der
Carport
🚗 What Exactly is a 'Carport'?
A Carport (from English: car + port) is a covered parking space for cars. Unlike a Garage, it's usually open on at least one side. Its primary purpose is to protect the vehicle from weather conditions like rain, snow, hail, or strong sunlight.
It's a loanword from English that has adopted the masculine article der in German.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: 'Der Carport'
The word "Carport" is a masculine noun in German. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Carport |
| Genitive | des | Carports |
| Dative | dem | Carport |
| Accusative | den | Carport |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Carports |
| Genitive | der | Carports |
| Dative | den | Carports |
| Accusative | die | Carports |
Example Sentences
- Der neue Carport schützt das Auto vor Regen. (The new carport protects the car from rain.)
- Das Dach des Carports muss repariert werden. (The roof of the carport needs to be repaired.)
- Ich parke mein Fahrrad unter dem Carport. (I park my bike under the carport.)
- Wir bauen den Carport neben das Haus. (We are building the carport next to the house.)
- In unserer Straße gibt es viele moderne Carports. (There are many modern carports on our street.)
🔧 Everyday Usage
The term "Carport" is mainly used in the context of houses, parking spaces, and vehicle protection. It's a common alternative to a Garage, often cheaper and quicker to build.
- Typical Contexts: House construction, garden planning, real estate listings, discussions about car care and protection.
- Distinction: A Carport is more open than a Garage (which is usually fully enclosed and lockable). An Unterstand (shelter) can be more general and not necessarily intended for cars.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of DER Mann (the man) who drives DEN Carport (accusative). Masculine associations often help with masculine nouns (der words).
Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds like "car port". Imagine your car safely "docked" in its port (the Carport), sheltered from the weather.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Autounterstand: Direct German equivalent, very descriptive ('car shelter').
- Unterstand: More general ('shelter'), can also be for bikes, wood, etc.
- Fahrzeugunterstand: Slightly more formal ('vehicle shelter').
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Garage: An enclosed, lockable space for vehicles.
- (No direct antonym in the sense of 'open space', as Carport is already specific.)
⚠️ Note: While Unterstand can be a synonym, Carport is specifically for cars.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Carport schlechte Laune? Weil er ständig vom Regen nass wird, aber nie richtig duschen darf wie die Garage!
(Why is the carport in a bad mood? Because it always gets wet from the rain but never gets to take a proper shower like the garage!)
✍️ A Short Poem
Der Carport, stolz und breit,
(The carport, proud and wide,)
Schützt das Auto jederzeit.
(Protects the car at any time.)
Vor Sonne, Schnee und Regen,
(From sun, snow, and rain,)
Ist er ein wahrer Segen.
(It is a true blessing.)
Offen, luftig, leicht gebaut,
(Open, airy, lightly built,)
Hat man ihm gern vertraut.
(It has been gladly trusted.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe ein Dach, doch keine Wand,
Biete Schutz im ganzen Land.
Dein Auto steht bei mir recht gern,
Halte Unwetter von ihm fern.
Was bin ich?
(I have a roof, but no wall,
Offer protection throughout the land.
Your car likes to stay with me,
I keep bad weather away from it.
What am I?)
... Der Carport (The Carport)
💡 Other Tidbits
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Carport?
The German word Carport is masculine. The correct article is der Carport.