der
August
📅 What does der August mean?
Der August is the German word for August, the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days and falls between Juli (July) and September (September). The name originates from the first Roman Emperor Augustus.
In German, the month name August is masculine, which is why it takes the article der.
- Main meaning: The eighth calendar month.
🚨 Be careful: Don't confuse the month with the male first name August, which also exists but has a different origin (derived from 'augustus' meaning venerable or majestic).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
📝 Grammar in Detail: Der August
The word August as a month name is a masculine noun (Maskulinum). It's often used without an article in date specifications, but with the article when talking about the month in general.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der August | ein August |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des August / des Augusts | eines August / eines Augusts |
| Dative (To/For Whom?) | dem August | einem August |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den August | einen August |
Note: The genitive case can be formed with or without an 's' (des Augusts or des August). Both are correct.
Plural
The plural form die Auguste is rarely used. It might refer to several August months across different years (e.g., “die heißen Auguste der letzten Jahre” – the hot Augusts of recent years), but it's uncommon in general language.
Example Sentences
- Im August fahren wir in den Urlaub. (In August, we're going on vacation.)
- Der August war dieses Jahr besonders heiß. (August was particularly hot this year.)
- Wir feiern ihren Geburtstag am 15. August. (We celebrate her birthday on August 15th. - Here without an article)
- Die Ernte beginnt Ende August. (The harvest begins at the end of August. - Also often without an article after prepositions like 'Ende', 'Anfang', 'Mitte')
- Ich erinnere mich an einen sehr schönen August am Meer. (I remember a very beautiful August by the sea.)
💡 How to Use der August
- Dates: Most commonly, August is used without an article in dates: am 5. August (on August 5th), im August 2024 (in August 2024).
- General Statements: When talking about the month as a concept or a specific instance, the article der is used: Der August ist mein Lieblingsmonat. (August is my favorite month.)
- Weather and Seasons: Often used in connection with summer, heat, holidays: Ein typischer Augusttag ist sonnig und warm. (A typical August day is sunny and warm.)
- Festivals and Events: Referring to events happening in August: Das Festival findet immer im August statt. (The festival always takes place in August.)
The main potential for confusion is with the first name August. However, the context usually makes the meaning clear.
🧠 Mnemonics for der August
For the article 'der': Think of Emperor Augustus – the name ends in '-us', often indicating masculine Latin names. Emperors are male, so it's der August.
For the meaning (month): Imagine yourself in the height of summer, in August, feeling the heat and saying "Oh gusts of wind would be nice!". It's the eighth month, almost like "Eight-gust".
🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms (Alternatives):
- Achter Monat: (Eighth month) A descriptive alternative.
- Erntemonat: (Harvest month) Sometimes used poetically or in agriculture (though the main harvest time can vary).
- Sommermonat: (Summer month) A general description for the season.
Antonyms (Opposites):
There are no direct antonyms for month names. However, you can mention the preceding or succeeding month:
- Juli: (July) The month before August.
- September: (September) The month after August.
- Februar: (February) As a winter month, it's a seasonal contrast.
Similar Terms (Caution!):
- August (first name): A male given name.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Warum gehen Ameisen im August nicht in die Kirche? – Weil sie Insekten sind!
English: Why don't ants go to church in August? – Because they are in-sects! 😉 (Okay, it's a pun, but fitting for little critters in summer!)
📜 Poem about August
German:
Der August bringt die Sommerglut,
Die Sonne strahlt mit frohem Mut.
Die Tage lang, die Nächte lau,
Am Himmel oft ein tiefes Blau.
Getreide reift auf weitem Feld,
Die schönste Zeit der Sommerwelt.
English Translation:
August brings the summer heat,
The sun shines with cheerful feat.
The days are long, the nights are mild,
Often a deep blue sky compiled.
Grain ripens in the wide field,
The finest time the summer yields.
🤔 A Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin der Achte in der Reih',
Bring Hitze und viel Ferienfrei.
Nach mir wird's langsam wieder kühl,
Ich bin des Sommers Hochgefühl.
Wer bin ich?
... Der August
English Translation:
I am the eighth one in the row,
Bring heat and lots of holiday glow.
After me, it slowly cools anew,
I am the summer's peak feeling, it's true.
Who am I?
... August
✨ Other Information
- Origin of the Name: Named after the Roman Emperor Augustus in 8 BC. Originally, the month was called 'Sextilis' (the sixth), as the ancient Roman year began in March.
- Zodiac Signs: The zodiac signs in August are Leo (until approx. August 23rd) and Virgo (from approx. August 24th).
- Holidays: In Germany, August has regional public holidays like Mariä Himmelfahrt (Assumption Day) on August 15th (only in parts of Bavaria and Saarland).
- Length: August always has 31 days.
Summary: is it der, die or das August?
The month name August is masculine in German. Therefore, the correct form is always der August (in the nominative case). Example: Der August ist ein Sommermonat. (August is a summer month.) In date specifications, the article is often omitted: Wir treffen uns im August. (We'll meet in August.)