der  Balkon

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/balˈkoːn/

☀️ What exactly is a 'Balkon'?

A Balkon (der, masculine) refers to a platform projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing or parapet. It is usually located on an upper floor and accessible from the inside of the building. Balkone (balconies) often serve as small outdoor areas for relaxing, gardening, or dining.

There is only one article for Balkon: der. There are no common pitfalls regarding its article or meaning.

📐 Grammar of 'der Balkon'

The word "Balkon" is a masculine noun and always takes the article "der".

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

🚨 Note on Plural: Both plural forms, Balkone and Balkons, are common and correct. Balkone is the more traditional form, but Balkons (borrowed from English/French) is also frequently used.

Example Sentences

1. Der Balkon bietet eine schöne Aussicht. (The balcony offers a nice view.)
2. Wir trinken unseren Kaffee gerne auf dem Balkon. (We like to drink our coffee on the balcony.)
3. Die Blumen auf dem Balkon müssen gegossen werden. (The flowers on the balcony need watering.)
4. Sie hat einen kleinen Balkon an ihrer Wohnung. (She has a small balcony attached to her apartment.)
5. Die Fassade ist mit vielen Balkonen/Balkons geschmückt. (The facade is adorned with many balconies.)

🗣️ How to use 'Balkon'?

The term der Balkon is commonly used in everyday life to describe the outdoor area of an apartment or house that is above the ground floor and accessible.

• Typical Collocations: auf dem Balkon sitzen (to sit on the balcony), einen Balkon haben (to have a balcony), Blumen auf dem Balkon pflanzen (to plant flowers on the balcony), der Balkon geht nach Süden (the balcony faces south), ein sonniger Balkon (a sunny balcony).
• Distinction: A Balkon projects outwards from the facade. A Terrasse (die) is typically on ground level or on a flat roof. A Loggia (die) is a covered outdoor space that is recessed *within* the building's structure, i.e., it doesn't protrude. A französischer Balkon (der, French balcony) is often just a railing in front of a floor-to-ceiling window door with no actual platform to step onto.
• Context: Used in architecture as well as in daily conversation when talking about living spaces.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Balkon'

Article Mnemonic: Imagine DERek (a masculine name starting with DER) standing proudly on DER Balkon. Linking the masculine name helps remember the masculine article 'der'.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word 'Balkon' sounds a bit like 'balcony' in English, making it relatively easy to remember the meaning. You could also think of the 'kon' part like being 'con'structed out from the wall.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Potential Confusion?

• Terrasse (die): Usually ground-level or on a roof, often larger.
• Loggia (die): An outdoor space recessed within the building's structure.
• Französischer Balkon (der): Juliet balcony / French balcony (just a railing).

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum nehmen Skelette nie einen Drink auf dem Balkon?

Weil sie niemanden haben, mit dem sie anstoßen können!

English: Why do skeletons never have a drink on the balcony?

Because they have no body to go with! 😉

📜 Poem about the Balcony

Der Balkon, ein Platz so klein,
lädt zum Verweilen draußen ein.
Mit Blick auf Straße, Hof und Baum,
ein kleiner, luft'ger Lebenstraum.
Ob Sonne, Stern, ob Wind, ob Regen,
man kann sich hier bequem bewegen.
Der Balkon, welch' schöne Sicht,
bringt in den Alltag frisches Licht.

--- English Translation ---

The balcony, a place so small,
Invites you to linger outdoors, standing tall.
With views of street, courtyard, and tree,
A little, airy living dream, you see.
Be it sun, star, wind, or rain,
One can move comfortably here again.
The balcony, what a beautiful sight,
Brings fresh light into everyday's plight.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich hänge am Haus, doch bin kein Bild,
\hab' ein Geländer, bin oft wild
mit Blumen und Kräutern bunt bepflanzt,
wo man im Sommer gerne tanzt (naja, fast).
Man tritt hinaus, ist doch nicht weit,
für frische Luft stets gern bereit.

Wer bin ich?
(Lösung: der Balkon)

English Translation:
I hang on the house, but I'm not a picture,
I have a railing, am often wildly
planted with colorful flowers and herbs,
where one likes to dance in summer (well, almost).
One steps outside, yet isn't far,
always ready for fresh air near and star.

What am I?
(Answer: the balcony / der Balkon)

💡 Other Information

• Word Origin: The German word "Balkon" comes from the Italian balcone, which originally meant 'large beam' or 'scaffolding'. It entered German via French (balcon).
• Cultural Significance: Balconies are often the setting for important scenes in literature and film (e.g., Romeo and Juliet) and can also be used for public addresses (e.g., the Pope's balcony, royal balconies).
• Architecture: The design and size of Balkone vary greatly depending on architectural style, era, and region.