der  Graf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡʁaːf/

👑 What does "der Graf" mean?

Der Graf is a German masculine noble title, equivalent to 'Count' in English. In the hierarchy of nobility, a Graf ranks between a Freiherr (Baron) and a Fürst (Prince). Historically, a Graf often administered a specific territory known as a Grafschaft (county).

• Article: The word 'Graf' is always masculine, so it's der Graf.
• Feminine Form: The female equivalent is die Gräfin (Countess).

⚠️ There are no other meanings for 'Graf' that use a different article. Confusion with words like 'der Graph' (graph in mathematics/computer science) is possible, but they are completely different terms.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Spotlight: Der Graf

'Der Graf' is a masculine noun. It belongs to the group of weak nouns (n-declension). This means it takes an -en ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Der Graf wohnt in einem großen Schloss. (The count lives in a large castle.)
2. Die Ländereien des Grafen sind sehr weitläufig. (The count's lands are very extensive.)
3. Wir überreichten dem Grafen ein Geschenk. (We presented a gift to the count.)
4. Sie haben den Grafen zum Fest eingeladen. (They invited the count to the feast.)
5. Die Grafen trafen sich zur Beratung. (The counts met for consultation.)

🗣️ How to use "der Graf"?

• Historical Context: The title is mainly used in historical contexts or when referring to noble families.
• Part of Names: 'Graf' is often part of surnames or used as a title before a name (e.g., Graf von Stauffenberg).
• Literature & Fairy Tales: The 'Graf' is a common character in literature, fairy tales, and movies, often symbolizing nobility and power.
• Variations: There are different types of counts, such as 'Landgraf', 'Markgraf', 'Pfalzgraf', each with specific historical significance. 'Markgraf' corresponds roughly to 'Margrave', 'Pfalzgraf' to 'Count Palatine'.
• Comparison: In the German nobility system, the 'Graf' (Count) ranks above the 'Freiherr' (Baron) and below the 'Fürst' (Prince) or 'Herzog' (Duke).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Graf"

Mnemonic for the Article (der):

Think of male titles often being der in German: der König (king), der Fürst (prince), der Baron (baron), der Graf (count). He's a 'der'-ing nobleman!

Mnemonic for the Meaning (Graf = Count):

Imagine the noble Graf loves math and has lots of graph paper to count his possessions. Graf -> graph -> count.

↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms & Confusing Words

😂 A Count's Joke

German: Fragt der kleine Sohn den Grafen: "Papa, stimmt es, dass unsere Vorfahren Raubritter waren?" Antwortet der Graf: "Na ja, 'Raub' ist vielleicht ein bisschen übertrieben. Sagen wir, sie hatten ein sehr überzeugendes Konzept zur Umverteilung von Vermögen."

English: The little son asks the Count: "Dad, is it true that our ancestors were robber barons?" The Count replies: "Well, 'robber' might be a bit of an exaggeration. Let's just say they had a very persuasive concept for wealth redistribution."

📜 Poem about the Graf

German:
Der Graf in seinem Schlosse thront,
Wo alter Prunk und Ehre wohnt.
Mit stolzem Blick, das Haupt erhoben,
Wird seine Macht im Land verwoben.
Er reitet aus durch Wald und Feld,
Ein Herr in seiner eignen Welt.
Die Leute grüßen tief gebückt,
Des Grafen Anblick sie entzückt.
So lebt er fort in Sage, Lied,
Ein Titel, der nie ganz verschied.

English Translation:
The Count upon his castle throne,
Where ancient pomp and honor hone.
With prideful gaze, his head held high,
His power woven in lands nearby.
He rides out through the woods and field,
A master in his world revealed.
The people greet with bows so deep,
The Count's appearance pleasures reap.
He lives on still in lore and song,
A title where it has belonged.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich trage einen Titel stolz und alt,
Beherrschte einst 'nen Grund, 'nen Wald.
Mein weiblich Gegenstück heißt Gräfin dann,
Ich bin ein adliger Mann.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I bear a title, proud and old,
Ruled over lands, stories told.
My female counterpart is 'Gräfin' named,
I am a nobleman acclaimed.

Who am I?

(Solution: der Graf / the Count)

🧩 Other Information

• Etymology: The word 'Graf' comes from the Old High German word 'grāvio' or 'grāvo'. Its exact origin is debated but may be related to 'supervisor' or 'judge'.
• Compounds: The title also appears in compound words designating specific offices or territories, e.g., 'Markgraf' (lord of a border region, 'Margrave'), 'Landgraf' (count with special regional importance), 'Pfalzgraf' (originally administrator of a royal palace, 'Count Palatine').
• Famous Bearers (Examples): Graf Dracula (literary figure), Graf von Stauffenberg (WWII resistance figure), Graf Zeppelin (airship designer).