das
Regal
📚 What exactly is a Regal?
Das Regal (noun, neuter) refers to a piece of furniture or a structure consisting of several horizontal boards or compartments, used for storing items such as books (Bücher), dishes (Geschirr), tools (Werkzeug), or other things. It helps maintain order (Ordnung) and use space efficiently.
There are many types of shelves, e.g., bookshelves (Bücherregale), wall shelves (Wandregale), freestanding shelves (Standregale), storage racks (Lagerregale), etc. However, the basic function is always the same: to place or store something on or in it.
🚨 There are no other articles for this main meaning. It is always das Regal.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-al → mostly neutral.
Exceptions: -aal nouns are always masculine.
🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Regal
The word "Regal" is a neuter noun. The corresponding article is "das". Here is the declension:
Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das Regal | ein Regal | Regal |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Regals / Regales | eines Regals / Regales | Regals / Regales |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Regal / Regale | einem Regal / Regale | Regal / Regale |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das Regal | ein Regal | Regal |
Note: The Genitive and Dative forms ending in -e (Regales, Regale) are considered elevated or archaic, but are grammatically correct.
Plural
| Case | Definite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Regale | Regale |
| Genitive | der Regale | Regale |
| Dative | den Regalen | Regalen |
| Accusative | die Regale | Regale |
Example Sentences
- Das neue Regal passt perfekt in die Ecke. (The new shelf fits perfectly in the corner.)
- Stell die Bücher bitte ins Regal. (Please put the books on the shelf.)
- Die Stabilität dieses Regals ist beeindruckend. (The stability of this shelf is impressive.)
- Wir brauchen mehr Regale für das Lager. (We need more shelves/racks for the warehouse.)
- In den Regalen des Supermarkts findet man fast alles. (You can find almost everything on the supermarket shelves.)
🛠️ How to Use "Regal"?
"Das Regal" is a very common word in German, primarily used for storage furniture.
- In the household (Im Haushalt): For books (Bücherregal), dishes (Küchenregal), decoration (Wandregal), in the basement or garage (Schwerlastregal - heavy-duty rack).
- In commerce (Im Handel): Supermarkets, shops, and warehouses use shelves for product display and storage (Verkaufsregal - display shelf, Lagerregal - storage rack).
- In the office (Im Büro): For storing files and folders (Aktenregal - file shelf).
It's a neutral word without special connotations. Compared to "das Bord" (often just a single board) or "die Ablage" (can also be just a surface), "Regal" usually refers to a structure with multiple levels.
Common phrases include "etwas ins Regal stellen/legen/räumen" (to put/place something on the shelf) or "etwas aus dem Regal nehmen" (to take something from the shelf).
🧠 Mnemonics for "das Regal"
Remembering the article "das":
Think of the neuter function: das Regal is neutrally functional, holding 'all' sorts of things. 'Das' is the neuter article. Or: Many technical or objective items in German are neuter ('das'), like das Regal.
Remembering the meaning:
Imagine a 'regal' king needing a place to display his treasures. He commands: "Build me a Regal!" (a shelf/rack) to hold everything. The word 'regal' (royal) sounds similar and helps link to an object holding valuable things (or just everyday items).
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Das Bord: Often a single plank, usually fixed to the wall.
- Die Ablage: A surface for placing things, can also be part of another piece of furniture.
- Das Gestell: A supporting frame, can resemble a shelf but often more open or for specific purposes (e.g., Wäschegestell - drying rack).
- Der Ständer: More for holding single objects upright (e.g., Notenständer - music stand, Kleiderständer - coat rack).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
Direct antonyms are difficult. In context, one might consider:
Related Terms:
- Bücherregal: Bookshelf.
- Wandregal: Wall shelf.
- Standregal: Freestanding shelf unit.
- Lagerregal: Storage rack/shelf.
- Regalboden: A single shelf board.
😄 A Little Shelf Joke
DE: Warum hat das Buch Angst vor dem Regal?
Weil es gehört hat, dass das Regal viele Geschichten "verschlingt"! 😉
EN: Why is the book afraid of the shelf?
Because it heard the shelf "devours" many stories! 😉 (A pun on storing/consuming stories)
📜 A Poem About the Shelf
DE:
Das Regal, so schlicht und klar,
Ein treuer Diener, Jahr für Jahr.
Trägt Bücher schwer und leichtes Glas,
Bringt Ordnung, macht das Leben Spaß.
Mal Holz, mal Metall, mal bunt,
Steht still und hält für jede Stund'
Bereit, was man drauf abgelegt,
Ein Möbel, das den Raum bewegt.
EN:
The shelf, so simple and so clear,
A faithful servant, year by year.
Carries heavy books and glass so light,
Brings order, makes life fun and bright.
Sometimes wood, metal, or with hue,
Stands still and holds for every view
Ready, what's placed upon its face,
A furniture that moves the space.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich habe Böden, doch kein Haus,
Ich trage Lasten, tagein, tagaus.
Bücher, Teller, Werkzeug klein,
Bei mir findet alles seinen Schein.
Ich stehe still an Wand und Eck,
Und schaffe Ordnung, welch ein Zweck!
Was bin ich?
Lösung: Das Regal
EN:
I have levels, but no house,
I carry burdens, day in, day out.
Books, plates, small tools in line,
With me, everything finds its shine.
I stand still by wall and nook,
Creating order, take a look!
What am I?
Solution: The shelf (Das Regal)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): The word "Regal" is very productive in German and forms many compound nouns that specify the purpose or material:
- Bücherregal (Bookshelf)
- Weinregal (Wine rack)
- Aktenregal (File shelf)
- Küchenregal (Kitchen shelf)
- Schuhregal (Shoe rack)
- Holzregal (Wooden shelf)
- Metallregal (Metal shelf)
- Schwerlastregal (Heavy-duty rack)
Etymology: The word might originate from the Latin word "riga" (row) or via Italian "riga" (line, row) or "rigare" (to arrange in rows). Another theory derives it from Middle Latin "regale" (royal stand, book stand), related to "regalis" (royal). The exact origin is not entirely clear.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Regal?
The German word "Regal" is a neuter noun. Therefore, the correct article is always das Regal. The plural form is die Regale.