das
Manifest
📜 What exactly is a Manifest?
The German word das Manifest (noun, neuter) refers to a public declaration of aims, intentions, or principles, typically issued by a political party, artistic group, or organization.
It's a kind of program or statement of principles (Grundsatzerklärung), often used to launch, justify, or promote a movement. Manifestos are typically clearly formulated and often provocative to attract attention.
Examples:
- Das Kommunistische Manifest (The Communist Manifesto)
- Das Futuristische Manifest (The Futurist Manifesto)
- Ein politisches Wahlmanifest (A political election manifesto)
There is only this one meaning and the article das.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Books, documents → mostly neutral.
Caution: see exceptions
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Manifest
The noun "Manifest" is neuter, so it always takes the article das. It follows the regular declension pattern for neuter nouns.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Manifest |
| Genitive | des | Manifests / Manifestes |
| Dative | dem | Manifest |
| Accusative | das | Manifest |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Manifeste |
| Genitive | der | Manifeste |
| Dative | den | Manifesten |
| Accusative | die | Manifeste |
Example Sentences
- Die Künstlergruppe veröffentlichte das Manifest ihrer neuen Bewegung.
(The artist group published the manifesto of their new movement.) - Der Inhalt des Manifests löste heftige Diskussionen aus.
(The content of the manifesto triggered heated discussions.) - In dem Manifest wurden radikale Veränderungen gefordert.
(Radical changes were demanded in the manifesto.) - Viele Menschen lasen die Manifeste verschiedener politischer Parteien.
(Many people read the manifestos of various political parties.)
🗣️ Everyday Usage
The term "Manifest" is primarily used in formal or intellectual contexts, especially concerning Politik (politics), Kunst (art), Literatur (literature), or social movements.
- Politics: Parties publish Wahlmanifeste (election manifestos) to outline their programs.
- Art & Literature: Artistic movements (e.g., Surrealism, Futurism) were often launched with manifestos.
- Social Movements: Groups use manifestos to spread their demands and ideologies.
In everyday German conversation, the word is relatively rare. One would more likely speak of an Erklärung (declaration, explanation), a Programm (program), Grundsätze (principles), or Ziele (goals). A Manifest often carries a stronger, sometimes revolutionary, or at least programmatic connotation.
There's little risk of confusion as it only has one meaning. The verb manifestieren means 'to manifest', 'to become apparent'.
💡 Memory Aids for Manifest
For the article 'das': Think of similar neutral German words like das Programm (the program), das Dokument (the document), das Papier (the paper). A Manifest is often an important document or program.
For the meaning: Imagine someone making something clear or 'manifest' for everyone to see – a public declaration. Or think of the English word 'manifesto', which is a direct borrowing.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Die Erklärung: More general term for a statement or declaration.
- Das Programm: Often a more detailed plan, e.g., party program.
- Die Proklamation: A formal, public announcement.
- Das Grundsatzpapier: A document outlining fundamental principles.
- Die Charta: A charter, a document defining rights or principles.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
Direct antonyms are difficult as a manifesto is a specific type of text. However, concepts expressing the opposite of public declaration include:
- Die Verheimlichung: Concealment, the opposite of public announcement.
- Die Verschleierung: Obfuscation, deliberately making intentions unclear.
- Das Geheimnis: A secret, something not publicly known.
Similar but Different Words
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Student ein Manifest über das Aufschieben geschrieben?
Er wollte seine Absichten klar darlegen... irgendwann später! 😉
(Why did the student write a manifesto about procrastination?
He wanted to clearly state his intentions... eventually!)
✍️ Poem about the Manifest
Ein Blatt Papier, doch voller Macht,
Das Manifest, zur Welt gebracht.
Mit Worten klar, oft kühn und laut,
Auf das die Zukunft wird gebaut.
Ob Kunst, ob Staat, ob neuer Sinn,
Es zeigt den Weg, führt uns dahin.
(A sheet of paper, yet full of might,
The Manifesto, brought to light.
With words so clear, often bold and loud,
Upon which the future will be built now.
Be it art, or state, or new design,
It shows the way, makes us align.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin geschrieben, nicht gesprochen leis,
Ich leg' die Regeln dar, oft schwarz auf weiß.
Für Künstler, Denker, Parteien im Land,
bin ich Erklärung, fest in ihrer Hand.
Was bin ich?
(I am written, not spoken low,
I state the rules, often in black and white, you know.
For artists, thinkers, parties in the land,
I am a declaration, firm in their hand.
What am I?)
Solution: Das Manifest
🌐 Further Information
Word Origin: The word "Manifest" comes from the Latin word manifestus, meaning 'tangible', 'obvious', 'clearly recognizable'. This reflects the nature of a Manifest as a clear, public declaration.
Famous Examples:
- Das Kommunistische Manifest (The Communist Manifesto, 1848) by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
- Various artistic manifestos, such as those of the Surrealists or Dadaists.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Manifest?
The word "Manifest" is a neuter noun and therefore always uses the article das. There are no other articles or genders associated with this word. It refers to a public declaration of principles.