das  Picknick

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpɪknɪk/

🧺 What does 'das Picknick' mean?

Das Picknick (noun, neuter) refers to a meal eaten outdoors, often as part of an excursion. Typically, food and drinks are brought from home, and a nice spot in nature, such as a park, meadow, or by a lake, is chosen.

It's a popular leisure activity, especially in good weather. The focus is on sharing food and the relaxed atmosphere in the open air.

⚠️ There is only one article for this word: das Picknick.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: das Picknick

The word "Picknick" is a neuter noun and therefore uses the article 'das'. It originates from French/English.

Example Sentences

• Wir machen am Sonntag ein Picknick im Park.
  (We are having a picnic in the park on Sunday.)
• Das Wetter war perfekt für unser geplantes Picknick.
  (The weather was perfect for our planned picnic.)
• Zum Picknick gab es Sandwiches, Obst und Limonade.
  (For the picnic, there were sandwiches, fruit, and lemonade.)
• Die Kinder freuen sich schon auf das nächste Picknick.
  (The children are already looking forward to the next picnic.)

💡 How to use 'das Picknick'?

The term "Picknick" is used in German much like in English. It describes a relaxed meal outdoors.

• Typical contexts: Family outings (Familienausflüge), meetings with friends (Treffen mit Freunden), hikes (Wanderungen), romantic dates (romantische Verabredungen).
• Common verbs: ein Picknick machen (to have a picnic), zum Picknick gehen (to go for a picnic), ein Picknick planen (to plan a picnic), zum Picknick einladen (to invite someone to a picnic).
• Typical items to bring: Picknickdecke (picnic blanket), Picknickkorb (picnic basket), belegte Brote (sandwiches), Salate (salads), Kuchen (cake), Obst (fruit), Getränke (drinks).

In contrast to a barbecue (das Grillfest), a Picknick often features cold or pre-prepared food that doesn't need cooking on site.

🧠 Mnemonics for Memory

Article 'das': Think of das Wetter (the weather) or das Essen (the food) – both are essential for a good Picknick and are neuter. Many loanwords from English without a clear gender association are neuter in German (das Meeting, das Handy, das Picknick).

Meaning: Imagine you 'pick' the tastiest things from the basket and then 'nick' off (run away playfully) to a nice spot, or take a little 'nap' (nickerchen) in the sun – that’s a Picknick!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Risk of confusion? Not really. The word is quite specific. One might confuse it with a general 'Ausflug' (der Ausflug - the trip/excursion), but a Picknick always implies eating.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Ameisen nie am Picknick teil?

Weil sie schon genug Krümel zu Hause haben!

Translation:

Why do ants never join a picnic?

Because they already have enough crumbs at home!

📜 A Little Poem

Die Decke liegt im grünen Gras,
der Korb ist voll, welch ein Spaß!
\Die Sonne scheint, der Himmel klar,
\das Picknick ist jetzt wunderbar!
\Brot, Obst und Saft für Groß und Klein,
\so soll ein Sommertag doch sein.

Translation:

The blanket lies on the green grass,
\the basket's full, what fun it is!
\The sun is shining, the sky is clear,
\the picnic is now wonderful!
\Bread, fruit, and juice for young and old,
\that's how a summer day should be.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Mahl, doch nicht im Haus,
\man trägt mich oft zum Park hinaus.
\Mit Decke, Korb und Leckerei'n,
\was mag ich wohl für ein Essen sein?

Translation:

I am a meal, but not in the house,
\I'm often carried out to the park.
\With blanket, basket, and tasty treats,
\what kind of meal might I be?

Solution: das Picknick (the picnic)

☀️ Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin: The word "Picknick" likely comes from the French ("pique-nique"), where "piquer" means something like "to pick" or "to steal" and "nique" means a trifle or small thing. It became popular in the 18th century and entered the German language via English ("picnic").

Cultural Significance: Picnics (Picknicks) are popular worldwide and often symbolize community, relaxation, and enjoyment of nature.