der
Award
🏆 What exactly is an Award?
The word der Award is an Anglicism (Anglizismus), meaning it's a loanword from English. In German, it means prize, award, or honor. It's mostly used for prizes awarded in specific industries or for special achievements, particularly in the arts, culture, film, and science.
As a loanword, it often retains its English pronunciation. The article is masculine: der Award.
🚨 Attention: Although 'Preis' or 'Auszeichnung' are good German equivalents, 'Award' is often preferred in specific contexts (e.g., film prizes like the Oscars) to emphasize the international character or prestige.
🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Der Award
'Award' is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Award |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Awards |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Award |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Award |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Awards |
| Genitive | der | Awards |
| Dative | den | Awards |
| Accusative | die | Awards |
Example Sentences
- Der Schauspieler erhielt einen wichtigen Award für seine Rolle. (The actor received an important award for his role.)
- Die Verleihung des Awards wurde live übertragen. (The presentation of the award was broadcast live.)
- Sie dankte der Jury in ihrer Rede nach dem Award. (She thanked the jury in her speech after the award.)
- Das Unternehmen hat schon mehrere Awards gewonnen. (The company has already won several awards.)
💡 How to use "Award"?
The term der Award is primarily used in the context of award ceremonies. Typical areas include:
- 🎬 Film and Television: e.g., die Oscars (Academy Awards), Golden Globes
- 🎵 Music: e.g., Grammys, Echo (formerly)
- 📚 Literature: e.g., book prizes, literature awards
- 🔬 Science and Research: awards for scientific breakthroughs
- 💼 Business and Marketing: prizes for innovations, campaigns, or corporate leadership
Compared to "Preis" or "Auszeichnung", "Award" often sounds more modern, international, or prestigious. However, in more formal or traditional contexts, the German terms are preferred.
Example: People usually say "Nobelpreis" rather than "Nobel-Award", but they talk about the "Academy Awards".
🧠 Mnemonics for Memorization
For the article (der): Many English loanwords in German, especially those referring to people or clearly defined objects (or sometimes ending in -er, -or, -ard, although 'Award' doesn't fit perfectly, it has a similar feel), are masculine. Think of: Der Chef (the boss), der Computer, der Looser... and also der Award.
For the meaning (prize/Auszeichnung): The word "Award" sounds very similar to the English word "reward". An Award is a type of reward for a special achievement.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Der Preis: The most general German word for an award or prize, also used for winnings in competitions.
- Die Auszeichnung: Emphasizes the honor and recognition of an achievement.
- Die Ehrung: Similar to Auszeichnung, often more formal (honor).
- Die Trophäe: A specific, often figurative prize (e.g., a cup, trophy).
⚠️ Watch out for similar words: "Prämie" usually means a *premium* or *bonus payment*, not necessarily a public honor like an Award.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Wecker einen Award gewonnen?
(Why did the alarm clock win an award?)
Weil er immer zur richtigen Zeit zur Stelle war!
(Because it was always there at the right time!)
📜 A Poem about the Award
Im Scheinwerferlicht, so klar und rein,
(In the spotlight, so clear and pure,)
steht er da, der Preis, so fein.
(There it stands, the prize, so fine.)
Der Award, glänzend, stolz und schwer,
(The award, shining, proud and heavy,)
für Mühe, Kunst und noch viel mehr.
(For effort, art, and much more.)
Ein Lächeln huscht, die Hand greift zu,
(A smile flits by, the hand reaches out,)
Applaus erfüllt den Raum im Nu.
(Applause fills the room in an instant.)
Ein Traum wird wahr, die Freude spricht,
(A dream comes true, joy speaks,)
verdienter Lohn im hellen Licht.
(Deserved reward in the bright light.)
🧩 Who or What Am I?
Ich werde verliehen, doch bin kein Orden.
(I am awarded, but I'm not a medal/order.)
Man bekommt mich für Leistung, an vielen Orten.
(You get me for achievement, in many places.)
Filmstars und Sänger hoffen auf mich sehr,
(Movie stars and singers hope for me greatly,)
mein Name klingt Englisch, das ist nicht schwer.
(My name sounds English, that's not hard.)
Ich bin eine Ehre, ein glänzendes Stück.
(I am an honor, a shining piece.)
What am I?
... Der Award
✨ Other Interesting Facts
Origin: The word "Award" comes from the Old French "esgart" (decision, judgment) or "esgarder" (to consider, decide), passed through Middle English into Modern English, and from there as a loanword into German.
Compounds: In German, "Award" is often part of compound words, e.g.:
- Die Award-Verleihung (the award ceremony)
- Der Award-Gewinner / Die Award-Gewinnerin (the award winner - m/f)
- Die Award-Show (the award show)
- Die Award-Saison (the award season)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Award?
The word "Award" is a masculine noun borrowed from English, meaning "prize" or "Auszeichnung". The correct article is der Award, and the plural is die Awards.