das  Remis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁəˈmiːs/

🤝 What does 'das Remis' mean?

The German word das Remis (noun, neuter) means a draw or tie in a game, competition, or confrontation. It signifies that there is no clear winner or loser. The term is frequently used in chess (Schach), but also in other sports or even in figurative contexts.

It originates from the French word remise, meaning 'put back' or 'deferred' – suggesting the decision is postponed.

🚨 Note: 'Remis' always takes the neuter article das.

🧐 Grammar of 'das Remis' in Detail

'Remis' is a noun with the neuter article das. Here is its declension:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Note: The plural 'die Remis' is used relatively infrequently. People often speak of multiple *Unentschieden* (draws) or use paraphrases.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Das Schachspiel endete nach fünf Stunden mit einem Remis.
   The chess game ended in a draw after five hours.
2. Beide Mannschaften einigten sich auf ein Remis.
   Both teams agreed to a draw.
3. Nach einer Serie von Remis konnte endlich ein Sieger ermittelt werden.
   After a series of draws, a winner could finally be determined.
4. Der Großmeister bot seinem Gegner ein Remis an.
   The grandmaster offered his opponent a draw.

✅ When to use 'das Remis'

'Das Remis' is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Sports and Games (Sport und Spiele): Especially in chess (Schachremis), but also in other board games, football/soccer (although *Unentschieden* is more common here), boxing, or other competitions where a draw is possible.
• Figurative Meaning: Less commonly, 'Remis' can be used metaphorically for a situation where none of the involved parties gain an advantage or a decision cannot be reached (a *stalemate* or *deadlock*).

Compared to *Unentschieden* (draw), 'Remis' often sounds a bit more formal or specific to the context of games, particularly chess.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Remis'

For the article 'das': Think of das Spiel (the game). When das Spiel ends without a winner, it's das Remis.

For the meaning 'draw': Imagine players trying to score but they 're-miss' the target. Since neither scores, it's a Remis (draw).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Warum spielen Skelette kein Schach um Mitternacht im Friedhof?

Why don't skeletons play chess in the graveyard at midnight?

Weil es immer mit einem Remis endet – keiner hat mehr den Mut (oder die Nerven) zu ziehen!

Because it always ends in a draw – nobody has the guts (or the nerves) to make a move anymore!

📜 Poem about a Draw

Zwei Könige auf Feldern breit,
kämpften lange, Seit an Seit'.
Kein Zug brachte den Sieg herbei,
die Stellung fest, das Spiel vorbei.
Man reicht die Hand, es ist vollbracht,
ein Remis in stiller Nacht.

Two kings upon the board so wide,
Fought for long, side by side.
No move brought victory near,
The position fixed, the game is clear.
They shake hands, the deed is done,
A draw beneath the setting sun (or silent night).

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Ende ohne Sieger,
im Spiel oft ein Ergebnis bieder.
Im Schach bekannt, doch auch im Sport,
bring' ich den Kampf an einen toten Ort.

Was bin ich?

I am an end without a victor,
In games, often a result lacklustre.
Known in chess, but also in sport,
I bring the battle to a deadlocked fort.

What am I?

Solution: Das Remis (the draw)

🧩 Other Information

Word Origin (Wortherkunft): As mentioned, 'Remis' comes from the French verb remettre (to put back, to postpone) or its past participle remis(e). It implies the decision is 'put off'.

Trivia: In high-level chess (Schach), a large percentage of games end in a draw (*Remis*), as players of similar strength often find it difficult to gain decisive advantages.