das  Programm

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pʁoɡʁam/

📖 What does "das Programm" mean?

Das Programm (noun, neuter) has several related meanings:

• 📄 A plan or schedule: A defined sequence of actions, events, or points. For example, the Programm of an event, a trip, or a political party.
• 💻 Instructions for a computer: A sequence of commands that a computer can execute (Software). For example, a word processing Programm or a game.
• 📺 A broadcast or series of broadcasts: The entirety of performances on radio, television, or in the cinema. For example, the evening Programm on TV.

The word originally comes from the Greek word prógramma (edict, public notice).

🚨 There are no variations with "der" or "die". It is always das Programm.

🧐 Grammar of "das Programm" in Detail

"Programm" is a noun of neuter gender. The article is always "das". It follows strong declension.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Programm für die Konferenz sieht viele interessante Vorträge vor.
   (The program for the conference includes many interesting lectures.)
2. Ich muss ein neues Antiviren-Programm installieren.
   (I need to install a new antivirus program.)
3. Was läuft heute Abend im Programm?
   (What's on the program/schedule tonight?)
4. Der Genitiv des Programms kann "Programms" oder "Programmes" sein.
   (The genitive of 'Programm' can be 'Programms' or 'Programmes'.)
5. Wir entwickeln maßgeschneiderte Programme für unsere Kunden.
   (We develop custom programs for our clients.)

💡 How to use "das Programm"?

"Das Programm" is a very versatile word. Here are some typical contexts:

• Veranstaltungen (Events): Konzertprogramm (concert program), Wahlprogramm (election platform), Tagesprogramm (daily schedule), Rahmenprogramm (supporting program).
• Computer & Technik (Technology): Computerprogramm, Softwareprogramm, Anwendungsprogramm (application program), Installationsprogramm (installation program).
• Medien (Media): Fernsehprogramm (TV guide/schedule), Radioprogramm (radio schedule), Kinoprogramm (cinema schedule), Abendprogramm (evening program).
• Bildung (Education): Studienprogramm (study program), Lernprogramm (learning program), Austauschprogramm (exchange program).

Difference from "Plan": While "Plan" often describes an intention or a rough outline, "Programm" is usually more detailed, structured, and often intended for publication or execution. A Plan might be to go on vacation; the Programm would then describe the individual stops and activities of the trip.

Fixed Expressions:

• Etwas auf dem Programm haben: To have something planned.
• Nach Programm ablaufen: To proceed according to plan.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Programm"

For the article (das): Imagine a neutral, technical thing: das device, das system, das program. It's objective and neutral -> neuter gender (sächlich).

For the meaning: Think of a TV set (shows a Programm), a computer (runs a Programm), and a schedule (is a Programm). All three involve a sequence or order. The word PRO-GRAM sounds like something that goes 'pro' or forward according to a 'gram' or written plan.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Diagramm (das): A graphical representation, not a schedule or software.
• Telegramm (das): An outdated form of message transmission.

😂 A little joke

Warum hat der Computer Schnupfen?
Er hat zu viele Fenster offen und sich im Programm verkühlt!

(Why does the computer have a cold?
It had too many windows open and caught a chill in the program!)

📜 Poem about the Program

Das Programm, mal ernst, mal heiter,
führt uns durch den Tag als Leiter.
Im Fernsehn bunt, am PC schlau,
mal Sport, mal Spiel, mal Wissensschau.
Ein Plan, der uns Struktur will geben,
das ist das Programm im Leben.

(The program, sometimes serious, sometimes bright,
Guides us through the day like a light.
On TV colourful, on PC smart,
Sometimes sports, sometimes games, sometimes knowledge to impart.
A plan that aims to give structure true,
That is the program in life for you.)

❓ Riddle

Ich habe einen Plan, doch keine Hände.
Ich laufe auf Geräten, ohne Wände.
Ich fülle deinen Abend oder deinen Schirm.
Mal bin ich Software, mal ein großer Wurm (wenn fehlerhaft).

Was bin ich?

(I have a plan, but no hands.
I run on devices, without lands (walls).
I fill your evening or your screen.
Sometimes I'm software, sometimes a big worm mean (when buggy).

What am I?)
... Das Programm (The Program)

🌐 Other Information

Wortzusammensetzungen (Compound Words): "Programm" is part of many compound words:

• Programmieren (verb): To write code for a computer program.
• Programmierung (die): The act of programming.
• Programmierer/Programmiererin (der/die): Programmer (male/female).
• Programmheft (das): A booklet containing the schedule of an event.
• Programmkino (das): An arthouse cinema, often showing non-mainstream films.
• Programmiersprache (die): Programming language (e.g., Java, Python).

International Usage: The word "Programm" (or "program") is a common loanword in many languages, especially in technical contexts.