der  Gast

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡast/

👤 What does "der Gast" mean?

Der Gast (noun, masculine) refers to a person who is invited or received by someone, whether at home, in a hotel, restaurant, or at an event. It often implies a temporary presence and a relationship where the host (der Gastgeber / die Gastgeberin) cares for the well-being of the guest.

• Main meaning: A person who is visiting or being hosted (e.g., a friend visiting, a hotel guest).
• Extended meaning: A customer in a restaurant or similar establishment (often used in the plural: die Gäste).
• Figurative meaning: Sometimes used for unexpected or brief appearances (e.g., “Der Winter war nur ein kurzer Gast.” - Winter was only a brief guest.).

⚠️ Note: The word is masculine (der Gast), even when referring to a female person. For an explicitly female form, die Gästin is sometimes used, but this is less common and somewhat controversial. It's more usual to say “weiblicher Gast” (female guest) or let the context make it clear.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Gast

The noun „Gast“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Note: In the genitive singular, both forms (Gastes/Gasts) are possible, „Gastes“ is more common. In the dative singular, „Gaste“ is archaic; today, „Gast“ is almost exclusively used.

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Gast betrat das Hotelzimmer. (The guest entered the hotel room.)
2. Das Auto des Gastes stand vor der Tür. (The guest's car was parked in front of the door.)
3. Wir boten dem Gast einen Kaffee an. (We offered the guest a coffee.)
4. Der Gastgeber begrüßte den Gast herzlich. (The host greeted the guest warmly.)
5. Die Gäste waren mit dem Service zufrieden. (The guests were satisfied with the service.)
6. Die Wünsche der Gäste wurden berücksichtigt. (The guests' wishes were taken into account.)
7. Der Kellner brachte den Gästen die Rechnung. (The waiter brought the bill to the guests.)
8. Wir erwarten heute Abend viele Gäste. (We are expecting many guests this evening.)

💡 How to use "Gast"?

„Gast“ is a very common word in German. Here are typical contexts:

• Private: When friends or family visit. „Wir haben am Wochenende Gäste.“ (We have guests this weekend.)
• Gastronomy & Hospitality: For customers in restaurants, hotels, B&Bs. „Unsere Gäste schätzen die ruhige Lage des Hotels.“ (*Our guests appreciate the hotel's quiet location.*)
• Events: Participants or visitors at conferences, celebrations, shows. „Der heutige Gast in unserer Talkshow ist ein berühmter Schauspieler.“ (*Today's guest on our talk show is a famous actor.*)
• Figurative: Brief presence, also of things or abstract concepts. „Die Freude war nur ein kurzer Gast.“ (Joy was only a brief guest.)

Difference from „Besucher“: While Gast often implies an invitation or a relationship with the host (being served, accommodated), Besucher (visitor) is more neutral and can also refer to someone visiting a museum, a city, or a website, not necessarily receiving personal invitation or hospitality.

Compounds: The word „Gast“ is part of many compound nouns, e.g.: Gastgeschenk (guest gift), Gastfreundschaft (hospitality), Gaststätte (inn/restaurant), Gastdozent (guest lecturer), Kurgast (spa guest), Stammgast (regular guest), Ehrengast (guest of honor), Fahrgast (passenger).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Gast"

Article Mnemonic (der): Think of the host, der Gastgeber, welcoming der Gast. Both are masculine. Or imagine a grand gentleman who is der guest.

Meaning Mnemonic: Gast sounds very similar to the English word guest. Imagine a guest gasping in surprise when they receive a wonderful Gastgeschenk (guest gift).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Watch out for similar-sounding words:

• Geist: Sounds similar, but means spirit or ghost.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Ober den Gast: „War alles zu Ihrer Zufriedenheit?“
Gast: „Ja, danke, nur die Portion war etwas klein.“
Ober: „Wünschen Sie noch eine kleine Portion?“
Gast: „Ja, gern.“
Ober (ruft in die Küche): „Einmal Echo für Tisch sieben!“

Translation:
The waiter asks the guest: “Was everything to your satisfaction?”
Guest: “Yes, thank you, only the portion was a bit small.”
Waiter: “Would you like another small portion?”
Guest: “Yes, please.”
Waiter (shouts into the kitchen): “One echo for table seven!”

📜 Poem about the Guest

Ein Klopfen an der Tür so sacht,
Ein Lächeln in der dunklen Nacht.
Der Gast tritt ein, bringt Freude mit,
Ein lieber Freund, ein willkomm'ner Schritt.

Man teilt das Brot, den Wein, die Zeit,
Vergisst den Alltag, weit und breit.
Gespräche spinnen ihren Faden,
Bis Abschiedsworte leise laden.

Doch bleibt die Wärme, hell und klar,
Schön war die Zeit, als er da war.

Translation:
A gentle knock upon the door,
A smile within the dark night's core.
The guest steps in, brings joy along,
A dear friend, a welcome song (step).

One shares the bread, the wine, the time,
Forgets the daily grind and climb.
Conversations weave their thread,
Till farewell words are softly said.

But warmth remains, so bright and clear,
Good was the time when they were here.

❓ Riddle

Ich komme oft, doch bleibe nicht lang,
Man freut sich auf mich, hört meinen Klang (an der Tür).
Man bietet mir Speis und Trank oft an,
Bin mal bekannt, mal fremder Mann (oder Frau).

Wer bin ich? (Auflösung: Der Gast)

Translation:
I often come, but don't stay long,
People look forward to me, hear my song (at the door).
I'm often offered food and drink,
Sometimes I'm known, sometimes a stranger, I think.

Who am I?
(Answer: The guest - der Gast)

🤓 Trivia

• Etymology: The word „Gast“ has Germanic roots (Proto-Germanic *gastiz) and originally meant 'stranger', often with the connotation of a potential enemy. Today's positive meaning developed through the concept of Gastrecht (hospitality law), which mandated protection and provision for strangers.
• Gastrecht: An ancient custom and legal principle involving the duty to accommodate and protect strangers.
• Gastarbeiter: (Guest worker) A term used primarily in the post-war era for foreign workers who came to Germany temporarily. Today it is often considered outdated or problematic.
• Idiom: „Fisch und Gäste stinken nach drei Tagen.“ – Literally *“Fish and guests stink after three days.”* Meaning that even welcome guests shouldn't overstay their welcome.