der
Bursche
📖 What does "der Bursche" mean?
The word der Bursche is a masculine noun with several meanings:
- Young man, lad: The most common meaning, often somewhat colloquial or informal for a boy or young man. Example: "Der Bursche da drüben sieht freundlich aus." (That lad/fellow over there looks friendly.)
- Fellow, guy (general): Sometimes used more generally for a man, often with a slightly familiar or buddy-like connotation. Example: "Was für ein flotter Bursche!" (What a smart/dapper fellow!)
- Student (historical/specific): Formerly a common term for a student, today mainly used in the context of student fraternities (Burschenschaften). Example: "Er ist aktiver Bursche in einer Studentenverbindung." (He is an active member/'Bursche' in a student fraternity.)
⚠️ Attention: Depending on the context, the usage can be perceived as neutral, friendly, but also slightly condescending or dated. The meaning 'student' is very specific.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Bursche
Der Bursche is a masculine noun belonging to the weak n-declension (schwache N-Deklination). This means it takes an -(e)n ending in all cases except the nominative singular.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Bursche |
| Genitive | des | Burschen |
| Dative | dem | Burschen |
| Accusative | den | Burschen |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Burschen |
| Genitive | der | Burschen |
| Dative | den | Burschen |
| Accusative | die | Burschen |
Example Sentences
- Nominative: Der Bursche spielt im Garten. (The lad is playing in the garden.)
- Genitive: Das Fahrrad des Burschen ist neu. (The lad's bicycle is new.)
- Dative: Ich gebe dem Burschen einen Apfel. (I give an apple to the lad.)
- Accusative: Siehst du den Burschen dort? (Do you see the lad over there?)
- Plural: Die Burschen machen viel Lärm. (The lads are making a lot of noise.)
💬 How to use "Bursche"?
The use of "Bursche" strongly depends on the context and the desired connotation:
- As "lad" or "young man": Rather informal, sometimes slightly dated or regional. Can express affection ("ein lieber Bursche" - a dear lad), but can also sound slightly condescending, especially when referring to an adult.
- As "fellow" or "guy": Similar to above, often buddy-like or appreciative ("ein tüchtiger Bursche" - an capable/diligent fellow).
- As "student": Very specific to members of student fraternities (Burschenschaften). Outside this context, this meaning is unusual and can be misunderstood.
Comparison with other words:
- Junge: More neutral and common for male children and adolescents.
- Kerl: Colloquial for 'man' or 'guy', often more robust or matey than "Bursche".
- Mann: The neutral standard term for an adult man.
- Student: The neutral term for someone studying at a university.
Generally, "Bursche" is less common in everyday language today than "Junge" or "Kerl", except in fixed expressions or the specific context of student fraternities.
💡 Mnemonics for "der Bursche"
Article 'der'
Imagine: DER bear (masculine) pushes over a young Bursche – both the bear and the Bursche are masculine ('der').
Remembering the Meaning
Think of a 'boisterous' young man - 'boisterous' sounds a bit like Bursche. Or: A university fraternity ('Burschenschaft') has young men, called Burschen.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar words):
Similar-sounding, but different words:
- Busch: (der) A bush or shrub. Sounds similar, but completely different meaning.
- Bürste: (die) A brush (for cleaning).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Lehrer: "Na, du pfiffiger Bursche, was willst du denn mal werden?"
Antwortet der Schüler: "Zufrieden!"
Teacher asks: "Well, you smart lad, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
The student answers: "Content!"
✍️ Poem about a Bursche
Ein junger Bursche, keck und frei,
zieht durch die Welt, ist gern dabei.
Mal laut, mal still, mal nachdenklich,
das Leben ist für ihn beweglich.
Ob Junge, Kerl, Student vielleicht,
der Bursche ist's, der hier erreicht,
was immer er sich vorgenommen hat,
ein pfiffiger Kopf, auf Draht!
A young lad, cheeky and free,
Roams through the world, happy to be.
Sometimes loud, quiet, or pensive,
Life for him is comprehensive.
Whether boy, fellow, student maybe,
It's der Bursche, who achieves readily,
Whatever he has set his mind to,
A clever head, sharp and true!
❓ Riddle
Ich bin ein junger Mann, mal lieb, mal kühn,
manchmal trage ich Band und Mütze in Grün.
Im Deutschen bin ich schwach dekliniert,
obwohl ich stark und munter marschiert.
Wer bin ich?
(... Ein Bursche)
I am a young man, sometimes kind, sometimes bold,
Sometimes I wear a sash and cap, a story to be told (often in colors like green).
In German, my declension is called 'weak',
Though I march strongly, lively, so to speak.
Who am I?
(... A Bursche)
ℹ️ Additional Information
Etymology
The word "Bursche" derives from the Middle Latin word bursarius, which originally meant "inhabitant of a Burse". A Burse in the Middle Ages was a dormitory for students, often with a common fund (Latin bursa = purse, fund). From this, the meaning "student" developed, and later more generally "young man".
Burschenschaften
The term "Bursche" is still central today in the context of Burschenschaften, a traditional form of German student fraternity that emerged in the early 19th century.
Summary: is it der, die or das Bursche?
The word "Bursche" is always masculine, so the correct article is der. It refers to a young man or lad (often colloquially), or specifically a member of a student fraternity. It follows the n-declension (e.g., Genitive: des Burschen).