das / der  Komplott

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔmˈplɔt/

🕵️ What exactly is a Komplott?

A Komplott means a secret plan or a conspiracy, usually with the aim of harming someone or carrying out something illegal or reprehensible. It refers to a secret agreement between several people.

The word can have two articles:

• das Komplott (neuter): This is the most common and standard form in modern German.
• der Komplott (masculine): This form is rarer, often considered archaic or regional. It is sometimes still used, but das Komplott is the recommended version.

⚠️ Although both genders exist, they have the same meaning. However, using 'der' might sometimes be perceived as unusual.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Komplott vs. Der Komplott

Here are the declension tables for both genders of the word "Komplott". Note that the neuter form (*das*) is far more common.

Declension: das Komplott (neuter) - More Common

Declension: der Komplott (masculine) - Less Common

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Polizei deckte das Komplott zur Sabotage der Veranstaltung auf.
   (The police uncovered the plot to sabotage the event.)
2. Man munkelte von einem geheimen Komplott gegen den König.
   (There were rumors of a secret plot against the king.)
3. Die Geschichte enthüllte die Details des Komplottes.
   (The story revealed the details of the plot.)
4. In alten Texten findet man manchmal die Erwähnung von "der Komplott".
   (In old texts, one sometimes finds mention of "der Komplott".)

💬 How is Komplott used?

The word "Komplott" is used to describe secret, often malicious or illegal plans. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• Contexts: Politics (e.g., coup plans - *Umsturzpläne*), crime (e.g., planned robbery - *geplanter Raubüberfall*), history (e.g., assassination plots - *Attentatspläne*), but also figuratively for intrigue (*Intrigen*) in the office or among acquaintances.
• Style: Rather formal or neutral language, less common in casual colloquial speech.
• Comparison: *Verschwörung* (conspiracy) is a very close synonym and often interchangeable. *Intrige* (intrigue) refers more to personal scheming, often less serious than a *Komplott*. *Ränkespiel* is similar to *Intrige*, perhaps emphasizing the manipulative and deceitful element even more.
• Article Frequency: In modern German, das Komplott is used almost exclusively. If you read or hear *der Komplott*, it's likely an older text or a regional peculiarity. For learners, it's safest to stick with *das Komplott*.

🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember

For the article (das): Think of "das secret". A Komplott is secret, and the 'o' sound might vaguely remind you of neutr-o (*das* is neuter). Or simply remember that the standard form is *das*.

For the meaning: Imagine someone saying, "Come plot with me!" It sounds like "Komplott" and reminds you of the shared, secret planning aspect.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

Related Words:

• komplottieren: The verb - to plot, to conspire.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum flüstern Bäcker nie, wenn sie ein Komplott schmieden?

Weil sonst die Hefe nicht aufgeht!

(Why do bakers never whisper when they're hatching a plot?
Because otherwise the yeast won't rise! - Okay, it's a bit of a stretch, linking secrecy and yeast...)

📜 A Poem about the Komplott

Im Schatten leis', bei Kerzenschein,
schleicht sich ein finstrer Plan herein.
Ein Flüstern hier, ein Nicken dort,
das ist das Komplott, an diesem Ort.
Verborgen tief, geheim und schlau,
wer's aufdeckt, weiß es ganz genau.
Doch Vorsicht sei stets dein Gebot,
sonst droht Gefahr durch das Komplott.

(In shadows soft, by candlelight,
A sinister plan creeps into sight.
A whisper here, a nod right there,
That is the plot, beyond compare.
Hidden deep, secret and sly,
Who uncovers it, knows well why.
But caution always be your guide,
Or danger from the plot won't hide.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin geheim, von Dunkelheit umhüllt,
\von meistens zweien oder mehr erfüllt.
Mein Ziel ist oft nicht gut, bringt Argwohn mit,
werde ich entdeckt, ist's meist ein harter Schritt.
Man nutzt für mich meist 'das', doch 'der' ist auch bekannt.
Was bin ich, heimlich ausgebrütet im Land?

(I am secret, shrouded in darkness,
Fulfilled by usually two or more.
My goal is often not good, brings suspicion,
If I am discovered, it's usually a tough step.
People mostly use 'das' for me, but 'der' is also known.
What am I, secretly hatched in the land?)

Lösung/Solution: Das Komplott (or der Komplott) / The plot/conspiracy

✨ Other Tidbits

Etymology: The German word "Komplott" comes from French. The French word "complot" originally meant "crowd" or "dense group" but later evolved to mean "joint attack, conspiracy". It was adopted into German in the 17th century.