der
Coup
🎯 What Exactly is a Coup?
The word der Coup (pronounced [kuː]) comes from French and originally means "blow" or "strike". In German, it has two main meanings:
- Staatsstreich, Putsch: A sudden, often violent action by a small group to overthrow a country's government and seize power. 🏛️
- Geniestreich, gelungene Aktion: A surprising, clever, and successful act or move that provides an advantage (a masterstroke, a scoop). ✨
⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning. Usually, it's clear whether a political overthrow or a clever action is meant.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Coup
The noun "Coup" is masculine. It always takes the article der.
Declension (Beugung)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Coup |
| Genitive | des | Coups |
| Dative | dem | Coup |
| Accusative | den | Coup |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Coups |
| Genitive | der | Coups |
| Dative | den | Coups |
| Accusative | die | Coups |
Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)
- Die Generäle planten einen Coup gegen den Diktator.
(The generals planned a coup against the dictator.) Meaning: Putsch - Mit diesem Werbeslogan landete die Firma einen echten Coup.
(With this advertising slogan, the company landed a real masterstroke/scoop.) Meaning: Masterstroke - Der Coup der Rebellen scheiterte am Widerstand der Armee.
(The rebels' coup failed due to the army's resistance.) Meaning: Putsch - Es war ein genialer Coup, die Konkurrenz so auszuspielen.
(It was a brilliant coup to outplay the competition like that.) Meaning: Clever action
💡 How "der Coup" is Used
"Der Coup" is often used in news and historical reports when discussing political upheavals (Staatsstreiche). It carries a rather dramatic connotation.
In its second meaning, it's frequently used in business, sports, or everyday life to describe a particularly clever, surprising, and successful action (gelungene Aktion). Here, it sounds appreciative.
Distinction from similar words:
- Streich: A "Streich" (e.g., Schelmenstreich - prank, Dummerjungenstreich - schoolboy prank) is usually more harmless and playful than a Coup. A Geniestreich (stroke of genius) is synonymous with the second meaning of Coup.
- Putsch: A more direct synonym for the first meaning (Staatsstreich), often perceived as even more negative or violent.
- Aktion: A more general term for an action, not necessarily surprising or successful.
🧠 Mnemonics for Coup
Remembering the article: Imagine DER General (masculine) planning DEN Coup. The subject (General) is masculine, just like the object of his desire (der Coup).
Remembering the meaning: A Coup is often cool and surprising – whether it's a Putsch or a Geniestreich. The 'ou' sound is like 'ooooh', the sound of amazement at the Coup.
🔄 Similar and Opposing Words
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- For Staatsstreich: Putsch, Umsturz, Staatsumsturz, Machtergreifung (seizure of power)
- For Geniestreich: Geniestreich (stroke of genius), Meisterleistung (masterpiece), Volltreffer (bullseye), Glanzstück (showpiece), Schachzug (clever move, gambit)
Antonyms (Opposites)
- For Staatsstreich: Stabilität (stability), Ordnung (order), Demokratie (democracy), legitime Regierung (legitimate government)
- For Geniestreich: Misserfolg (failure), Fehlschlag (failure, flop), Reinfall (flop), Flop, Schnitzer (blunder), Panne (mishap, glitch)
Potential for confusion? The word "Coupe" (or "Coupé") refers to a car body style and has nothing to do with "der Coup".
😂 A Little Fun
Warum hat der Bäcker versucht, einen Coup im Supermarkt zu landen?
(Why did the baker try to stage a coup in the supermarket?)
Er wollte die Preise umstürzen und seine eigenen Brötchen zur Macht verhelfen!
(He wanted to overthrow the prices and help his own rolls rise to power!)
📜 A Coup in Verse
Ein Plan, geheim, bei Nacht und Stund',
(A plan, secret, by night and hour,)
Ein schneller Schlag, macht schnell die Rund'.
(A swift strike, quickly makes the rounds.)
Man nennt's den Coup, kühn und gewagt,
(It's called the coup, bold and daring,)
Ob Staat gestürzt, ob Schachzug tagt.
(Whether state overthrown, or clever move dawns.)
Mal bringt er Ruhm, mal bitt're Pein,
(Sometimes it brings fame, sometimes bitter pain,)
Ein Coup kann Schicksal wenden – oder Schein.
(A coup can turn fate – or be mere illusion.)
🤔 Who am I?
Ich komme plötzlich, unerwartet schnell,
(I come suddenly, unexpectedly fast,)
Verändre Macht, mal dunkel, mal ganz hell.
(Change power, sometimes dark, sometimes bright.)
Mal bin ich schlau, ein echter Hit,
(Sometimes I'm clever, a real hit,)
Mal stürz' ich Throne mit 'nem Tritt.
(Sometimes I topple thrones with a kick.)
Was bin ich? / What am I?
Lösung / Solution: Der Coup
🤓 More about Coup
Origin (Herkunft): As mentioned, "Coup" comes directly from French. French has many fixed phrases with "coup", e.g., coup d'état (state coup), coup de foudre (love at first sight, lit. thunderbolt), coup de main (helping hand / surprise attack), coup de grâce (finishing blow).
Pronunciation (Aussprache): The 'p' at the end is silent in German (and French): [kuː].
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Coup?
The German word "Coup" is masculine, so the correct article is always der Coup. It means either a political coup (putsch) or a masterstroke/clever and successful action.