das  Make-up

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmeɪkʌp/

💄 What exactly is Make-up?

Das Make-up (noun, neuter) refers to cosmetic products primarily applied to the face to alter, enhance, or conceal features. It's a loanword from English.

It includes a variety of products like Foundation (Grundierung), Puder (powder), Rouge (blush), Lidschatten (eyeshadow), Mascara (Wimperntusche), Eyeliner, and Lippenstift (lipstick).

🚨 Attention: Although it comes from English, the article in German is das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of 'das Make-up' in Detail

The word "Make-up" is neuter and is mostly used without a plural form, as it's often understood as a collective term or uncountable material. If referring to different types or brands, a plural is sometimes formed (die Make-ups), but this is rather rare and colloquial.

Example Sentences

• Sie trägt selten viel Make-up. (She rarely wears much make-up.)
• Ich muss mein Make-up auffrischen. (I need to touch up my make-up.)
• Der Visagist erklärte die verschiedenen Techniken des Make-ups. (The make-up artist explained the different make-up techniques.)
• Für die Theateraufführung braucht er spezielles Make-up. (He needs special make-up for the theatre performance.)

How to use Make-up in Conversation 💅

"Das Make-up" is used in German just like in English, referring to cosmetics for the face. It's a common term in everyday language, fashion, the cosmetics industry, and the theatre/film sector.

• Everyday: "Ich lege nur schnell etwas Make-up auf." (I'll just quickly put on some make-up.)
• Fashion/Beauty: "Natürliches Make-up liegt im Trend." (Natural make-up is trendy.)
• Professional (Make-up Artist): "Das richtige Make-up kann die Gesichtszüge optimieren." (The right make-up can optimize facial features.)
• Synonyms: The German word "die Schminke" is often used as well, sounding a bit more traditional. "Kosmetik" is a broader term that also includes skincare products.

💡 Mnemonics for 'das Make-up'

Article Mnemonic: Think of "das Produkt" (the product) or "das Auftragen" (the applying). Many neuter nouns in German don't have typical feminine or masculine endings, or are loanwords, which often become neuter. Like "das Set", "das Kit" - so "das Make-up".

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you "make" your face "up" to something better or fresher – you apply Make-up.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: "Die Maske" (the mask) can cover the face, but usually refers to a disguise or a skincare face mask, not make-up in the cosmetic sense.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker sein Make-up verloren?
(Why did the mathematician lose his make-up?)

Weil er versucht hat, die 'x'-Koordinate seines Eyeliners zu finden!
(Because he tried to find the 'x' coordinate of his eyeliner!)

✍️ Poem about Make-up

Ein Hauch von Farbe, zart und fein,
Das Make-up lässt die Schönheit schein'.
Ein Pinselstrich, ein Tupfer hier,
Verändert sanft das Antlitz dir.
Mal dezent, mal kühn und klar,
Macht jeden Look zum Superstar.

(A touch of color, delicate and fine,
The make-up lets the beauty shine.
A brushstroke here, a dab right there,
Gently changes your face's air.
Sometimes subtle, sometimes bold and clear,
Makes every look a superstar, my dear.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme in Tuben, Töpfen, Paletten,
helfe, kleine Makel zu überdecken.
Ich färbe Wangen, Augen, Mund,
mache das Gesicht oft farbenfroh und bunt.
Ich bin kein Maler, doch ich male gern,
mein Name klingt englisch, doch man nutzt mich hier gern.

Was bin ich?
(I come in tubes, pots, palettes,
I help to cover little flaws.
I color cheeks, eyes, mouth,
often make the face colorful and bright.
I'm not a painter, but I like to paint,
my name sounds English, but people here like using me.)

(Answer: Das Make-up)

🌐 Other Info

Word Origin: As mentioned, "Make-up" is a direct loanword from English (make-up or makeup). It has become firmly established in German.

Compounds: You often find "Make-up" in compound words like:

• Make-up-Entferner (make-up remover)
• Make-up-Tasche (make-up bag)
• Make-up-Artist (make-up artist, Visagist)
• Make-up-Grundlage (make-up base/foundation)