das  Register

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁɛɡɪstɐ/

📖 What does "das Register" mean?

The German word das Register is a noun with several meanings:

• 🗂️ Register, Index, List: A systematic list or collection of data, names, or information. Often used in an official context. Example: Standesamtsregister (civil registry), Vereinsregister (register of associations), alphabetisches Register (alphabetical index in a book).
• 🎶 Organ Stop: A rank of organ pipes of the same timbre, activated by a draw knob or switch (the Registerzug). Also refers to the timbre itself. Example: Ein helles Register ziehen (to pull a bright stop).
• 💻 Technical Term:
  • A cash register (Kassenregister).
  • A fast storage location within a computer processor (CPU-Register).
  • A mechanical counter.
• 🗣️ Vocal Range/Register (less common): A specific range of the voice (e.g., Brustregister - chest voice, Kopfregister - head voice).

⚠️ Even though there are different meanings, the article is always das.

🧐 Grammar of "das Register" in Detail

"Register" is a neuter noun (sächlich). Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Im Register des Buches fand ich schnell die gesuchte Seite.
   (In the book's index, I quickly found the page I was looking for.)
2. Der Standesbeamte trug die Geburt in das Register ein.
   (The registrar entered the birth into the register.)
3. Der Organist zog alle Register, um einen vollen Klang zu erzeugen.
   (The organist pulled out all the stops [idiom] to create a full sound. / Literally: pulled all registers.)
4. Der Prozessor speichert Zwischenergebnisse in seinen Registern.
   (The processor stores intermediate results in its registers.)
5. Bitte bezahlen Sie an Kasse 3, dort ist das Register geöffnet.
   (Please pay at checkout 3, the cash register there is open.)

💡 How to use "das Register"?

The usage of das Register heavily depends on the context:

• Authorities & Administration: Here, it usually refers to official directories like the Handelsregister (commercial register), Grundbuchregister (land register), Melderegister (registration register), Standesamtsregister (civil registry).
• Books & Texts: As an index or keyword index at the end of a book.
• Music: In connection with organs or, less commonly, other instruments and the human voice (Stimmregister - vocal register).
• Technology & IT: For cash registers (Kassenregister) or in computer architecture (CPU-Register).
• Idiom: "Alle Register ziehen" means to use all available means or possibilities to achieve a goal (equivalent to "pull out all the stops").

It is a rather formal word, except perhaps in the musical context or the idiom.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Register"

For the article (das): Think of 'das' as the neutral article 'it'. A register is often a neutral, systematic thing – it is a register, so das Register. Or think of 'das System' (the system) - a register is a system for lists.

For the meaning: The English word 'register' is very similar and covers many of the same meanings (to register voters, a cash register, a vocal register). Just remember to add the organ stop meaning! Imagine someone registers the sound coming from the organ's Register.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Registratur: Refers more to the registry office or the place where files (and registers) are kept.
• Regisseur: Director (film or theatre) - completely different meaning!

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Organist so viele Register gezogen?
(Why did the organist pull so many stops/registers?)

Weil er dachte, die Kirche braucht mehr Schubladen für Noten!
(Because he thought the church needed more drawers for sheet music! - This is a pun in German: Schub-lade = drawer, Register-zug = draw-stop) 😉

📜 A Poem about the Register

Das Register, still und klar,
(The register, silent and clear,)
hält Namen fest, Jahr für Jahr.
(holds names fast, year after year.)
In Buch und Amt, auf leisem Blatt,
(In book and office, on quiet sheet,)
bringt Ordnung in die große Stadt.
(brings order to the big city.)

Die Orgel tönt, ihr Klang so rein,
(The organ sounds, its tone so pure,)
zieht man ein neues Register ein.
(when one pulls a new register.)
Von sanft bis laut, die Pfeifen klingen,
(From soft to loud, the pipes resound,)
durch das Register Lieder schwingen.
(through the register, songs swing around.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe viele Namen, doch keinen Mund.
(I have many names, but no mouth.)
Ich bringe Ordnung, Stund um Stund'.
(I bring order, hour by hour.)
In Kirchen kling' ich, im Amt bin ich wichtig,
(In churches I sound, in the office I'm important,)
im Computer schnell, das ist richtig.
(in the computer fast, that is correct.)

What am I?
... Das Register (The Register)

✨ More about the Word

• Etymology: The word "Register" comes from the Middle Latin "registrum", which in turn derives from the Latin verb "regerere". This means something like "to carry back", "to enter" or "to record".
• International Usage: The word "Register" or similar forms exist in many European languages (e.g., English register, French registre, Spanish registro, Italian registro).
• Compounds: There are many compound words that specify the type of register, e.g., Handelsregister (commercial register), Vereinsregister (register of associations), Schuldenregister (debt register), Orgelregister (organ stop), Stimmregister (vocal register), Kassenregister (cash register).