das /
der
Pub
🍻 What exactly is a Pub? (Article Question!)
The word Pub is a loanword from English (public house) and refers to a Gaststätte or Kneipe (tavern, bar), often in the British style, where mainly drinks, especially beer, are served.
Choosing the article can be confusing:
- das Pub (neuter): This is the predominantly used and Duden-recommended article. It often derives from the neuter nature of the original English word or the general category "Lokal" (das Lokal - the establishment).
- der Pub (masculine): This article is less common but occurs regionally or colloquially. It might be influenced by analogy with words like "der Laden" (the shop) or "der Schankraum" (the taproom). ⚠️ It's generally considered less correct than "das Pub".
As a rule, you should use "das Pub".
🧐 Grammar & Declension: Das Pub (and der Pub?)
The declension follows the gender. Since "das Pub" is the standard form, it is primarily shown here.
Declension of "das Pub" (neuter)
| Case | Article | Word |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Pub |
| Genitive | des | Pubs |
| Dative | dem | Pub |
| Accusative | das | Pub |
| Case | Article | Word |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Pubs |
| Genitive | der | Pubs |
| Dative | den | Pubs |
| Accusative | die | Pubs |
Declension of "der Pub" (masculine - rare)
If "der Pub" is used, the declension is:
| Case | Article | Word |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Pub |
| Genitive | des | Pubs |
| Dative | dem | Pub |
| Accusative | den | Pub |
The plural remains the same: die Pubs.
📝 Example Sentences
- Wir treffen uns heute Abend in dem gemütlichen Pub um die Ecke. (We are meeting tonight in the cozy pub around the corner.)
- Das Pub war gestern sehr voll. (The pub was very crowded yesterday.)
- Die Atmosphäre des Pubs ist immer sehr entspannt. (The atmosphere of the pub is always very relaxed.)
- Viele kleine Städte haben heutzutage auch eigene Pubs. (Many small towns nowadays also have their own pubs.)
- (Rarer:) Peter geht oft in den Pub nach der Arbeit. (Peter often goes to the pub after work.)
💡 Everyday Usage of Pub
In German, "Pub" is mostly used to describe an establishment that:
- has a British or Irish style.
- offers a wide selection of beers.
- has a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
- often also serves simple meals (Pub Food).
It differs from a traditional German Kneipe often in its ambiance and specific offerings (e.g., Guinness, cider, fish and chips). A Bar usually focuses more on cocktails and spirits, while a Restaurant focuses on food.
Although both articles exist, "das Pub" is the significantly safer and more common choice in standard German.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
For the article: Think of the English phrase "public house" or the German word das Haus (the house) or das Lokal (the establishment). The neutral feeling associated with "house" or "Lokal" fits "das Pub".
For the meaning: Imagine a Place Under a Beer roof! Picture people sitting cozily together under one roof, drinking beer – that's a Pub.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- die Kneipe: Often more traditionally German, cozy, focus on drinks.
- das Lokal: General term for a place to eat or drink.
- die Gaststätte: Place where food and drinks are served, often slightly more formal.
- die Bar: Focus on cocktails, spirits, often later opening hours.
- die Schänke / Schenke: Older term for an inn or tavern.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- das Zuhause / Daheim: Private space vs. public place.
- das Restaurant (in a stricter sense): Focus on food vs. focus on drinks/socializing.
- das Café: Focus on coffee/cake, often open during the day.
⚠️ Risk of Confusion:
No direct confusing words, but the distinction between Pub, Kneipe, Bar, or Restaurant can sometimes be blurry.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Wirt im Pub: "Möchten Sie noch ein Bier?" Sagt der Gast: "Nein danke, ich muss noch fahren." Wirt: "Kein Problem, ich habe auch alkoholfreies Fahren im Angebot!"
English Translation: The pub landlord asks: "Would you like another beer?" The guest says: "No thanks, I still have to drive." Landlord: "No problem, I also offer non-alcoholic driving!"
📜 Poem about the Pub
German:
Im Pub, ob 'das' ob 'der' genannt,
find't man Geselligkeit im Land.
Mit Bier und Plausch, bei lautem Klang,
vergeht die Zeit, der Abend lang.
Ein Ort zum Treffen, alt und jung,
das Pub bringt Leute froh in Schwung.
English Translation:
In the pub, whether called 'das' or 'der',
you find conviviality everywhere.
With beer and chat, and sounds so loud,
time flies by with the happy crowd.
A place to meet for old and young,
the pub gets people moving, having fun.
🧩 Riddle Time
German:
Ich habe Zapfhahn, aber keine Feuerwehr.
Ich habe Gäste, aber kein Hotelbett schwer.
Man trinkt bei mir, doch bin kein Fluss.
Mein Name klingt englisch, zum Schluss.
Was bin ich?
Auflösung: Das Pub
English Translation:
I have a tap, but no fire brigade.
I have guests, but no hotel bed is made.
People drink at my place, but I'm not a river.
My name sounds English, a final deliverer.
What am I?
Solution: The Pub
💡 Other Information
Etymology: The word "Pub" is a short form of the English term "public house". This originally referred to a licensed house permitted to sell alcohol to the public.
Cultural Significance: In Great Britain and Ireland, the pub is a central social meeting point, often with a long tradition and specific names.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Pub?
The German word Pub is generally neuter: das Pub (plural: die Pubs). Using the masculine article der Pub is rare and mostly considered colloquial or regional. It's best to stick with das Pub.