das
Reservat
🌍 What exactly is 'das Reservat'?
The German word das Reservat generally refers to a demarcated area reserved for a specific purpose. The most common meanings are:
- Nature reserve / Wildlife sanctuary: An area where nature, specific plant or animal species are protected. Example: Ein Vogelreservat (a bird sanctuary).
- Reservation: An area assigned to an indigenous population group (originally mainly in North America), often under special administration. Example: Ein Indianerreservat (an Indian reservation).
It derives from the Latin word reservare (to keep, to reserve).
🧐 Grammar Focus: das Reservat
Das Reservat is a noun of neuter gender. The article is das.
Declension
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das Reservat | ein Reservat (a reserve) |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Reservat(e)s | eines Reservat(e)s (of a reserve) |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Reservat(e) | einem Reservat(e) (to/for a reserve) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das Reservat | ein Reservat (a reserve) |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Reservate (the reserves) | Reservate (reserves) |
| Genitive | der Reservate (of the reserves) | Reservate (of reserves) |
| Dative | den Reservaten (to/for the reserves) | Reservaten (to/for reserves) |
| Accusative | die Reservate (the reserves) | Reservate (reserves) |
Example Sentences
- Viele seltene Vogelarten leben in dem Reservat an der Küste.
(Many rare bird species live in the reserve on the coast.) - Das Reservat wurde eingerichtet, um die Bisons zu schützen.
(The reserve was established to protect the bison.) - Die Verwaltung des Reservates ist komplex.
(The administration of the reserve is complex.) - Wir besuchten mehrere Reservate während unserer Reise durch Kanada.
(We visited several reservations/reserves during our trip through Canada.)
🧭 When to use 'das Reservat'?
The term das Reservat is mainly used in two contexts:
- Nature conservation: Here it is often synonymous with Schutzgebiet (protected area), Naturschutzgebiet (nature reserve), or Wildreservat (wildlife reserve). It emphasizes the aspect of 'reserving' for nature or specific species.
- Indigenous peoples: In historical and social contexts, it refers to areas assigned to indigenous peoples (Indianerreservat - Indian reservation). This term can be considered sensitive today; alternative designations may be more appropriate depending on the context.
In general language, Schutzgebiet is often more neutral than Reservat when talking about nature. The term Reservat can sometimes also have slightly negative connotations, suggesting segregation or isolation.
⚠️ Don't confuse it with die Reservierung (a booking or reservation for a hotel room or table).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Reservat'
Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das habitat. A Reservat is a special kind of habitat, and many general 'area' words in German are neuter (like das Gebiet - the area).
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine animals needing a place reserved for them, where they can relax and say "Ahhhht". -> Reserv-at.
↔️ Similar & Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Schutzgebiet: (Protected area) - General term.
- Naturschutzgebiet: (Nature reserve) - Specifically for nature protection.
- Wildschutzgebiet / Wildreservat: (Wildlife sanctuary/reserve) - Focus on protecting wild animals.
- Refugium: (Refuge) - Place of safety, often metaphorical too.
- Indianergebiet / Autonomes Gebiet: (Indigenous territory / Autonomous area) - Context-dependent alternatives for indigenous peoples' areas.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
Similar but different words:
- Die Reserve: (The reserve/stock) - e.g., oil reserve, financial reserve.
- Die Reservierung: (The reservation/booking) - e.g., hotel reservation.
😄 A little Joke about the Reservat
Fragt ein Tourist den Ranger im Wildreservat: "Sind die Tiere hier wirklich wild?"
Antwortet der Ranger: "Naja, meistens schon. Nur bei den Mahlzeiten sind sie etwas gezähmt."
Translation:
A tourist asks the ranger in the wildlife reserve: "Are the animals here really wild?"
The ranger replies: "Well, mostly. Only during feeding times are they a bit tame."
📜 Poetry in the Reserve
Das Reservat, ein stiller Ort,
Natur bewahrt, ein sich'rer Hort.
Wo Vögel singen, Rehe steh'n,
Soll dieses grüne Wunder nie vergeh'n.
Ein Schutzraum, kostbar und bedacht,
Für Flora, Fauna, Tag und Nacht.
Translation:
The reserve, a silent place,
Nature preserved, a safe space.
Where birds sing, deer stand near,
May this green wonder never disappear.
A sanctuary, precious and thought-out,
For flora, fauna, day and night about.
❓ Riddle Time: What am I?
Ich bin ein Land, doch nicht für jeden frei.
Ich schütze Tiere oder Völker, mancherlei.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk es dir gut,
Ich biete Schutz und gebe neuen Mut.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am a land, but not free for everyone.
I protect animals or peoples, many a one.
My article is neuter, remember it well,
I offer protection and new courage tell.
What am I?
Solution: das Reservat
💡 Interesting Facts about 'das Reservat'
Word Origin: The word comes from the Latin verb reservare, meaning "to keep back", "to reserve", or "to retain". This reflects the function of a Reservat, which is to set aside an area for a specific purpose (e.g., protection).
Types of Reserves (Reservate): There are many specific German terms depending on the focus:
- Biosphärenreservat: (Biosphere reserve - UNESCO program)
- Vogelschutzreservat: (Bird sanctuary)
- Wildreservat: (Wildlife reserve)
- Naturreservat: (Nature reserve)
- Meeresschutzreservat: (Marine reserve)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Reservat?
The word 'Reservat' is neuter, so it uses the article das. It typically refers to a reserve or sanctuary for nature or animals, but can also mean a reservation for indigenous peoples.