der  Born

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bɔʁn/

💧 What does "der Born" mean?

The word der Born is a masculine noun in German and means a spring or a well (often a natural source of water). It is considered an archaic or poetic term. In modern German, the words die Quelle (spring, source) or der Brunnen (well) are typically used instead.

⚠️ Note: Although it sounds like the English word "born", it has no direct connection in meaning.

• Main meaning: spring, well (often natural, unfenced)
• Connotation: Poetic, archaic, sometimes mythical (e.g., Jungborn as the fountain of youth)

📚 Grammar of "Born" in Detail

Der Born is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

1. Aus dem Felsen sprudelte ein klarer Born.
   (A clear spring bubbled from the rock.)
2. Im Märchen suchte der Prinz den Born der Wahrheit.
   (In the fairy tale, the prince sought the well of truth.)
3. Die Wanderer rasteten am kühlen Borne.
   (The hikers rested at the cool spring.)
4. Viele Orte wie Paderborn tragen das Wort in ihrem Namen.
   (Many places like Paderborn carry the word in their name.)

📜 Using "der Born"

Der Born is rarely found in everyday German conversation today. Its use is mostly limited to specific contexts:

• Literature & Poetry: In poems, songs, or older texts, "Born" is often used for its resonant and slightly mystical quality.
• Fixed Expressions & Names: It appears in fixed terms like "Jungborn" (also "Jungbrunnen", fountain of youth) or in place names (e.g., Paderborn, Bornheim). The name Paderborn means "Spring of the Pader river".
• Elevated Language: Sometimes it's used deliberately as a stylistic device to create an archaic or sophisticated impression.

Compared to:

• Die Quelle: Usually refers to the origin of a river or stream; the place where water emerges from the earth. This is the most common term for a natural water source.
• Der Brunnen: Often denotes a man-made structure for drawing water (dug or drilled), but can also refer to a contained spring.

Conclusion: If you want to talk about a water source in a modern, neutral way, use die Quelle or der Brunnen. Reserve der Born for special, mostly literary or historical contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Born"

Article Mnemonic: Imagine an old man (who is der Mann in German) sitting by der Born. Think: "Der old man knows der way to der Born." The masculine der links them.

Meaning Mnemonic: Water is "born" from the earth at a spring or well – that's the Born.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Misleading Words:

• geboren: (past participle of gebären - to give birth) Sounds like the English "born" but is unrelated to the noun der Born (spring/well).
• borgen: (verb) to borrow, to lend.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Wanderer den anderen: "Ist das der berühmte Born der Weisheit?"
Sagt der andere: "Ich weiß nicht, aber das Wasser schmeckt ziemlich altklug!"

Translation:
One hiker asks the other: "Is this the famous Spring of Wisdom?"
The other replies: "I don't know, but the water tastes rather know-it-all!" (Altklug literally means "old-clever" or precocious/know-it-all).

📜 A Short Poem

Am Felsen kühl, im Moose grün,
Entspringt ein klarer Born.
Sein Wasser lässt die Blumen blühn,
Stillt Durst von Hirsch und Reh im Dorn.
Ein alter Ort, voll Ruh' und Sinn,
Wo die Natur beginnt.

Translation:
Cool on the rock, in moss so green,
A clear spring arises.
Its water makes the flowers bloom,
Quenches the thirst of deer and doe in thorn.
An ancient place, full of peace and meaning,
Where nature begins.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin der Ursprung, klar und rein,
Aus mir fließt Wasser, kühl und fein.
In alten Liedern oft genannt,
Ein dichter Wort, im ganzen Land.
Manchmal bin ich im Stadtnamen zu Haus,
Ich spende Leben, lösche Durst aus.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am the origin, clear and pure,
From me flows water, cool and fine.
Often named in ancient songs,
A poetic word, throughout the land.
Sometimes I'm found in a town's name,
I give life, quench thirst the same.

What am I?

Solution: der Born (the spring/well)

💡 Other Information

• Etymology: The word "Born" comes from the Old High German "brunno", which also meant spring or well. It is therefore directly related to the modern German word "Brunnen" (well).
• Place Names: Its frequency in place names (Paderborn, Bornheim, Bornhöved etc.) attests to its earlier, more common usage and the importance of water sources for settlements.
• Expression "Jungborn": Refers to a spring said to have rejuvenating powers (compare "Jungbrunnen" - fountain of youth). This highlights the mythical connotations of the word.