der
Eisbär
🧊 What does "der Eisbär" mean?
Der Eisbär is the German word for polar bear (Ursus maritimus). It's a large, carnivorous bear species native to the Arctic regions.
The name is derived from its habitat, das Eis (ice, specifically sea ice), and its belonging to the bear family, der Bär (bear).
It's known for its thick white fur, providing excellent camouflage in snowy and icy environments, and a thick layer of fat for protection against extreme cold.
There is only one article for Eisbär: der. It is a masculine noun.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Large animals → mostly masculine.
📝 Grammar & Declension: Der Eisbär
The noun „Eisbär“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Eisbär |
| Genitive | des | Eisbären / Eisbärs ⚠️ |
| Dative | dem | Eisbären |
| Accusative | den | Eisbären |
⚠️ Note: The genitive singular can be „des Eisbären“ (more common, weak declension ending in -n) or less commonly „des Eisbärs“ (strong declension).
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Eisbären |
| Genitive | der | Eisbären |
| Dative | den | Eisbären |
| Accusative | die | Eisbären |
Example Sentences
- Nominative: Der Eisbär schwimmt im kalten Wasser.
(The polar bear swims in the cold water.) - Genitive: Das Fell des Eisbären ist weiß.
(The polar bear's fur is white.) - Dative: Wir beobachten dem Eisbären beim Jagen.
(We watch the polar bear hunting.) - Accusative: Der Fotograf hat den Eisbären aus der Ferne abgelichtet.
(The photographer took a picture of the polar bear from a distance.) - Plural: Im Zoo leben mehrere Eisbären.
(Several polar bears live in the zoo.)
💡 Using the word "Eisbär"
„Eisbär“ is used specifically to refer to the animal species Ursus maritimus.
- Biological Context: In discussions about animal species, Arctic ecosystems, climate change, etc. (Example: Der Eisbär ist ein Symbol für die Bedrohung durch die globale Erwärmung. - The polar bear is a symbol of the threat from global warming.)
- General Language: In conversations about animals, zoo visits, nature documentaries. (Example: Kinder lieben es, die Eisbären im Zoo zu sehen. - Children love seeing the polar bears at the zoo.)
- Metaphorically (rare): Sometimes, someone insensitive to cold might be jokingly called an „Eisbär“. (Example: Du gehst bei dem Wetter ohne Jacke raus? Du bist ja ein echter Eisbär! - You're going out without a jacket in this weather? You're a real polar bear!)
Confusion is unlikely as the word is very specific. It's clearly distinct from other bear species like der Braunbär (brown bear) or der Schwarzbär (black bear).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Eisbär"
Remembering the Article "der":
Imagine: DER strong, masculine king of the Arctic is DER Eisbär. The word Bär (bear) itself is also masculine (der Bär). Think of the 'R' in deR for the king beaR.
Remembering the Meaning "polar bear":
The word is composed of Eis (ice) and Bär (bear). A bear that lives in the ice = Eisbär. It's quite logical! 🧊🐻
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Polarbär: A common synonym, directly referring to the habitat (polar regions).
- Scientific: Ursus maritimus (Latin name)
- Colloquial (rare): Weißbär (white bear)
Antonyms (in the sense of bears from other regions):
There isn't a direct antonym. However, one could mention bears living in warm regions or having contrasting appearances:
- Braunbär: (Brown bear) Lives in temperate zones, brown fur.
- Schwarzbär: (Black bear) Often lives in forests, black fur.
Similar Terms:
No direct risk of confusion is likely. Just be careful not to mix up „Eisbär“ with other types of bears.
😂 A Little Polar Bear Joke
German:
Fragt der kleine Eisbär seine Mutter: „Mama, sind wir wirklich Eisbären?“
Sagt die Mutter: „Ja, natürlich, mein Kleiner.“
Fragt der kleine Eisbär wieder: „Ganz sicher? Keine Braunbären oder Pandas?“
Sagt die Mutter: „Nein, wir sind 100% Eisbären. Warum fragst du?“
Sagt der kleine Eisbär: „Weil mir so KALT ist!“ 🥶
English Translation:
The little polar bear asks his mother: "Mom, are we really polar bears?"
The mother says: "Yes, of course, my little one."
The little polar bear asks again: "Absolutely sure? Not brown bears or pandas?"
The mother says: "No, we are 100% polar bears. Why do you ask?"
The little polar bear says: "Because I'm so COLD!" 🥶
📜 Poem about the Eisbär
German:
Im weißen Reich, wo Kälte thront,
Der Eisbär majestätisch wohnt.
Sein Fell so dicht, sein Schritt so leis,
Er wandert durch das ew'ge Eis.
Auf Schollen treibt er, stark und groß,
Findet im Meer sein täglich Los.
Ein König weiß, im Polarlicht,
Sein Anblick fesselt, keine Pflicht.
English Translation:
In the white realm, where cold is enthroned,
The polar bear majestically resides.
Its fur so dense, its step so quiet,
It wanders through the eternal ice.
On floes it drifts, strong and large,
Finds its daily fate in the sea.
A white king, in the polar light,
Its sight captivates, no duty bound.
❓ Polar Bear Riddle
German:
Ich trage einen Pelz so weiß wie Schnee,
Lebe dort, wo man viel Eis und Wasser seh'.
Ich bin ein Bär, doch nicht im Wald zu Haus,
Fange Fische und Robben für den Schmaus.
Wer bin ich? ... Der Eisbär
English Translation:
I wear fur as white as snow,
Live where much ice and water flow.
I am a bear, but not in woods I roam,
Catch fish and seals for my feast at home.
Who am I?
... The Polar Bear (Der Eisbär)
🌐 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word „Eisbär“ is a compound noun, composed of:
- Eis (noun): Refers to ice (frozen water), the habitat.
- Bär (noun): Refers to the animal family (bear).
Cultural Significance & Trivia:
- Polar bears are often symbols of strength, endurance, and the Arctic.
- They play an important role in the cultures of indigenous peoples of the Arctic.
- Due to climate change and melting sea ice, the polar bear is considered a vulnerable species and is an important symbol for conservation efforts.
- The most famous fictional polar bear in Germany was probably Knut from the Berlin Zoo.
Summary: is it der, die or das Eisbär?
The German word for "polar bear" is der Eisbär. It is a masculine noun. The plural is "die Eisbären". There are no other articles or meanings for this word.