das  Minarett

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/minaˈʁɛt/

🕌 What exactly is a Minarett?

The German word das Minarett (noun, neuter) refers to a slender, tall tower typically attached to or part of a mosque. From this tower, the Muezzin calls the faithful to prayer (known as Adhān in Arabic).

It is a central architectural element in Islam and characterizes the skyline of many cities in the Middle East, North Africa, and other Islamic regions. Its shape and height can vary depending on the architectural style and period.

⚠️ There is only one correct article: das. Using der or die is incorrect for this noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Explorer: Das Minarett

The noun "Minarett" is neuter, so it uses the article das.

Example Sentences:

• Das hohe Minarett überragt die umliegenden Gebäude. (The tall minaret towers over the surrounding buildings.)
• Vom Minarett erschallt der Ruf des Muezzins. (The call of the Muezzin sounds from the minaret.)
• Die Moschee hat vier elegante Minarette. (The mosque has four elegant minarets.)
• Der Architekt entwarf ein modernes Minarett. (The architect designed a modern minaret.)

🗣️ How is "Minarett" used?

The term "Minarett" is specifically used in the context of Islamic architecture and religion. You talk about a Minarett when referring to the tower of a Moschee (mosque).

• Architecture & Urbanism: Describing mosques or cityscapes ("Das Stadtbild wird von mehreren Minaretten geprägt." - The cityscape is characterized by several minarets.)
• Religion: In connection with the call to prayer (Adhān) or religious buildings.
• Travel & Culture: When visiting mosques or traveling to Islamic countries.

Potential Confusion? Sometimes people might confuse it with a bell tower (Kirchturm), but a Minarett specifically belongs to a mosque and is used for the call to prayer, not for ringing bells.

🧠 Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of architectural models or blueprints – often referred to generally in German with neuter words like 'das Modell' (the model) or 'das Bauwerk' (the structure). A Minarett is a type of 'Bauwerk', helping you remember das Minarett.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the Muezzin needing a 'MINI-RETreat' high up to make the call – a MINARETT. Or, picture it as slender and tall, like a 'MINIATURE rockET' pointing to the sky – das Minarett.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Similar but different terms:

• Minbar: The pulpit inside a mosque (not the tower).
• Mihrab: The prayer niche inside a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Tourist den Muezzin: "Ist es nicht anstrengend, fünfmal am Tag auf das hohe Minarett zu steigen?" Antwortet der Muezzin: "Ach was, ich habe doch einen Lautsprecher! Aber fragen Sie mal den armen Glöckner von Notre Dame... der hatte früher Muskelkater vom Seilziehen!" 😄

English Translation: A tourist asks the Muezzin: "Isn't it exhausting to climb the tall minaret five times a day?" The Muezzin replies: "Nonsense, I have a loudspeaker! But you should ask the poor bell-ringer of Notre Dame... he used to get sore muscles from pulling the ropes!" 😄

📜 A Short Poem

German:
Schlank und hoch, das Minarett,
ragt zum Himmel, stolz und nett.
Ein Ruf erklingt, so klar und rein,
lädt zum Gebet die Gläubigen ein.
Ein Zeichen in der Stadt, von fern zu seh'n,
wo Glaube und Architektur zusammensteh'n.

English Translation:
Slender and tall, the minaret,
Reaches skyward, proud and neatly set.
A call rings out, so clear and pure,
Inviting the faithful to prayer, secure.
A sign in the city, seen from afar,
Where faith and architecture reach for a star.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich steh' bei einer Moschee, hoch und schmal,
von mir ertönt der Ruf, fünfmal.
Ich bin kein Kirchturm, hab keine Glocke im Raum.
Was bin ich für ein hoher Bautraum?

English Translation:
I stand by a mosque, tall and slim,
From me, the call sounds, fulfilling a whim (five times daily).
I'm not a church tower, have no bell in my room.
What kind of tall structure am I, chasing away gloom?

Solution: Das Minarett (The Minaret)

💡 More Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The word "Minarett" comes from the Arabic word منارة (manāra), which means “lighthouse” or “place of light”. This points to an original function where towers often served as landmarks, sometimes even with fires lit at the top.

Architectural Variety (Architektonische Vielfalt): There are many different styles of minarets, ranging from simple square towers in North Africa to the pencil-shaped Ottoman minarets found in Turkey.