der
Clown
🤡 What Does 'der Clown' Mean?
Der Clown (noun, masculine) primarily refers to a comedian or jester, often performing in circuses, at parties, or events. Typical characteristics include colorful costumes, a red nose, oversized shoes, and funny makeup.
Besides this main meaning, der Clown can also be used pejoratively to describe a person who behaves foolishly, clumsily, or unprofessionally.
- Meaning 1: Artistic entertainer (e.g., in a circus)
- Meaning 2: (Colloquial, often negative) Silly, clumsy person
🚨 Attention: The second meaning is often insulting, so be careful when using it!
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 Spotlight: Declining 'der Clown'
The word "der Clown" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension (Beugung) in all four German cases (Kasus):
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Clown |
| Genitive | des | Clowns |
| Dative | dem | Clown |
| Accusative | den | Clown |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Clowns |
| Genitive | der | Clowns |
| Dative | den | Clowns |
| Accusative | die | Clowns |
Example Sentences 🎪
- Der Clown im Zirkus brachte alle Kinder zum Lachen.
(The clown in the circus made all the children laugh.) - Die rote Nase des Clowns leuchtete hell.
(The clown's red nose shone brightly.) - Wir gaben dem Clown nach der Vorstellung Applaus.
(We gave the clown applause after the show.) - Hast du den Clown mit den großen Schuhen gesehen?
(Did you see the clown with the big shoes?) - Viele bunte Clowns liefen in der Parade mit.
(Many colorful clowns walked in the parade.) - Das Gelächter der Clowns war ansteckend.
(The clowns' laughter was contagious. - Genitive plural is less common, often 'von den Clowns') - Die Kinder schenkten den Clowns Süßigkeiten.
(The children gave sweets to the clowns.) - Man konnte die Clowns schon von weitem sehen.
(You could see the clowns from afar.)
When Does the 'Clown' Appear? Usage Notes
Der Clown is primarily used in contexts related to entertainment, circuses, festivals, or humor.
- Typical Contexts: Circus performance (Zirkusvorstellung), children's birthday party (Kindergeburtstag), carnival (Karneval), theater (Theater), but also metaphorically for comical or clumsy behavior.
- Style: The job title is neutral. The figurative meaning is colloquial and often has negative connotations.
- Distinction: While a Komiker (comedian) often stands on stage telling jokes (stand-up), der Clown usually acts non-verbally or uses slapstick. Der Narr (jester, fool) is a historical figure, often at royal courts, who also made jokes but was sometimes allowed to criticize.
- Example of negative usage: "Hör auf, dich wie ein Clown aufzuführen!" (Meaning: Stop behaving like a fool/so silly!)
Memory Aids for 'der Clown'
Mnemonic for the article 'der':
Think of the typical circus Clown: He is 'the man' with the red nose, 'the star' of the show. Associate the masculine image with der Clown.
Mnemonic for the meaning:
A Clown makes people LOL - that's his goal. Whether falling down or acting funny, he brings the comedy. ('Down' rhymes slightly with 'Clown').
Word Family: Similar and Different
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Spaßmacher: General term for someone who makes jokes.
- Komiker: Comedian, someone who professionally provides comedy (often verbal).
- Harlekin: A specific character from Commedia dell’arte, similar to a clown.
- Narr: Jester/fool, historical figure, often with a socio-critical function.
- Pantomime: An artist who expresses themselves without words (can have clown-like features).
- August: A specific type of clown character (often naive, clumsy).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Ernsthafter Mensch: Serious person.
- Trauerkloß (ugs.): Gloomy person, killjoy (lit. 'grief dumpling').
- Langweiler: Bore, dull person.
Potential Confusion:
Although similar, a Komiker (comedian) is not exactly the same as a Clown. The focus is often on different types of humor and performance.
A Little Clown Joke 😄
German: Fragt ein Clown den anderen: "Warum trägst du eine Leiter mit dir herum?" Sagt der andere Clown: "Falls die Stimmung sinkt!"
English: One clown asks another: "Why are you carrying a ladder around?" The other clown says: "In case the mood drops!" (Pun: 'sinkt' means 'drops' or 'sinks').
Clown Poem 🤡
German:
Der Clown, so bunt, mit roter Nas',
stolpert herein, macht großen Spaß.
Mit Schuhen riesig, Hut ganz klein,
so lustig kann nur er allein sein.
Er lacht und fällt, steht wieder auf,
nimmt das Leben leicht im Lauf.
Bringt Freude uns, vertreibt die Sorgen,
heute, gestern und auch morgen.
English:
The clown, so bright, with nose so red,
Stumbles in, brings fun instead.
With giant shoes, a hat so small,
So funny, he surpasses all.
He laughs and falls, gets up anew,
Takes life lightly, through and through.
Brings joy to us, chases worries away,
Today, tomorrow, and yesterday.
Who Am I? A Riddle
German:
Ich trag' ein Lächeln, gemalt und breit,
verjage Kummer und auch Leid.
Mit bunter Kleidung, großer Schuh',
bring' ich dich zum Lachen im Nu.
Im Zirkuszelt bin ich Zuhaus,
wer bin ich? Rate mal, komm raus!
English:
I wear a smile, painted and wide,
Chasing away sorrow and woe from your side.
With colorful clothes and a very large shoe,
I'll make you laugh quickly, it's true.
In the circus tent, I feel at home,
Who am I? Guess now, don't roam!
Solution: Der Clown (The Clown)
Trivia & Origin
- Origin: The German word "Clown" is a loanword from English (clown), where it originally meant a clumsy peasant or boor. It was adopted into German in the 18th century.
- Famous Figures: While Germany might have fewer internationally famous clowns compared to e.g., Russia (Oleg Popov) or Switzerland (Grock), there are many beloved circus and vaudeville clowns (Zirkus- und Varieté-Clowns).
- Coulrophobia: The fear of clowns (die Coulrophobie) is a known phenomenon.
Summary: is it der, die or das Clown?
The German word for 'clown' is masculine: der Clown. The plural is die Clowns.