der
Elefant
🐘 What does "der Elefant" mean?
Der Elefant (plural: die Elefanten) refers to a large, grey mammal of the family Elephantidae, characterized by its trunk (Rüssel), large ears (Ohren), and tusks (Stoßzähne). It's the largest living land animal.
The word only takes the masculine article der, so its meaning is straightforward.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Large animals → mostly masculine.
-ant → mostly masculine.
Grammar Corner: Declining "der Elefant"
The noun Elefant is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Elefant |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Elefanten |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Elefanten |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Elefanten |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Elefanten |
| Genitive | der | Elefanten |
| Dative | den | Elefanten |
| Accusative | die | Elefanten |
Special Feature: Elefant belongs to the n-declension (n-Deklination). This means it adds an "-en" ending in all cases except the nominative singular.
Example Sentences
- Der Elefant trank Wasser am Fluss. (The elephant drank water at the river. - Nominative Singular)
- Der Rüssel des Elefanten ist sehr lang. (The elephant's trunk is very long. - Genitive Singular)
- Der Pfleger gab dem Elefanten Futter. (The keeper gave food to the elephant. - Dative Singular)
- Wir beobachteten den Elefanten im Zoo. (We watched the elephant in the zoo. - Accusative Singular)
- Die Elefanten wanderten durch die Savanne. (The elephants migrated through the savanna. - Nominative Plural)
How is "der Elefant" used?
- Biologically: To refer to the animal itself. Example: Der Afrikanische Elefant ist größer als der Asiatische Elefant. (The African elephant is larger than the Asian elephant.)
- Figuratively (less common): Sometimes used as a metaphor for something large, cumbersome, or obvious ('the elephant in the room' translates to der Elefant im Raum). Example: Das unangenehme Thema stand wie ein Elefant im Raum. (The unpleasant topic was like an elephant in the room.)
- Idiomatically: The phrase "sich wie ein Elefant im Porzellanladen benehmen" means to behave like a bull in a china shop (to be very clumsy or tactless). Example: Mit seiner direkten Kritik benahm er sich wie ein Elefant im Porzellanladen. (With his direct criticism, he behaved like a bull in a china shop.)
Memory Aids
Remembering the article "der":
Think of DER strong, powerful, *male* elephant leading the herd. Male -> masculine -> der.
Remembering the meaning:
The word Elefant sounds a bit like the English word *elephant*. It's a direct cognate, making it relatively easy to remember.
Similar & Different: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
- Dickhäuter: (Literally 'thick-skin', pachyderm) Colloquial term.
- Rüsseltier: (Literally 'trunk-animal', proboscidean) More technical term.
- Grauer Riese: (Grey giant) Poetic or descriptive.
⚠️ Be careful: Don't confuse Elefant with names of other animals. The meaning is very specific.
🐘 A Little Elephant Joke
DE: Fragt ein Elefant den anderen: "Warum malst du dich blau an?" Antwortet der andere: "Damit mich die Blaubeeren nicht erkennen!" Fragt der erste: "Aber ich habe noch nie einen Elefanten auf einem Blaubeerstrauch gesehen!" Sagt der zweite: "Siehst du, es funktioniert!" 😄
EN: One elephant asks another: "Why are you painting yourself blue?" The other replies: "So the blueberries won't recognize me!" The first asks: "But I've never seen an elephant on a blueberry bush!" The second says: "See, it works!" 😄
An Elephant Poem
DE:
Der Elefant, so stark und groß,
Mit Rüssel lang, was macht er bloß?
Er trompetet laut durch Wald und Feld,
Ein grauer Riese in der Welt.
Mit Ohren fächelt er sich Wind,
Ein sanftes Herz, ein Riesenkind.
EN:
The elephant, so strong and grand,
With its long trunk, across the land.
It trumpets loud through wood and field,
A grey giant, its power revealed.
With ears it fans a gentle breeze,
A gentle heart, a giant ease.
Who am I? An Elephant Riddle
DE:
Ich habe einen Rüssel, doch riech' ich nicht nur fein.
Ich bin grau und riesig, kann sehr stark sein.
Meine Ohren sind Fächer, meine Zähne sind spitz und weiß.
Ich lebe in Afrika und Asien, auf mancher Reis'.
Wer bin ich?
EN:
I have a trunk, but don't just smell well.
I am grey and huge, and strong as a spell.
My ears are like fans, my teeth sharp and white.
I live in Africa and Asia, a traveller bright.
Who am I?
Solution: Der Elefant (The Elephant)
Interesting Facts about "Elefant"
- Origin: The German word Elefant comes via Latin 'elephantus' from the Greek word 'eléphās' (ἐλέφας), which originally likely meant 'ivory'.
- Memory: Elephants are known for their excellent memory (in German: Elefantengedächtnis - 'elephant memory').
- Symbolism: The elephant often symbolizes wisdom, strength, good luck, and long memory.
Summary: is it der, die or das Elefant?
The German word for elephant is der Elefant (masculine).