das  Model

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/moˈdɛl/

🎭 What does 'das Model' mean?

The word 'das Model' is a loanword from English and has several meanings in German, all using the article 'das':

• 🧍‍♀️ Fashion Model/Photographic Model: A person who presents clothing, products, or a certain lifestyle (often in fashion or advertising). Example: Gestern lief das Model über den Laufsteg. (Yesterday, the model walked down the runway.) (Note: Colloquially, 'die Model' is sometimes used for female models, but 'das Model' is the grammatically correct and more common form for both genders or gender-neutrally).
• 🚗 Scale Model: A scaled-down replica of a real object (e.g., airplane, building, car). Example: Er baut ein Model des Eiffelturms. (He is building a model of the Eiffel Tower.)
• 💡 Model/Pattern/Prototype: A scheme, design, or structure serving as a template or for illustration (e.g., Geschäftsmodell - business model, Computermodell - computer model, wissenschaftliches Modell - scientific model). Example: Das mathematische Model beschreibt das Bevölkerungswachstum. (The mathematical model describes population growth.)

🚨 Although it has different meanings, the article consistently remains 'das' for these main meanings.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 'Das Model' - Grammar in Detail

'Das Model' is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum).

Example Sentences

1. Das Model trug ein auffälliges Kleid.
   (The model wore a striking dress.) (Fashion)
2. Ich habe dem Model im Schaufenster lange zugesehen.
   (I watched the model/mannequin in the shop window for a long time.) (Fashion/Object)
3. Die Genauigkeit des Models ist beeindruckend.
   (The accuracy of the model is impressive.) (Scale/Scheme)
4. Wir entwickeln neue Models für die Simulation.
   (We are developing new models for the simulation.) (Scheme/Prototype)
5. Die Models warteten auf ihren Einsatz.
   (The models were waiting for their assignment.) (Fashion/Plural)

💡 Using 'Das Model' in Everyday Life: When and How?

The use of 'das Model' strongly depends on the context:

• Fashion & Advertising: Here, 'das Model' clearly refers to people booked for photoshoots, fashion shows, etc. Synonyms like 'Mannequin' or 'Fotomodell' can also be used, though 'Model' is more modern and widespread.
• Technology & Hobby: When talking about model building (Modellbau), 'das Model' refers to the replica (Modellauto - model car, Modelleisenbahn - model railway).
• Science & Business: Here, 'das Model' is an abstract concept, a simplified representation of reality, or a prototype (e.g., Datenmodell - data model, Geschäftsmodell - business model, Klimamodell - climate model).

Comparison:

• Das Modell: Often synonymous with 'das Model' (especially for scale objects and abstract schemes), but 'Modell' is the more traditional German spelling and is more frequently preferred for technical and scientific contexts. 'Das Model' ending in 'e' is more strongly associated with the fashion industry but is also correct for the other meanings.
• Der Modul: Refers to a module or component of a larger system, not a model.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Model'

For the Article: Think of neuter concepts like das Schema (the scheme), das Muster (the pattern). A model is often a neutral representation – hence das Model. Imagine a model airplane: das Flugzeugmodell.

For the Meanings: Imagine: A Model (person) poses next to a Model (car replica) and explains a Model (business concept). Three meanings, one word!

🔄 Similar & Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but different words

• Modell: Often synonymous, more traditional German spelling.
• Modul: Module, component.
• Mode: Fashion, style, trend.

😄 A Little Joke about a Model

Warum hat das Fotomodell den Salat ausgeschlagen?
(Why did the photo model turn down the salad?)

Es wollte kein Grün hinter den Ohren haben auf dem nächsten Foto!
(It didn't want to be 'green behind the ears' (i.e., naive/inexperienced, but literally 'green') in the next photo!)

🎶 A Little Rhyme about 'das Model'

Ob Mensch auf dem Steg, so elegant,
(Whether human on the runway, so elegant,)
Ob Auto-Miniatur, bekannt,
(Whether car miniature, well-known,)
Ob Schema, klar und gut durchdacht,
(Whether scheme, clear and well-thought-out,)
Das Model wird es stets genannt.
(It's always called 'das Model'.)

Im Blitzlicht oder Planungsraum,
(In the flash light or planning room,)
Erfüllt es manchen Zweck und Traum.
(It fulfills many a purpose and dream.)
Mal klein, mal groß, mal abstrakt nur,
(Sometimes small, sometimes large, sometimes only abstract,)
Das Model prägt Kultur, Natur.
('Das Model' shapes culture, nature.)

❓ Who or what am I?

Ich kann laufen, doch hab keine Beine meist.
(I can walk/run, but usually have no legs.)
Ich kann zeigen, wie die Zukunft wird, ganz dreist.
(I can show how the future will be, quite boldly.)
Ich kann klein sein, doch ein großes Haus darstellen fein.
(I can be small, yet represent a large house finely.)

Was bin ich, stets sächlich, ob groß oder klein?
(What am I, always neuter, whether big or small?)

Solution: das Model

ℹ️ Trivia about 'das Model'

Origin: The word 'Model' is a direct loanword from English ('model'), which in turn comes from the Italian 'modello' and ultimately from the Latin 'modulus' (measure, small unit of measure).

Spelling: The spelling 'Model' with an 'e' at the end is the more modern form adopted from English. The more traditional German form 'Modell' with 'll' is also correct and often used synonymously, especially for technical or scientific models.