das
Kokain
🧪 What Exactly is Kokain?
Das Kokain is a potent psychoactive alkaloid obtained from the leaves of the South American coca plant. It's known for its stimulating effect on the central nervous system and its high potential for addiction.
It is usually traded and consumed as a white, crystalline powder (e.g., snorted, injected, or smoked). Due to its dangerous properties and associated crime, possession, trade, and consumption are illegal in most countries.
The word in German is a neuter noun, hence it's always das Kokain. There are no other articles or meanings for this word.
🚨 Warning: The use of cocaine is illegal and extremely harmful to health. This information is provided solely for linguistic clarification.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Materials, metals → mostly neutral.
Raw materials other than stones/minerals ('der Stein').
Grammar Insights: Declining das Kokain
The noun "Kokain" is neuter. It is generally used only in the singular, as it is a substance name (an uncountable noun).
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das | Kokain |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Kokains |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Kokain |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das | Kokain |
A plural form ("die Kocaine") is grammatically possible but extremely uncommon and would typically only refer to different types or shipments, which rarely occurs in practice.
Example Sentences
- Der Schmuggel von Kokain ist ein internationales Problem. (The smuggling of cocaine is an international problem.)
- Die Polizei fand bei der Razzia eine geringe Menge des Kokains. (The police found a small amount of the cocaine during the raid.)
- Viele Süchtige kommen von dem Kokain nicht mehr los. (Many addicts cannot get away from the cocaine.)
- Er wurde wegen Besitzes von Kokain verhaftet. (He was arrested for possession of cocaine.)
Context and Usage Scenarios
The term das Kokain is used almost exclusively in the context of drug abuse, drug trafficking, crime, addiction, and health consequences.
- Medical/Historical: Cocaine was formerly used partially as a local anesthetic but has been largely replaced by synthetic agents due to side effects and addiction potential. It plays hardly any role in modern medicine.
- Colloquial/Slang: In the drug scene, there are numerous slang terms and euphemisms (see Synonyms).
- Media/Public: In news, reports, and educational work, the term is used factually to inform about the substance and its dangers.
It is important to use the term correctly (with the article "das") and be aware of the serious nature of the topic.
Memory Aids for 'das Kokain'
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Pulver (the powder), das Gift (the poison), das Laster (the vice) – neuter words fitting the neutral article das Kokain. Or: It's 'DAS' dangerous substance!
Meaning Mnemonic: KOmmt aus KAuten Blättern und wirkt INtensiv (Comes from chewed leaves and acts intensely) – Kokain. Or maybe: It can KO you, so stay INside, away from it!
Word Field: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (often slang):
Antonyms (in a broader sense):
Direct antonyms don't really exist. In the context of addiction, these could be considered opposites:
- Abstinenz (Abstinence)
- Nüchternheit (Sobriety)
- Gesundheit (Health)
Similar but Different Terms:
- Morphin/Heroin: Opioids, have a depressant effect, not stimulating like cocaine.
- Amphetamin/Methamphetamin (Speed/Crystal Meth): Synthetic stimulants, chemically different from cocaine.
- Lokalanästhetika (e.g., Lidocain): Medical anesthetics, some derived from cocaine, but without comparable psychoactive effects.
A Little Joke (Carefully Chosen) 😟
Jokes about drugs are difficult and often inappropriate. Here is a very harmless attempt with a pun:
Warum nimmt der Schneemann kein Kokain?
Er hat Angst zu schmelzen!
(Why doesn't the snowman take cocaine?
He's afraid of melting!)
(Please note that drug use is a serious issue.)
Poetic Reflection (Warning)
Das weiße Pulver, kalt und rein,
Lockt mit dem Rausch, dem schnellen Schein.
Das Kokain, ein süßes Gift,
Das Herz und Hirn zerreißt und trifft.
Ein kurzer Flug, dann tiefer Fall,
Zerstörung droht, beherrscht das All.
Drum meide klug den falschen Glanz,
Bewahre dir den Lebenstanz.
(Translation)
The white powder, cold and pure,
Lures with the high, the quick allure.
Das Kokain, a sweet poison deep,
That heart and mind does tear and reap.
A short flight up, then down you fall,
Destruction looms, controls it all.
So wisely shun the false bright gleam,
Preserve your life, your living dream.
Who or What Am I? A Riddle
Ich komme aus Blättern, bin weiß wie der Schnee,
Bring' kurzen Rausch, doch langes Weh.
Man nennt mich Koks, doch bin kein Brennstoff klar,
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, das ist wahr.
Vor mir wird gewarnt, mein Besitz ist verboten,
Ich richte Leben und Existenzen zu Tode.
Was bin ich?
→ Das Kokain
(Translation)
I come from leaves, am white as snow,
Bring short-lived highs, but long-term woe.
They call me coke, but fuel I'm not, it's true,
My article is neuter, through and through.
Warnings abound, possession is banned,
I ruin lives and futures across the land.
What am I?
→ Das Kokain (Cocaine)
Additional Facts and Trivia
- Herkunft (Origin): Obtained from the leaves of the coca bush (Erythroxylum coca), which grows mainly in the Andean regions of South America.
- Chemische Substanz (Chemical Substance): It is an alkaloid with the chemical formula C₁₇H₂₁NO₄.
- Geschichte (History): Indigenous peoples of South America have chewed coca leaves for centuries to enhance performance and ward off hunger. The isolated substance cocaine became popular in the 19th century, briefly used in medicine and even beverages (original Coca-Cola recipe), before its dangers were recognized and it was largely banned.
- Rechtlicher Status (Legal Status): According to the German Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) and similar laws worldwide, handling cocaine is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kokain?
The German word "Kokain" is always neuter. The correct article is das. It refers to a potent drug derived from the coca plant and is mainly used in the singular.
