der
Cup
🏆 What exactly does "der Cup" mean?
The word der Cup is an Anglicism (a word borrowed from English) used in German primarily with two main meanings:
- Trophy / Award: Often the physical trophy that the winner of a competition receives. Example: Der Sieger stemmte stolz den Cup in die Höhe. (The winner proudly lifted the cup.)
- Competition / Tournament: Refers to the entire sporting event itself, where participants compete for a trophy. Example: Der DFB-Pokal ist ein wichtiger Cup in Deutschland. (The DFB Cup is an important competition in Germany.)
🚨 It's important to note that "der Cup" mostly refers to specific, often internationally named competitions (e.g., Weltcup, Davis Cup). For a general cup for drinking, the German word die Tasse is used.
🧐 Grammar of "der Cup" in Detail
"Cup" is a masculine noun (Maskulinum) and therefore uses the article der. It is declined like most Anglicisms, with the genitive singular often formed with -(e)s and the plural usually ending in -s.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Cup |
| Genitive | des | Cups / Cup |
| Dative | dem | Cup |
| Accusative | den | Cup |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Cups |
| Genitive | der | Cups |
| Dative | den | Cups |
| Accusative | die | Cups |
Example Sentences
- Der Gewinn des Cups war das Highlight der Saison.
(Winning the cup was the highlight of the season.) - Die Mannschaft kämpft um den Cup.
(The team is fighting for the cup.) - Viele berühmte Teams nehmen an diesem Cup teil.
(Many famous teams participate in this cup.) - Die Vitrine ist voll mit gewonnenen Cups.
(The display case is full of won cups/trophies.)
💡 Usage in Context
"Der Cup" is used almost exclusively in the context of sports competitions. People talk about the Weltcup (World Cup), Europacup (European Cup), Davis Cup, DFB-Cup (officially DFB-Pokal, but sometimes called this colloquially), etc.
- It often refers to tournaments played in a knockout format.
- The term conveys a sense of internationality and prestige.
- Compared to der Pokal (which is often interchangeable, especially for the trophy itself), der Cup is more frequently used for the name of the entire competition, especially if it's internationally known.
- Compared to das Turnier (the tournament), der Cup is more specific and usually implies a trophy as the main prize.
⚠️ Avoid using "der Cup" for a normal drinking cup – the correct word for that is die Tasse.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Cup"
-
Article Mnemonic: Think of a strong (masculine) athlete, HE (like der) holds the Cup high. Der strong man wins den Cup.
-
Meaning Mnemonic: The English word "up" is almost in Cup. You hold the trophy "up" when you've won the competition (der Cup).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- Der Pokal: Very similar, often interchangeable, especially for the trophy. Sometimes 'Pokal' feels a bit more traditional or national (e.g., DFB-Pokal).
- Der Wettbewerb: General term for any kind of competition.
- Das Turnier: Refers to an event with multiple rounds/matches, often over several days.
Antonyms
Direct antonyms are difficult. One could consider contextual opposites:
- Die Liga / Die Meisterschaft: Often refers to a season-long competition in a round-robin format, contrasting with the knockout system of many cups.
- Das Training / Freundschaftsspiel: Practice / friendly match - not a competition for a prize.
Similar but Different Words
- Die Tasse: Drinking cup. Completely unrelated to the sports 'Cup'! ☕
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Trainer seine Mannschaft vor dem Finale: "Habt ihr den Siegeswillen? Habt ihr den Kampfgeist? Habt ihr den... äh... Kaffee für die Halbzeitpause?"
Translation: The coach asks his team before the final: "Do you have the will to win? Do you have the fighting spirit? Do you have the... uh... coffee for the halftime break?" – A pun mixing up 'der Cup' (trophy/competition) with 'die Tasse Kaffee' (the cup of coffee)!
✍️ Poem about the Cup
Ein Glanz aus Silber, Gold und Ehr',
Der Cup, begehrt von fern und her.
Im Stadion der Jubel laut,
Ein Team hat sich den Sieg getraut.
Gestemmt empor, im hellen Licht,
Vergessen sind Müh' und Verzicht.
Ein Symbol für Kampf und für den Sieg,
Der schönste Lohn nach hartem Krieg (im sportlichen Sinn!).
Translation:
A gleam of silver, gold, and honour,
The Cup, desired from far and yonder.
In the stadium, the cheers are loud,
A team has dared to win, unbowed.
Lifted high, in the bright light,
Forgotten are toil and the long fight.
A symbol of struggle and victory's art,
The best reward after playing a hard part!
🧩 Who or what am I?
Ich habe keinen Kopf, doch eine Krone trage ich oft.
Ich werde nicht getrunken, doch viele wollen mich gewinnen.
Im Sport bin ich zu Haus', mal Welt-, mal Europa-Schmaus.
Man kämpft um mich mit Schweiß und Mut.
Ich bin der...?
Translation:
I have no head, but often wear a crown.
I am not drunk, yet many want to win me.
In sports, I am at home, sometimes a World or European treat.
People fight for me with sweat and courage.
I am...?
Solution: der Cup
🌐 Other Information
- Origin: The word "Cup" comes directly from English (cup), where it originally meant 'beaker/mug' and was later transferred to cup-shaped trophies and the associated competitions.
- Compounds: Very common in compound nouns naming specific competitions: Weltcup (World Cup), Europacup (European Cup), Davis Cup, Ryder Cup, America's Cup.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Cup?
The word Cup in German is masculine, so it's always der Cup. It refers to a trophy or a sports competition, often one that is international or uses a knockout format. It's an Anglicism and should not be confused with die Tasse (a drinking cup).
