der
Ehemann
📖 What exactly is an Ehemann?
Der Ehemann (plural: die Ehemänner) refers to a male spouse, meaning a man who is married. It's the direct male counterpart to die Ehefrau (wife).
- Article: The word is always masculine and takes the article der.
- Meaning: A man within an existing marriage (Ehe).
🚨 There are no other meanings or articles for this word. Its meaning is very specific to marital status.
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 & Declension: Der Ehemann in Detail
The word "Ehemann" is a masculine noun. In the singular, it follows a mixed declension pattern (strong in the genitive, optionally weak '-e' ending in the dative), and in the plural, it follows the strong declension with an umlaut.
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Ehemann |
| Genitive | des | Ehemann(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Ehemann(e) |
| Accusative | den | Ehemann |
Note: The forms ending in '-e-' (Ehemannes, Ehemanne) are less common and often sound more formal or dated.
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ehemänner |
| Genitive | der | Ehemänner |
| Dative | den | Ehemännern |
| Accusative | die | Ehemänner |
📝 Application Examples
- Nominative: Der Ehemann hilft im Haushalt. (The husband helps in the household.)
- Genitive: Das ist das Geschenk des Ehemannes/Ehemanns. (That is the husband's present.)
- Dative: Sie dankt dem Ehemann für die Blumen. (She thanks the husband for the flowers.)
- Accusative: Sie liebt ihren Ehemann sehr. (She loves her husband very much.)
- Plural: Die Ehemänner planen einen gemeinsamen Ausflug. (The husbands are planning a trip together.)
💬 How to use "Ehemann"?
"Ehemann" is the most common and neutral term for a male spouse in German.
- Context: Used in both formal and informal situations. You can talk about your own Ehemann or someone else's.
- Difference from "Mann": While "Mann" generally means an adult male human, "Ehemann" specifies the marital status. Example: "Mein Mann kommt gleich." (My man/husband is coming soon. - Usually implies husband in this context) vs. "Der Mann dort drüben..." (The man over there... - Unknown man).
- Difference from "Gatte": "Gatte" is a synonym but often sounds slightly more formal, elevated, or sometimes a bit dated/distant. "Ehemann" is more common in everyday language.
- Difference from "Partner": "Partner" can be gender-neutral and doesn't necessarily refer to marriage; it can also mean a long-term relationship or civil partnership (Lebenspartnerschaft).
Example sentences:
- Ihr Ehemann arbeitet als Arzt. (Her husband works as a doctor.)
- Sie stellte uns ihren Ehemann vor. (She introduced her husband to us.)
- Wo ist dein Ehemann? (Where is your husband?)
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Mnemonic for the article (der):
A Mann (man) is masculine, so it's naturally der. When he enters an Ehe (marriage), he stays der Ehemann.
Mnemonic for the meaning:
Think of the components: Ehe (sounds like 'Ay-uh', think 'A-greement') means marriage, and Mann means man. So, an Ehemann is literally a 'marriage man' = husband.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Ehemann
Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):
- Gatte: Slightly more formal or elevated.
- Gemahl: Very formal, almost exclusively used for spouses of dignitaries (e.g., der Prinzgemahl - the Prince Consort) or humorously.
- Mann: Often used colloquially as a synonym ("mein Mann" - my husband/man).
- Partner: More general, not limited to marriage, can be gender-neutral.
- Lebensgefährte: Emphasizes living together, not necessarily married (life companion).
⚠️ Caution: "Freund" in German usually means boyfriend or male friend, not husband. Be careful not to confuse these!
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt die Ehefrau ihren Ehemann: "Schatz, liebst du mich noch?"
Antwortet der Ehemann: "Aber natürlich, mein Herz. Ich habe doch extra eine Erinnerung im Kalender dafür eingerichtet!"
Translation:
The wife asks her husband: "Honey, do you still love me?"
The husband replies: "But of course, my dear. I even set a reminder in the calendar for it!"
✍️ Poem about the Ehemann
Der Ehemann, ein Fels im Leben,
bereit, zu helfen und zu geben.
Mal stark, mal sanft, mal laut, mal leise,
begleitet er auf Lebensreise.
Mit ihm wird Freude oft geteilt,
und auch das Leid gemeinsam heilt.
Ein Partner, Freund, Geliebter Mann,
der viel bedeuten kann.
Translation:
The husband, a rock in life,
ready to help and to give.
Sometimes strong, sometimes gentle, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet,
he accompanies on life's journey.
With him, joy is often shared,
and sorrow too is healed together.
A partner, friend, beloved man,
who can mean so much.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich trage einen Ring, doch bin kein König.
Ich habe eine Frau, doch bin kein Polygamist.
Ich sagte "Ja" vor dem Altar.
Wer bin ich?
(... Der Ehemann)
Translation:
I wear a ring, but am not a king.
I have a wife, but am not a polygamist.
I said "Yes" at the altar.
Who am I?
(... The husband)
💡 More Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word "Ehemann" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Die Ehe: Meaning marriage (the legally or religiously recognized union between two people).
- Der Mann: Meaning man (an adult male person).
Together, the meaning is: A man who is in a marriage.
Cultural Notes:
The term "Ehemann" is deeply rooted in the traditional concept of family in German-speaking cultures. Although family models are evolving, the term remains central for referring to the male partner in a marriage.
Summary: is it der, die or das Ehemann?
The noun "Ehemann" is always masculine. Therefore, the correct article is exclusively der Ehemann.