das  Protokoll

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/pʁoˈtoːkɔl/

📝 What Exactly is 'das Protokoll'?

The German word das Protokoll has several meanings, often related to recording information or rules:

• 📜 Official Record (Minutes): The most common meaning is a written record of events, decisions, or statements, e.g., from a meeting (eine Besprechung), a court hearing (eine Gerichtsverhandlung), or a scientific experiment (ein wissenschaftliches Experiment). It serves as an official document and memory aid. Example: Der Sekretär führte das Protokoll der Sitzung. (The secretary took the minutes of the meeting.)
• 💻 Technical Ruleset (IT Protocol): In information technology, a Protokoll is a set of rules and formats governing data exchange between computers or programs (e.g., HTTP, TCP/IP). Example: Das HTTPS-Protokoll sorgt für eine sichere Datenübertragung. (The HTTPS protocol ensures secure data transmission.)
• 🎩 Diplomatic Etiquette (Protocol): In a diplomatic or state context, 'das Protokoll' refers to the set of formal rules and procedures for official occasions. Example: Der Botschafter musste sich strikt an das diplomatische Protokoll halten. (The ambassador had to strictly adhere to diplomatic protocol.)

🚨 Important: Although the meanings differ, they all use the article das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: das Protokoll

The noun 'Protokoll' is neuter (sächlich) and uses the article das. It follows the strong declension pattern.

💬 Example Sentences

• Das Sitzungsprotokoll wurde allen Teilnehmern zugeschickt.
  (The meeting minutes were sent to all participants.)
• Ohne das richtige Protokoll können die Geräte nicht kommunizieren.
  (Without the correct protocol, the devices cannot communicate.)
• Der Staatsbesuch verlief genau nach Protokoll.
  (The state visit proceeded exactly according to protocol.)
• Der Zeuge gab seine Aussage zu Protokoll.
  (The witness gave his statement for the record / made an official statement.) (Idiom)
• Die Einhaltung des Protokolls ist für die Reproduzierbarkeit des Experiments entscheidend.
  (Adherence to the protocol is crucial for the reproducibility of the experiment.)

💡 How to Use 'das Protokoll'?

The use of das Protokoll heavily depends on the context:

• In the office / at meetings: Usually refers to the minutes or written record (Niederschrift, Mitschrift). Common phrases are "Protokoll führen" (to take minutes), "ein Protokoll anfertigen" (to draw up minutes), or "etwas ins Protokoll aufnehmen" (to include something in the minutes). It's more formal than simple notes (Notizen).
• In IT: Refers to technical standards for data transfer or communication (e.g., network protocols, security protocols). You might hear about "Protokollimplementierung" (protocol implementation) or "Protokollfehler" (protocol errors).
• In diplomacy / at official events: Refers to rules of conduct, ceremonies, and precedence. People speak of "Einhaltung des Protokolls" (adherence to protocol) or the "Chef des Protokolls" (Chief of Protocol).

Distinction from similar words:

• Notiz: Much more informal, often just for personal use.
• Mitschrift: Similar to meeting minutes, but often less formal and detailed.
• Bericht (report): Summarizes events but doesn't necessarily record the exact sequence or wording like a Protokoll.
• Akte (file, record): A collection of documents concerning a specific matter, which can include Protokolle.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Protokoll'

For the article 'das': Think of das System or das Document. A Protokoll is often part of a system (IT) or an official document (minutes) – both concepts often neuter ('das') in German, especially when derived from foreign words. Or remember: it's official, it follows rules, it's neutral - so it's das Protokoll.

For the meaning: It sounds very similar to the English word "protocol". Just remember it covers both the written record (minutes) and the set of rules (IT, diplomatic protocol).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words

• Protokollant/in: The person writing the Protokoll (minute-taker, recorder).
• protokollieren: The verb; to record, to minute, to log.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie das Protokoll der letzten Sitzung gelesen?"
Antwortet der Neue: "Nein, warum? Kommt der Film noch ins Kino?"

(Boss asks the new employee: "Have you read the minutes (Protokoll) of the last meeting?"
The newbie replies: "No, why? Is the movie coming out in cinemas soon?")

(Play on words: 'Protokoll' sounds a bit like a movie title to the uninitiated.)

✍️ Poem about 'das Protokoll'

Die Sitzung zieht sich, Stunde um Stund',
(The meeting drags on, hour by hour,)
Was wichtig war, tut einer kund.
(Someone announces what was important.)
Er schreibt es auf, ganz klar und toll,
(He writes it down, clear and great,)
Ins offizielle Protokoll.
(Into the official protocol/minutes.)

Ob Daten fließen, hin und her,
(Whether data flows, back and forth,)
Ein Regelwerk muss her, bitte sehr!
(A set of rules is needed, please!)
Damit Computer sich versteh'n,
(So that computers understand each other,)
Muss man nach dem Protokoll seh'n.
(One must look to the protocol.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich halte fest, was einst geschah,
(I record what once happened,)
Bei Sitzung, Gericht, ganz nah.
(At meetings, court, very close.)
Bin Regelwerk für Bit und Byte,
(I am ruleset for bit and byte,)
Und sorge für Förmlichkeit.
(And ensure formality.)

Was bin ich, mit Artikel 'das'?
(What am I, with article 'das'?)
... Das Protokoll

(Answer: The protocol / minutes)

✨ Other Information

Etymology: The word "Protokoll" comes from Late Latin protocollum, which originally referred to the first sheet glued to a papyrus scroll, containing a table of contents. This derives from the Greek prōtókollon (prōtos = first, kollan = to glue).

Idiom: "Etwas zu Protokoll geben" means to state something for the record, to make an official statement so it gets written down.

Compounds: There are many compound words, e.g., Sitzungsprotokoll (meeting minutes), Verhandlungsprotokoll (trial record/minutes), Versuchsprotokoll (experimental protocol/record), Kommunikationsprotokoll (communication protocol), Internetprotokoll (Internet Protocol - IP), Übergabeprotokoll (handover protocol/report).