der  Beifall

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbaɪfal/

👏 What does "der Beifall" mean?

Der Beifall refers to public approval or praise for a person, performance, or statement, typically expressed through clapping. It's an expression of recognition and appreciation.

• Main meaning: Applause, clapping as a sign of approval or enthusiasm (e.g., in a theatre, concert, during speeches).
• Figurative meaning: General approval, acclaim, or support for an idea, proposal, or action.

⚠️ Important: Although 'Beifall' is mostly associated with clapping, it can also be expressed through shouts (e.g., "Bravo!") or other positive reactions.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Beifall" in Detail

'Beifall' is a masculine noun (Maskulinum). It is almost exclusively used in the singular. The plural 'die Beifälle' is very rare and usually avoided.

Declension Singular

Note: In the Genitive and Dative cases, the ending -e is optional and considered more formal or dated.

📝 Application Examples

1. Der Beifall des Publikums war ohrenbetäubend. (The audience's applause was deafening.)
2. Trotz des wenigen Beifalls gab der Künstler eine Zugabe. (Despite the little applause, the artist gave an encore.)
3. Der Redner dankte dem Publikum mit einer Verbeugung für den herzlichen Beifall. (The speaker thanked the audience with a bow for the warm applause.)
4. Die Schauspielerin erhielt für ihre Leistung großen Beifall. (The actress received great applause for her performance.)
5. Seine Idee fand allgemeinen Beifall. (His idea met with general approval. - figurative meaning)

🎭 How to use "Beifall"?

'Beifall' is typically used in contexts where a performance or statement is publicly evaluated.

• Contexts: Theatre, concerts, operas, lectures, speeches, sports events, sometimes also in meetings or discussions (in the sense of approval).
• Typical Verbs: Beifall klatschen (to applaud), Beifall spenden (to give applause), Beifall ernten/bekommen/erhalten (to receive/get applause), Beifall finden (to meet with approval), (jemandem) Beifall zollen (to pay tribute/applause to someone).
• Typical Adjectives: großer (great), starker (strong), anhaltender (sustained), rauschender/tosender (thunderous/roaring), begeisterter (enthusiastic), herzlicher (warm), spärlicher (sparse), höflicher (polite) Beifall.

Comparison:

• Applaus: Often a more direct synonym for the act of clapping itself. 'Beifall' can be slightly broader, encompassing the general positive response.
• Zustimmung (Approval): Is more general and doesn't necessarily have to be expressed publicly or through clapping. Beifall is a specific form of Zustimmung.

Example: "Nach der beeindruckenden Rede gab es lang anhaltenden Beifall." (After the impressive speech, there was sustained applause.)

🧠 How to remember "der Beifall"

1. Mnemonic for the article (der):

   Imagine a strong, commanding applause - it's a masculine (DER) reaction. Or think: DER performer hopes the applause doesn't fall flat when he takes a bei (bow).

2. Mnemonic for the meaning (Applause/Approval):

   Think of 'by fall': When something great happens (a successful 'fall' or event), people are 'by' it (support it) and clap. Or: People shout "Aye!" (sounds like bei) when something good FALLs into place -> Beifall.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words for "Beifall"

🚨 Caution: Not every synonym fits every context. An 'Ovation' is much stronger than simple 'Beifall'.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Dirigent sein Orchester nach dem Konzert: "Na, wie war der Beifall?" Sagt der Pauker: "Sehr sparsam. Ich glaube, die Hände haben sie nur zum Gähnen gebraucht."

English: The conductor asks his orchestra after the concert: "Well, how was the applause (der Beifall)?" The timpanist replies: "Very sparse. I think they only used their hands for yawning."

📜 Poem about Beifall

German:
Ein Echo der Freude, laut und klar,
So klingt der Beifall, wunderbar.
Wenn Hände klatschen im Saal,
Ist gute Leistung keine Qual.

Er dankt dem Künstler, ehrt die Kunst,
Ein warmer Schauer, keine Brunst.
Ein Lohn, der Herzen höherschlagen lässt,
Ein Zeichen, dass die Mühe hält ihr Fest.

English:
An echo of joy, loud and clear,
That's how the applause sounds, wonderfully dear.
When hands are clapping in the hall,
Good performance isn't pain at all.

It thanks the artist, honors art,
A warm shower, playing its part.
A reward that makes hearts beat fast,
A sign the effort's feast will last.

🤔 Little Riddle

German:
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch drücke Lob ich aus.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch hörst du mein Gebraus.
Nach Rede, Spiel und Sang werd' ich oft gern gehört.
Wer gut war, dem werd' ich als Lohn beschert.
Was bin ich?

English:
I have no mouth, yet I express praise.
I have no hands, yet you hear my loud ways.
After speech, play, and song, I'm often welcome sound.
Whoever was good, receives me as reward profound.
What am I?

(Answer: der Beifall / applause)

💡 More Information

Word Composition:

The word "Beifall" is composed of:

• bei: Preposition/prefix, here meaning something like "agreement with", "being with it".
• Fall: Noun, not meaning 'fall' as in dropping, but rather in the older sense of "case", "event", "matter", or "instance". So, it signifies agreement with the given 'case' or the presented matter.

Interesting fact: The intensity and manner of Beifall can be interpreted differently across cultures.