das  Original

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɔʁiɡiˈnaːl/

📜 What does 'das Original' mean?

The word das Original (noun, neuter) refers to several related concepts:

• The first version or master copy: The initially created work (e.g., a painting, a document, a manuscript) from which copies or reproductions can be made. It is the authentic source. (die authentische Quelle)
• A unique item: Something one-of-a-kind that has not been copied or reproduced. (ein Unikat)
• An eccentric or special person: Someone who stands out due to their peculiarity or unusual behaviour; a unique character, an oddball. (ein Unikum, ein Kauz)

It emphasizes the authenticity (Echtheit), uniqueness (Einzigartigkeit), or originality (Ursprünglichkeit) of a thing or person.

🚨 Attention: Although derived from the adjective 'original' (ursprünglich, echt), the noun 'das Original' is always neuter (sächlich).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Original' in Detail

The noun 'das Original' is neuter (Neutrum). It is declined as follows:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences ✍️

• Das Museum stellt das Original des Gemäldes aus. (The museum exhibits the original of the painting.)
• Ich benötige eine beglaubigte Kopie, nicht das Original. (I need a certified copy, not the original.)
• Der Wert des Originals ist unschätzbar. (The value of the original is inestimable.)
• Sie hat ihm das Original des Briefes gezeigt. (She showed him the original of the letter.)
• Er gilt in seinem Dorf als echtes Original. (He is considered a real character/original in his village.)
• Wo werden die Originale der Manuskripte aufbewahrt? (Where are the originals of the manuscripts kept?)

💡 How to use 'das Original'?

The usage of 'das Original' depends on the context:

• Art & Documents: Here, it clearly refers to the initial work as opposed to a Kopie (copy), Reproduktion (reproduction), or Fälschung (forgery). Example: "Ist das eine Kopie oder das Original der Mona Lisa?" (Is that a copy or the original Mona Lisa?)
• Technology & Production: Sometimes used for the prototype or the first sample. Example: "Das Original des Bauteils wurde im 3D-Drucker erstellt." (The original of the component was created using a 3D printer.)
• Describing People: Describes a person with unique, often quirky characteristics. It can be meant affectionately-appreciatively, but also slightly mockingly. Example: "Mein Onkel ist ein echtes Original, immer für eine Überraschung gut." (My uncle is a real character, always good for a surprise.)

Distinction from other words:

• Kopie/Reproduktion: A replica intended to resemble the original as closely as possible.
• Fälschung: A replica made with the intent to deceive that it is the original.
• Unikat: Emphasizes uniqueness, but can also be the original.
• Prototyp/Muster: A first model or sample, often for testing purposes, which may not yet be the final original.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Original'

For the article (das): Think of other neutral words for unique creations like das Unikat (the unique item), das Meisterwerk (the masterpiece), das Kunstwerk (the work of art). Like these, das Original is neuter.

For the meaning: Imagine pointing directly at something truly unique and saying: "See that? That's the original!" The German word for 'that' can be 'das', pointing directly to das Original.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: The adjective 'originell' means 'imaginative' or 'distinctive', not necessarily 'original' in the sense of 'the first one'.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kunststudent den Professor: "Ist dieses Bild ein Original von Picasso?"
Professor: "Nein, aber die Fälschung ist ein Original."

(Art student asks the professor: "Is this painting an original Picasso?"
Professor: "No, but the forgery is an original.")

📜 A Poem about the Original

Im Museum, hell und klar,
hängt es endlich wunderbar.
Keine Kopie, kein leerer Schein,
das Original muss es sein!

Der Pinselstrich, die Farbe echt,
so war es einst vom Meister erdacht.
Ein Unikat, für sich allein,
so wertvoll kann nur das Original sein.

(In the museum, bright and clear,
it finally hangs, wonderfully dear.
No copy, no empty guise,
it must be the original in our eyes!

The brushstroke, the color true,
just as the master once drew.
A unique piece, standing alone,
only the original such value has known.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin die Erste meiner Art,
bin einzigartig, nicht kopiert, oft hart
erkämpft, geschaffen, ausgestellt zur Schau.
Manchmal bin ich auch ein Mensch, schau genau!
Was bin ich?

(I am the first of my kind,
unique, not copied, often hard to find
\or hard-won, created, put on display.
Sometimes I'm a person too, look closely, I pray!

What am I?) Solution: das Original

🌐 Other Information

Word Composition/Origin:

The word 'Original' comes from the Latin word 'originalis', meaning 'primitive' or 'original'. It is related to 'origo' (origin, source). In German, it was nominalized (turned into a noun), receiving the neuter article 'das'.

Related Terms:

• originell (adjective): imaginative, distinctive, not imitated.
• Originalität (noun, feminine): the quality of being original; authenticity, uniqueness.