das / der  Thermometer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tɛʁmoˈmeːtɐ/

🌡️ Defining the Thermometer

A Thermometer is a measuring instrument used to determine temperature. It's employed in various fields, from medicine (das Fieberthermometer - fever thermometer) and meteorology (die Wettervorhersage - weather forecast) to technology and research.

The choice of article is noteworthy:

• das Thermometer: This is the most common and standard form in contemporary German. It is neuter (sächlich).
• der Thermometer: This form is rarer and often considered outdated or regional (still occasionally used in parts of Austria and Switzerland). It is masculine (männlich). ⚠️ Generally, you should use das Thermometer to be safe.

Grammar Guide: Cases and Articles of 'Thermometer'

The declension depends on the chosen article. Here are both versions:

Declension: das Thermometer (neuter - standard)

Declension: der Thermometer (masculine - rare/outdated/regional)

Example Sentences 📝

• Das Thermometer zeigt 20 Grad Celsius an. (The thermometer shows 20 degrees Celsius.) - Standard
• Der Arzt benutzte das Thermometer, um Fieber zu messen. (The doctor used the thermometer to measure the fever.) - Standard
• Kannst du mir bitte das Thermometer geben? (Can you please give me the thermometer?) - Standard
• Früher sagte man manchmal "der Thermometer", aber heute ist "das" üblich. (In the past, people sometimes said 'der Thermometer', but today 'das' is common.) - *Note on rare form*

Everyday Use: Which Article Fits When?

In modern German usage, das Thermometer is the overwhelmingly dominant and recommended form. It is used in all contexts:

• Medicine: das Fieberthermometer (fever thermometer), das Ohrthermometer (ear thermometer)
• Weather: das Außenthermometer (outdoor thermometer)
• Household: das Bratenthermometer (meat thermometer), das Raumthermometer (room thermometer)
• Technology & Science: das Digitalthermometer (digital thermometer), das Laborthermometer (lab thermometer)

The form der Thermometer is encountered very rarely. You might find it in older texts or hear it from older speakers, sometimes regionally specific. It should be avoided in formal or standard German contexts, as it is often perceived as incorrect or unusual. 🚨

Bottom line: Always use das Thermometer, and you'll be correct!

Memory Hooks 🧠

Article Mnemonic 🤔

Think of das Messgerät (the measuring device). Many measuring devices in German are neuter (das Barometer, das Manometer, das Messgerät itself). So is das Thermometer. Picture a neutral, objective device.

Meaning Mnemonic 🌡️

Thermo- comes from heat (Greek 'thermos'), -meter from measure (Greek 'metron'). So: A heat-measurer = Thermometer.

Word Explorer: Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential for Confusion?

Sometimes thermometers are confused with other measuring devices:

• Barometer: Measures air pressure, not temperature.
• Hygrometer: Measures humidity, not temperature.

A Little Laugh 😄

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist kälter als Eis?" Fritzchen überlegt und sagt: "Das Thermometer vom Arzt, wenn er es aus dem kalten Desinfektionsmittel holt!"

English Translation: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what is colder than ice?" Fritzchen thinks and says: "The doctor's thermometer when he takes it out of the cold disinfectant!"

Poetic Measurement ✍️

German:
Das Thermometer, still und klar,
zeigt Hitze an und Frostgefahr.
Ob Fieber steigt, ob Kälte droht,
es misst die Wärme, misst die Not.
Ein kleiner Stab, so schlicht, so fein,
lässt uns die Temperatur verstehen.

English Translation:
The thermometer, silent and clear,
shows heat and danger of frost near.
Whether fever climbs or cold does loom,
it measures warmth, it measures doom.
A little rod, so simple, fine,
lets us grasp temperature's design.

Riddle Me This! 🤔

German:
Ich habe eine Skala, aber wiege nichts.
Ich steige und falle, aber habe keine Beine.
Ich sage dir, ob du schwitzt oder frierst.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I have a scale, but weigh nothing.
I rise and fall, but have no legs.
I tell you if you're sweating or freezing.

What am I?

Solution: Das Thermometer (The thermometer)

Extra Facts & Origins 🤓

• Etymology: The word comes from Greek: thermos (θερμός) means "warm" and metron (μέτρον) means "measure". Thus, a thermometer is literally a "warmth measurer".
• Invention: Early forms of the thermometer were developed as early as the 17th century, including by Galileo Galilei. Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit and Anders Celsius later developed the well-known temperature scales.
• Types: There are many types of thermometers, e.g., liquid-in-glass thermometers (with mercury or alcohol), bimetallic strip thermometers, digital thermometers (with sensors), and infrared thermometers.