das  Modell

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/moˈdɛl/

📖 What does "das Modell" mean?

The noun das Modell (neuter gender) is a versatile word with several core meanings:

• Representation/Prototype: A (often scaled-down) replica or representation of something existing or planned. This can be a physical object (e.g., an Architekturmodell - architectural model, an Automodell - car model) or an abstract representation (e.g., a mathematisches Modell - mathematical model, a Geschäftsmodell - business model).
• Example/Type: A person or thing that serves as a pattern or ideal (e.g., a Rollenmodell - role model). It can also refer to a specific version or type of a product (e.g., das neueste Modell - the latest model of a smartphone).
• Person (Fashion): A person who presents clothing or products, often in fashion shows or photoshoots (Fotomodell - photo model, Mannequin). Although the person themselves can be male or female, the word "Modell" in this sense is neuter (das Modell). Colloquially, "der Model" is sometimes used for male models, but this is not standard German for the concept itself. ⚠️ Stick to "das Modell" for the job title/concept.

The meaning usually becomes clear from the context.

📊 Grammar & Declension of "das Modell"

"Modell" is a neuter noun. It follows regular declension patterns.

Example Sentences

1. Das Modell des neuen Gebäudes steht im Foyer. (Meaning: representation)
   - The model of the new building is in the foyer.
2. Sie gilt vielen jungen Menschen als Modell. (Meaning: role model)
   - She is considered a role model by many young people.
3. Das Modell trug auf dem Laufsteg ein auffälliges Kleid. (Meaning: person/fashion)
   - The model wore a striking dress on the catwalk.
4. Welches Modell des Autos bevorzugen Sie? (Meaning: type/version)
   - Which model of the car do you prefer?
5. Die Wissenschaftler entwickelten ein mathematisches Modell zur Vorhersage des Klimawandels. (Meaning: abstract pattern)
   - The scientists developed a mathematical model to predict climate change.

💡 How to use "das Modell"?

The use of das Modell strongly depends on the context:

• Technik & Design (Technology & Design): Often refers to prototypes, blueprints, or scale replicas (Automodell, Architekturmodell).
• Wissenschaft (Science): Refers to theoretical constructs or simulations that simplify complex systems (Klimamodell, Atommodell).
• Wirtschaft (Economy): Describes business structures or product variations (Geschäftsmodell, Preismodell, Vorgängermodell - predecessor model).
• Mode (Fashion): Used for people presenting clothes (Fotomodell, Topmodel). It's important to know that male models are also referred to as "das Modell" when talking about the function/profession.
• Gesellschaft (Society): Can denote a role model (Rollenmodell).

Comparison with Muster: "Muster" often refers to a template or a recurring design (e.g., Stoffmuster - fabric pattern), whereas "Modell" is more likely a concrete representation or type.

Comparison with Vorbild: "Vorbild" emphasizes the ideal, imitable character of a person or thing more strongly, while "Modell" can be more neutral or refer to a concrete representation.

🧠 Mnemonics

Article Mnemonic for "das Modell"

Think of modelling clay – it's neutral stuff you shape into things. Das stuff, das Modell. Or think of 'modell' ending similarly to 'little', and many models are *little* versions of something bigger. 'Little' things often feel neuter ('das').

Meaning Mnemonic

A Modell is a **M**anifestation **O**f **D**esign, **E**xample, or **L**ook (**L**ikeness) – it shows how something is, should be, or who presents something.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Do not confuse with der Modul (module, unit) or die Mode (fashion, style).

😄 A little joke

Fragt der Ingenieur sein Fotomodell-Date: "Und, was hältst du von meinem neuesten Modell?" Sie antwortet: "Sehr schick! Aber kann es auch lächeln?"

Translation: The engineer asks his photo model date: "So, what do you think of my latest model?" She replies: "Very chic! But can it smile?"

✍️ Poem about the Modell

Ob klein aus Holz, ob groß und schön,
das Modell kann man oft seh'n.
Als Auto, Haus, als Plan genau,
oder auf dem Laufsteg, schlau.
Es zeigt uns, was sein kann, was ist,
mal Vorbild, mal ein neuer Twist.

Translation:
Whether small of wood, or large and beautiful,
the model can often be seen.
As a car, a house, a precise plan,
or on the catwalk, smart and keen.
It shows us what can be, what is,
sometimes a role model, sometimes a new twist.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann ein Haus im Kleinen sein,
ein Mensch auf Fotos, fein.
Ich kann ein Plan sein, klug erdacht,
hab' die Idee zur Welt gebracht.
Ich zeige Kleider, stolz und chic,
bin mal System, mal Augenblick.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I can be a house in miniature,
A person in photos, fine and pure.
I can be a plan, cleverly conceived,
Brought the idea to the world, believed.
I show off clothes, proud and chic,
Sometimes a system, sometimes a flick (moment).

What am I?
(Solution: das Modell)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Wortzusammensetzungen (Compound Words): "Modell" is part of many compound nouns, reflecting its various meanings:

• Architekturmodell, Automodell, Flugmodell (representation)
• Geschäftsmodell, Datenmodell, Preismodell (scheme/plan)
• Fotomodell, Topmodel, Laufstegmodell (person/fashion)
• Rollenmodell (role model)
• Sondermodell (special model), Standardmodell (standard model) (type/version)

Etymology: The word comes from the Italian modello, which in turn goes back to the Latin modulus ("measure", "small measure").