich? / What am I?
→ Das Kochbuch / The Cookbook
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Kochbuch" is a compound noun, formed from:
- kochen: The verb meaning 'to cook'.
- Buch: The noun meaning 'book'.
Trivia: The oldest known cookbook dates back to Mesopotamia around 1700 BC. Early German cookbooks appeared in the Middle Ages.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kochbuch?
The German word "Kochbuch" (cookbook) is always neuter. Therefore, the correct article is exclusively das Kochbuch.