der  Gesang

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈzaŋ/

🎤 What does 'der Gesang' mean?

Der Gesang (noun, masculine) primarily refers to singing as an activity or art form. However, it can also denote the result of singing, meaning a song or a melody that is sung. Less commonly, it can refer to a solemn or liturgical chant (Choral).

• The activity: Producing tones with the human voice, often following a melody. Example: Ihr Gesang erfüllte den Raum. (Her singing filled the room.)
• The work/piece: A single song or a composition for voices. Example: Sie lauschten einem wunderschönen Gesang. (They listened to a beautiful song.)
• Broader sense: The sounds made by songbirds are often referred to as Gesang. Example: Der Gesang der Amsel am Morgen. (The song of the blackbird in the morning.)

⚠️ It's important to distinguish der Gesang (the art/activity/song) from das Singen (the mere act of singing, nominalized verb), although they can often be used synonymously.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Harmony: Declining 'der Gesang' 🎶

The word 'Gesang' is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern. The plural is 'die Gesänge'.

Example Sentences 🗣️

1. Der Gesang der Vögel weckte mich. (The singing of the birds woke me.) - Nominative Singular
2. Wir lauschten dem Klang des Gesanges. (We listened to the sound of the singing/song.) - Genitive Singular
3. Sie widmete sich voll und ganz dem Gesang. (She dedicated herself completely to singing.) - Dative Singular
4. Ich höre gerne klassischen Gesang. (I enjoy listening to classical singing.) - Accusative Singular
5. Die alten Gesänge wurden neu interpretiert. (The old songs/chants were reinterpreted.) - Nominative Plural
6. Die Schönheit der Gesänge berührte uns tief. (The beauty of the songs/chants touched us deeply.) - Genitive Plural
7. In vielen Kulturen wird den Gesängen eine heilende Wirkung zugeschrieben. (In many cultures, healing properties are attributed to the songs/chants.) - Dative Plural
8. Der Chor übte die verschiedenen Gesänge für das Konzert. (The choir practiced the various songs/chants for the concert.) - Accusative Plural

Hitting the Right Note: Using 'Gesang' 🎵 Context & Usage

Der Gesang is used in various contexts:

• Music & Art: This is the core context, referring to singing as an art form (Operngesang - opera singing, Chorgesang - choral singing, Sologesang - solo singing) or specific songs. Example: Sie nimmt Unterricht in klassischem Gesang. (She takes lessons in classical singing.)
• Nature: The sound of songbirds is often called 'Gesang'. Example: Der morgendliche Gesang der Lerche. (The morning song of the lark.)
• Literature & Poetry: In poetry, 'Gesang' can also refer to an epic poem or a section of one (e.g., the cantos of the Odyssey - die Gesänge der Odyssee).
• Everyday Language: Sometimes used in a slightly elevated or ironic way. Example: Hör mal auf mit deinem schiefen Gesang! (Stop your terrible singing!)

Distinguishing from similar words:

• Das Lied: Usually refers to a specific, individual piece of music with lyrics and melody. 'Gesang' can also mean the abstract art form.
• Das Singen: Emphasizes the action itself (nominalized verb). 'Das Singen macht ihr Spaß.' (She enjoys singing.) vs. 'Ihr Gesang ist wunderschön.' (Her singing/song is beautiful.)

Memory Hooks for 'Gesang' 🧠

1. Article Mnemonic (der): Think of a male singer (der Sänger). The masculine noun Sänger corresponds to the masculine article der for Gesang. Imagine him singing with a strong, commanding presence, fitting for 'der'.
2. Meaning Mnemonic (Singing/Song): Imagine someone telling you about a concert: "You should have heard the singer, he really **GETS** the **SONG**!" Gets song sounds a bit like Gesang and connects it to both the act (gets/performs) and the result (song).

Sound Similar, Mean Differently? Synonyms & Antonyms 🧐

Potentially Confusing Words

• Der Klang: Sound (general term for any audible tone or noise). Gesang is a specific type of Klang.
• Die Musik: Music (umbrella term including singing and instrumental music).

A Little Joke on the Side 😂

Fragt der Musiklehrer: „Fritzchen, kannst du mir ein Beispiel für Chorgesang geben?“
Fritzchen: „Ja, wenn alle gleichzeitig schreien: ‚TOOOOOOR!‘“

English Translation:
The music teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you give me an example of choral singing (Chorgesang)?"
Fritzchen: "Yes, when everyone shouts 'GOOOOAL!' at the same time!"

A Poem about 'Gesang' 📜

Der Gesang

Ein Ton erhebt sich, zart und rein,
es ist der Seele Widerschein.
Der Gesang durchdringt die Nacht,
hat Freude und Trost gebracht.

Ob Vogelstimme, hell und klar,
ob Menschenlied, wunderbar.
Der Gesang verbindet weit,
vertreibt die Sorgen und die Zeit.

English Translation:

The Song/Singing

A tone arises, tender and pure,
it is the soul's reflection, sure.
The singing permeates the night,
has brought joy and comfort's light.

Whether bird's voice, bright and clear,
whether human song, held so dear.
The singing connects far and wide,
banishes worries and the tide of time.

Who or What Am I? A Riddle 🤔

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch Töne bring' ich vor,
ich kann laut sein wie Donner, sanft wie ein Engelchor.
Mal bin ich Kunst, mal nur der Vögel Klang im Mai.
Mal bin ich ein Gedicht. Was mag ich sein, ei jei?

English Translation:

I have no mouth, yet I produce tones,
I can be loud like thunder, gentle as an angel's moans (or: choir's tones).
Sometimes I am art, sometimes just the birds' sound in May.
Sometimes I am a poem. What might I be, pray tell today?

Solution: Der Gesang (Singing / The Song)

Other Interesting Notes 🎼

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word Gesang is derived from the verb singen (to sing). The prefix Ge- often indicates a collective or a result (compare Gebirge - mountain range, Gerede - chatter). Here, it signifies both the collective action (Chorgesang - choral singing) and the result (a song, the art form).

Related Words (Verwandte Wörter):

• singen: the verb (to sing).
• der Sänger / die Sängerin: the singer (male/female).
• das Gesangbuch: a songbook or hymnal.
• der Gesangsverein: a singing club or choir.

Cultural Significance (Kulturelle Bedeutung): Singing (Gesang) plays a vital role in all cultures, whether in religious ceremonies, festivals, opera, pop music, or folk songs.