das
Lagerfeuer
🔥 What exactly is a 'Lagerfeuer'?
A Lagerfeuer is a controlled outdoor fire. It's often used as a source of warmth, for cooking, or as a social focal point at gatherings like camping trips (Campingausflüge), scout meetings (Pfadfindertreffen), or garden parties (Gartenpartys).
The name is composed of Lager (meaning camp or outdoor storage area) and Feuer (meaning fire). It typically radiates an atmosphere of coziness (Gemütlichkeit) and community (Gemeinschaft).
There is only one article for Lagerfeuer: das, because it is a neuter (sächlich) noun.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-euer → fast immer neutral.
Caution: -er nouns are mostly masculine (der Fahrer).
🧐 Grammar: Declining 'das Lagerfeuer'
The word "Lagerfeuer" is a neuter noun (Substantiv sächlichen Geschlechts). Therefore, the article is always das.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das | Lagerfeuer |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Lagerfeuers |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Lagerfeuer |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das | Lagerfeuer |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Lagerfeuer |
| Genitive | der | Lagerfeuer |
| Dative | den | Lagerfeuern |
| Accusative | die | Lagerfeuer |
💡 Example Sentences
- Das Lagerfeuer knisterte romantisch. (The campfire crackled romantically.)
- Die Wärme des Lagerfeuers war angenehm. (The warmth of the campfire was pleasant.)
- Wir saßen gemütlich am Lagerfeuer. (We sat cozily by the campfire. - 'an dem' contracts to 'am')
- Sie entzündeten ein großes Lagerfeuer. (They lit a large campfire.)
- Im Tal konnte man viele Lagerfeuer sehen. (In the valley, one could see many campfires.)
- Geschichten werden an den Lagerfeuern erzählt. (Stories are told at the campfires.)
🏕️ When and How to Use 'Lagerfeuer'?
The word Lagerfeuer is used to describe an outdoor fire, often associated with specific activities and atmospheres:
- Camping & Outdoors: Almost synonymous with tents (Zelte) and nature experiences (Naturerlebnisse). "Nach der Wanderung machten wir ein Lagerfeuer." (After the hike, we made a campfire.)
- Social Gatherings: As a meeting point (Treffpunkt) for groups, for singing, storytelling, or eating together. "Wir grillten Stockbrot über dem Lagerfeuer." (We toasted stick bread over the campfire.)
- Warmth & Light: As a source of warmth (Wärme) on cool nights and light (Licht) in the darkness. "Das Lagerfeuer spendete wohlige Wärme." (The campfire provided cozy warmth.)
- Atmosphere: Creates a cozy (gemütlich), often romantic or adventurous mood. "Die Atmosphäre am Lagerfeuer war einzigartig." (The atmosphere at the campfire was unique.)
Compared to Kaminfeuer (fireplace fire) or Ofenfeuer (stove fire), which refer to indoor fires, the Lagerfeuer is specifically for outdoors.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Lagerfeuer'
Article Mnemonic: Think of fire (das Feuer) as a neutral element, neither masculine nor feminine in its essence – it just provides warmth, it doesn't judge. It's 'das' Feuer, therefore it's also das Lagerfeuer.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a camp (Lager). What do you desperately need there in the evening? A fire (Feuer)! Put them together: Lagerfeuer (camp + fire).
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Campfire: The English word, sometimes used in German too.
- Feuerstelle: Can be a synonym, but often refers more generally to the place where a fire is made (can also be a permanent structure like a fire pit).
- Biwakfeuer: Specifically a fire made during 'Biwakieren' (sleeping outdoors without a tent).
Antonyms (Opposites - more conceptual):
- Kälte: Coldness (the campfire provides warmth).
- Dunkelheit: Darkness (the campfire provides light).
- Eis / Wasser: Ice / Water (extinguishes the fire).
⚠️ Similar but Different Terms:
- Kaminfeuer: Fire in a fireplace (indoors).
- Ofenfeuer: Fire in a stove (indoors).
- Grillfeuer: Fire specifically for grilling, often using charcoal.
😂 A Little Joke by the Fire
Deutsch: Frage: Was ist der Lieblingssnack eines Drachen am Lagerfeuer? Antwort: Feuer-Marshmallows!
English: Question: What is a dragon's favorite snack at the campfire? Answer: Fire-mallows!
✍️ Poem about the Campfire
Das Lagerfeuer
Im Dunkel tanzt der rote Schein,
Holz knackt, lädt zum Verweilen ein.
Gesichter nah im warmen Licht,
Man lauscht dem Knistern, spricht und spricht.
Geschichten alt und Lieder neu,
Am Lagerfeuer, treu und scheu.
Die Sterne funkeln, still und klar,
Ein Zauberabend, wunderbar.
--- English Translation ---
The Campfire
In darkness dances the red gleam,
Wood cracks, invites to stay and dream.
Faces close in the warm light,
Listening to the crackle, talking through the night.
Stories old and songs anew,
By the campfire, loyal and shy too.
The stars sparkle, silent and clear,
A magical evening, wonderfully dear.
❓ Riddle Time
Deutsch:
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch ich verschlinge Holz.
Ich habe keine Lunge, doch Rauch erfüllt mich stolz.
Ich wärme kalte Hände in dunkler Nacht,
Und habe schon so manche Freundschaft entfacht.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: Das Lagerfeuer
--- English Translation ---
I have no mouth, yet I devour wood.
I have no lungs, yet smoke fills me, understood.
I warm cold hands in the dark night,
And have sparked many friendships, burning bright.
What am I?
Answer: The campfire (Das Lagerfeuer)
🧩 More Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word "Lagerfeuer" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:
- Das Lager: Here meaning a camp, a campsite, or a bivouac outdoors.
- Das Feuer: The controlled burning of material (usually wood).
Cultural Significance:
Campfires have always held great significance for human communities. They served not only for protection, warmth, and cooking but were and remain central places for social interaction, storytelling, and making music together.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Lagerfeuer?
The German word Lagerfeuer is a neuter noun. Therefore, the correct article is always das Lagerfeuer. The plural form is die Lagerfeuer.