der
Fahrstuhl
🏗️ What exactly is a Fahrstuhl?
Der Fahrstuhl (masculine noun) refers to a technical installation for the vertical transport of people or goods between different floors of a building or structure. In English, this is commonly known as an elevator (especially US English) or a lift (especially UK English).
It always takes the masculine article der. 🚨 Avoid confusing it with other means of transport like die Rolltreppe (escalator).
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Fahrstuhl
The word "Fahrstuhl" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Fahrstuhl |
| Genitive | des | Fahrstuhls / Fahrstuhles |
| Dative | dem | Fahrstuhl(e) |
| Accusative | den | Fahrstuhl |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fahrstühle |
| Genitive | der | Fahrstühle |
| Dative | den | Fahrstühlen |
| Accusative | die | Fahrstühle |
Example Sentences
- Wir nehmen den Fahrstuhl in den fünften Stock. (We take the elevator to the fifth floor.)
- Der Knopf des Fahrstuhls klemmt manchmal. (The button of the elevator sometimes gets stuck.)
- Bitte warten Sie vor dem Fahrstuhl. (Please wait in front of the elevator.)
- Die Firma wartet regelmäßig alle Fahrstühle im Gebäude. (The company regularly maintains all elevators in the building.)
🏢 When and how to use "Fahrstuhl"?
The term Fahrstuhl is used in everyday German to describe the transport cabin that moves people or goods vertically within buildings. It's widely understood.
- Context: Used for elevators/lifts in all kinds of buildings (residential, offices, hospitals, shopping malls).
- Synonyms: Aufzug is a very common synonym, often considered slightly more technical but interchangeable in daily use. Lift is also used, sometimes perceived as more modern or international.
- Distinction: A Fahrstuhl moves vertically. An Rolltreppe (escalator) moves diagonally. A Paternoster is a specific type of continuously moving open lift (rare nowadays).
- Typical Verbs: den Fahrstuhl nehmen (to take the elevator), mit dem Fahrstuhl fahren (to ride the elevator), den Fahrstuhl rufen (to call the elevator), im Fahrstuhl stecken bleiben (to get stuck in the elevator).
💡 Mnemonics for "der Fahrstuhl"
Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man), who strongly drives (fährt) his chair (Stuhl) upwards – helps remember der Fahrstuhl.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: A Stuhl (chair) that fährt (travels/drives) – vertically! Imagine a comfy chair effortlessly transporting you between floors.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms
Antonyms
- die Treppe: (Stairs/staircase) The most common alternative for moving between floors manually on foot.
- die Rolltreppe: (Escalator) Also moves people between floors, but diagonally and continuously.
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with der Rollstuhl (wheelchair).
😄 A Little Joke
Warum ist der Fahrstuhl immer so optimistisch?
Weil er immer positiv nach oben schaut und auch die Tiefen kennt! 😉
(Why is the elevator always so optimistic? Because it always looks up positively and also knows the depths/lows!)
📜 Poem about the Elevator
In Mauern tief, ein stiller Schacht,
Der Fahrstuhl wartet, Tag und Nacht.
Ein Druck aufs Knöpfchen, sanft und leis,
Beginnt er seine Höhenreis'.
Er trägt uns auf und nieder schnell,
Mal dunkel ist's, mal sonnenhell.
Ein treuer Diener, stark und kühl,
Bringt uns bequem an jedes Ziel.
(Deep in the walls, a silent shaft,
The elevator waits, day and night draft.
A press on the button, soft and low,
It begins its journey high to go.)
(It carries us up and down so fast,
Sometimes it's dark, sometimes sun-cast.
A loyal servant, strong and cool,
Brings us comfortably to every goal/destination.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe Türen, doch kein Haus,
Ich fahre auf und ab, tagein, tagaus.
Ich bring' dich hoch, ich bring' dich runter,
Mach' müde Beine wieder munter.
Wer bin ich?
(I have doors, but no house,
I travel up and down, day in, day out.
I take you high, I take you low,
Make tired legs lively and glow.)
(Who am I?)
(Solution: der Fahrstuhl / the elevator/lift)
⚙️ Other Interesting Details
Word Composition
The word "Fahrstuhl" is a compound noun, composed of:
- fahren: to drive, travel, move.
- der Stuhl: chair - possibly referring to early, chair-like constructions or used in the sense of 'means of transport'.
So, the combination figuratively describes a means of transport ('chair') that travels (vertically).
Trivia
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Fahrstuhl?
The word "Fahrstuhl" is always masculine. The correct article is der Fahrstuhl. It refers to an elevator or lift used for vertical transport in buildings.