das / der  Kondom

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɔndɔm/

🛡️ What exactly is a Kondom?

A Kondom is a sheath, usually made of latex or polyurethane, that is worn over the erect penis (for men) or inserted into the vagina (for women, known as a *Femidom* or female condom). It primarily serves for contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Article Specificity:

• das Kondom (neuter): This is the predominantly used and standard form in High German. ✅
• der Kondom (masculine): This form is less common but may be encountered regionally or in older usage. It's often considered colloquial or not entirely correct, but is still sometimes used. ⚠️

In general, you should use das Kondom to be on the safe side, especially in written German.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das or Der Kondom?

Although das Kondom is the standard form, we'll decline both variants here for completeness.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Er kaufte eine Packung Kondome in der Apotheke.
   He bought a pack of condoms at the pharmacy.
2. Die Verwendung eines Kondoms ist wichtig für Safer Sex.
   The use of a condom is important for safer sex. (Genitive singular, neuter is standard)
3. Vergiss nicht, das Kondom richtig anzuwenden.
   Don't forget to apply the condom correctly. (Accusative singular, neuter)
4. Manchmal hört man ältere Leute noch "der Kondom" sagen.
   Sometimes you still hear older people say "der Kondom". (Nominative singular, masculine - illustrating the less common variant)

🗣️ How is "Kondom" used?

The word Kondom is mainly used in the context of sexuality, contraception, and health.

• Context: Discussions about safer sex, family planning, sexual education, purchases in pharmacies or drugstores (*Apotheken*, *Drogerien*).
• Form: As mentioned, das Kondom is the standard form. Using *der Kondom* might be perceived as outdated or regionally marked.
• Synonyms in Use: Colloquial terms like "Gummi" (rubber), "Präservativ" (preservative, more formal), "Verhüterli" (diminutive, often Swiss German), or "Pariser" (Parisian, rather outdated) are often used. Brand names like "Durex" are sometimes used generically.
• Importance: The correct use of the product itself is crucial for its effectiveness. Instructions (*Anleitungen*) are usually included.

🚨 Avoid Confusion: There are no other common meanings for "Kondom" in German.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the Article (das vs. der):

Think: 'das is Safe!' The 'S' in 'Safe' can remind you of the neuter gender 'das'. Or remember that many technical or medical aids in German are neuter (das Skalpell - the scalpel, das Pflaster - the band-aid, das Stethoskop - the stethoscope... and das Kondom).

The form 'der Kondom' is more of a fringe case – just remember: DAS Standard-Kondom!

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

The word sounds a bit like 'Condom-inium' – imagine it as a small protective 'condominium' or barrier.

🔄 Synonyms and (Missing) Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Warum hat das Kondom die Prüfung nicht bestanden?
Es hatte zu viele Lücken im Stoff! 😉

EN: Why did the condom fail the exam?
It had too many holes (*Lücken* - also means 'gaps') in the material (*Stoff* - also means 'subject matter')! 😉

📜 A Short Poem

DE: Ob das Kondom, ob der Kondom,
im Duden steht's als Neutrum schon.
Doch wichtiger als der Artikel klar,
ist, dass man schützt sich, Jahr für Jahr.
Klein und diskret, doch oho,
macht es dich sicher, sowieso!

EN: Whether 'das Kondom' or 'der Kondom',
The dictionary lists it neuter from now on.
But more important than the article's plight,
Is protecting oneself, day and through the night.
Small and discreet, but oh my,
It keeps you safe, way up high!

❓ Riddle Time

DE: Ich bin hauchdünn, doch biete Schutz,
komm oft zum Einsatz, nicht zum Trutz.
Mal heiß ich 'Gummi', mal 'Pariser' fein,
wer Liebe teilt, packt mich gern ein.
Meist bin ich sächlich, doch hörst du auch "der",
was bin ich wohl, sag's mir, bitte sehr!

Lösung: Das Kondom

EN: I'm paper-thin, yet offer guard,
Often in use, not playing hard.
Sometimes called 'Gummi', sometimes 'Pariser' neat,
Those sharing love find me a treat.
Mostly I'm neuter, but 'der' you might hear,
What could I be, tell me, my dear!

Solution: The condom (Das Kondom)

🧐 Other Information

• Etymology: The origin of the word "Kondom" is not definitively clear. Theories range from a physician named Condom or Conton at the court of Charles II of England to derivation from the Latin word *condus* ('keeper', 'preserver') or the Persian word *kendü* or *kondü* for a vessel made from animal intestine for storing grain.
• Materials: Originally, animal intestines or linen were used. Modern condoms are mostly made of latex, but also polyurethane, polyisoprene (for those with latex allergies), or rarely AT-10 (a synthetic resin).
• Femidom: There are also condoms for women, known as *Femidome*, which are inserted into the vagina.