der
Applaus
👏 What does "der Applaus" mean?
Der Applaus refers to the act of clapping hands, typically by an audience, to express approval, recognition, admiration, or enthusiasm. Es ist eine häufige Reaktion nach einer Aufführung (it's a common reaction after a performance) like in a theatre or concert, after a speech, or for a special achievement.
Although the word technically has a plural form ("die Applause"), it's very rarely used and often sounds unusual or archaic. Usually, people talk about "viel Applaus" (much applause) or "kräftigem Applaus" (strong applause) instead of using a plural form.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-us/-uss/-uß → mostly masculine.
Including -ismus nouns (100% masculine, e.g. der Tourismus)
📊 Grammar of "Applaus" in Detail
The noun "Applaus" is masculine. Here is the declension in the singular:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Applaus |
| Genitive | des | Applauses |
| Dative | dem | Applaus / Applause* |
| Accusative | den | Applaus |
*The dative form "dem Applause" is archaic but possible.
Plural: As mentioned, the plural "die Applause" is very rare. The word is mostly used in the singular.
Example Sentences 📝
- Nach der Rede gab es kräftigen Applaus.
(After the speech, there was strong applause.) - Der Künstler genoss den Applaus des Publikums.
(The artist enjoyed the audience's applause.) - Man konnte die Freude am Applaus in ihren Augen sehen.
(One could see the joy about the applause in her eyes.) - Wegen des Applauses musste der Dirigent mehrmals auf die Bühne zurückkehren.
(Because of the applause, the conductor had to return to the stage several times.)
🗣️ How to use "Applaus"?
"Applaus" is primarily used in contexts where a performance or presentation is being acknowledged:
- Kulturelle Veranstaltungen (Cultural events): Plays, concerts, operas, readings, film premieres.
- Reden und Vorträge (Speeches and lectures): After a convincing speech or presentation.
- Sport: To acknowledge outstanding athletic performance or when athletes enter the arena.
- Alltagssituationen (Everyday situations): Sometimes used ironically or humorously for minor 'achievements' in daily life ("Na, dafür gibt's aber keinen Applaus!" - Well, there's no applause for that!).
Typical Adjectives: starker (strong), kräftiger (vigorous), tosender (thunderous), begeisterter (enthusiastic), lang anhaltender (long-lasting), höflicher (polite), spärlicher (sparse) Applaus.
Verbs: Applaus spenden/geben (to give applause), Applaus bekommen/erhalten (to receive applause), mit Applaus begrüßen/verabschieden (to greet/send off with applause).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Applaus"
Remembering the Article: Think of the man (masculine, der) who stands on stage receiving the well-deserved Applaus.
Remembering the Meaning: Imagine the audience giving an "appeal" with a "laus" (loud?) sound – that's Applaus! Or think: An app needs laus (lots) of claps if it's good.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Der Beifall: Very similar, often interchangeable with Applaus.
- Die Zustimmung: (Approval) More general, can also be verbal.
- Die Anerkennung: (Recognition) Emphasizes appreciation.
- Die Ovation / Die Ovationen (pl.): (Ovation / Standing Ovation) Particularly strong, enthusiastic applause.
- Das Klatschen: (Clapping) The purely physical act of clapping hands.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
⚠️ Similar but Different Words:
- Die Klausur: A written exam (unrelated to Applaus).
- Der Aplomb: Self-confidence, poise (French loanword).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum bekommen Skelette keinen Applaus?
(Why don't skeletons get applause?)
Weil sie keine Hände zum Klatschen haben!
(Because they don't have hands to clap with!) 😄
📜 Poem about Applause
Ein Klang, der durch den Saal erklingt,
(A sound that resonates through the hall,)
Wenn Freude laut die Hände schwingt.
(When joy makes hands swing aloud.)
Der Applaus, mal sanft, mal laut,
(The applause, sometimes soft, sometimes loud,)
Auf den der Künstler gern vertraut.
(On which the artist gladly relies.)
Ein Echo für die Seelenmüh',
(An echo for the soul's effort,)
Ein Dankeschön, spät oder früh.
(A thank you, late or early.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch kann ich sprechen,
(I have no mouth, yet I can speak,)
Ich habe keine Hände, doch kann Geräusche wecken.
(I have no hands, yet I can awaken sounds.)
Man hört mich nach Musik, nach Witz und Spiel,
(You hear me after music, after jokes and plays,)
Zeig' ich Zustimmung, ist das mein Ziel.
(Showing approval is my aim.)
Was bin ich?
(What am I?)
... Der Applaus (Applause)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Etymology: The word "Applaus" comes from the Latin verb applaudere, meaning "to clap at", "to applaud". It is composed of ad ("to", "at") and plaudere ("to clap", "to strike").
Cultural Differences: The manner and volume of applause can vary culturally. In some cultures, there are specific rhythms or forms of clapping.
Summary: is it der, die or das Applaus?
The word "Applaus" is masculine, so the correct article is "der". The correct form is: der Applaus.