das  Lexikon

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/lɛkˈsiːkɔn/

📚 What exactly is a 'Lexikon'?

Das Lexikon (neuter gender) is a reference work that explains terms, words, or facts in alphabetical or systematic order. It serves to find and understand knowledge.

It can be a general Lexikon (encyclopedia), covering knowledge from many fields, or a specialized one (Fachlexikon), focusing on a specific topic (e.g., a medical Lexikon).

Sometimes the term is used synonymously with a comprehensive Wörterbuch (dictionary), although a Wörterbuch primarily focuses on explaining words (meaning, translation, grammar), while a Lexikon tends to cover factual subjects.

The article is always das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declension of 'das Lexikon'

The noun „Lexikon“ is neuter. Here are the declension tables for singular and plural:

Singular

Plural

There are two common plural forms: die Lexika (more frequent, from Latin/Greek roots) and die Lexiken (Germanized form).

⚠️ For the dative plural of „Lexika“, an „-n“ is sometimes added („den Lexikan“), but this is considered less standard. It's safer to use „den Lexika“ or the form „den Lexiken“.

Example Sentences

1. Ich schlage das unbekannte Wort im Lexikon nach.
   (I look up the unknown word in the lexicon.)
2. Der Umfang des Lexikons ist beeindruckend.
   (The scope of the lexicon is impressive.)
3. In diesem Regal stehen viele alte Lexika.
   (There are many old lexicons/encyclopedias on this shelf.)
4. Wir suchen Informationen in verschiedenen Lexiken.
   (We are looking for information in various lexicons/encyclopedias.)

💡 How to use 'das Lexikon'?

A Lexikon is typically mentioned in the following contexts:

• Knowledge acquisition: When specifically looking for information about a term or topic ("Ich muss das im Lexikon nachschlagen." - I need to look that up in the lexicon.).
• Education & Research: In school, university, or professional settings as a source for facts and definitions.
• General knowledge: Referring to comprehensive collections of knowledge ("Das steht in jedem guten Lexikon." - That's in every good lexicon/encyclopedia.).

Difference from Wörterbuch (Dictionary)

Although sometimes used interchangeably, there's a distinction:

• Das Lexikon: Often focuses on factual explanations, encyclopedic knowledge (What IS something?).
• Das Wörterbuch: Focuses on words themselves – meaning, spelling, grammar, translation (What does a word MEAN?).

A Duden volume, for example, can be more like a Wörterbuch (spelling, meaning) or a Lexikon (Fremdwörterlexikon - lexicon of foreign words), depending on the specific volume.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Lexikon'

Mnemonic for the article (das):

Think of 'das' data – a Lexikon contains neutral data and facts. Or: The knowledge (das Wissen) is **kon**tained (konzentriert) in **das** Lexi**kon**. Both are neuter.

Mnemonic for the meaning (reference work):

If you're feeling perplexed, you check the Lex-icon (Lexikon) for the facts next! It helps you **kon**nect the dots.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Synonyms (similar meaning):

• Das Nachschlagewerk: (Reference work) - General umbrella term for books used to look up information.
• Die Enzyklopädie: (Encyclopedia) - Very similar, often used for comprehensive, multi-volume lexicons covering a broad range of knowledge.
• Das Wörterbuch: (Dictionary) - More specific, focuses on words (see Usage).
• Das Kompendium: (Compendium) - A concise summary or manual of a field of knowledge.

Antonyms (opposite meaning):

Direct antonyms are difficult. One could name works not intended for reference:

• Der Roman: (Novel) - A narrative story.
• Die Erzählung: (Story/Tale) - A shorter fictional narrative.
• Das Gedichtband: (Poetry collection) - Collection of poems.

Risk of Confusion:

• Die Lektion: Sounds similar, but means lesson or moral.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: „Fritzchen, was ist ein Lexikon?“
Fritzchen überlegt kurz und sagt: „Das ist ein dickes Buch, in dem Mama immer nachschaut, ob Papa Recht hat.“

Translation:
The teacher asks: “Fritzchen, what is a lexicon?”
Fritzchen thinks for a moment and says: “It’s a thick book where Mom always looks to see if Dad is right.”

📜 A Poem about the Lexikon

Ein Buch, gebunden, schwer und klug,
Das Lexikon, Zug um Zug,
Enthüllt die Welt von A bis Z,
Kein Wissen, das es nicht schon hätt'.

Von fernen Ländern, alter Zeit,
Bis hin zur Wissenschaft, ganz breit.
Schlägst du es auf, wirst du schnell schlau,
Das kluge Buch, präzis, genau.

Translation:
A book, bound, heavy, and smart,
The Lexikon, part by part,
Reveals the world from A to Z,
No knowledge that it hasn't read.

From distant lands, from times of old,
To science wide, stories untold.
If you open it, you'll quickly know,
The clever book, precisely so.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe viele Seiten, doch erzähl' keine Geschicht'.
Ich erkläre dir die Welt, bin voller Wissen und Licht.
Von A bis Z geordnet, findest du in mir die Antwort prompt.
Sag, wer bin ich, wenn das Unwissen kommt?

Translation:
I have many pages, but tell no story.
I explain the world to you, full of knowledge and glory.
Ordered from A to Z, in me, the answer is promptly found.
Tell me, who am I, when ignorance is around?

Solution: Das Lexikon (The Lexicon/Encyclopedia)

🌐 More Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Etymology)

The word „Lexikon“ comes from the Greek expression lexikón biblíon (λεξικὸν βιβλίον), meaning roughly „word book“ or „dictionary“. It derives from léxis (λέξις) for „word“ or „speech“.

Compound Words

„Lexikon“ is often part of compound nouns (Komposita):

• Fachlexikon: Specialized lexicon for a specific field (e.g., Musiklexikon - Music lexicon).
• Online-Lexikon: An online lexicon (e.g., Wikipedia).
• Universallexikon: A very comprehensive universal lexicon covering all fields of knowledge.
• Handlexikon: A compact, handy lexicon.