der  Greis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡʁaɪs/

👴 What does "der Greis" mean?

The word der Greis refers to a very old man. It is often used to express great age and the associated frailty, but sometimes also wisdom and venerability. Today, the term is considered elevated or archaic and is used less frequently in everyday language than "alter Mann" (old man) or "Senior".

⚠️ Caution: The word can sometimes be perceived as slightly distant or even negative if not used in an appropriate, often literary or very formal context.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Greis

The noun "Greis" is masculine (der). It follows weak N-declension in the genitive singular but strong declension in the other singular cases and the entire plural.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der weise Greis saß am Kamin und erzählte Geschichten.
   (The wise old man sat by the fireplace and told stories.)
2. Man sah dem Greis sein hohes Alter an.
   (One could see the old man's advanced age.)
3. Die Ratschläge des Greises waren Gold wert.
   (The old man's advice was worth its weight in gold.)
4. Im Altersheim leben viele Greise und Greisinnen.
   (Many old men and women live in the retirement home.)

📜 How is "der Greis" used?

The use of "der Greis" is rather rare nowadays and mostly limited to specific contexts:

• Literature and Poetry: Here, the word is often used to create a certain atmosphere or to portray a character as venerable or frail.
• Formal or Elevated Language: It may appear in very formal speeches or texts.
• Historical Context: When describing older times or societies.

In normal everyday life, "Greis" often sounds stilted or distant. Preferred alternatives include:

• Alter Mann: More neutral and common.
• Senior: Modern and respectful.
• Älterer Herr: Polite and somewhat formal (older gentleman).

The female counterpart is "die Greisin", which is used even less frequently.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der Mann' (the man). A Greis is a man, so it's der Greis.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Greis often has grey hair. The 'Gr-' sound at the beginning helps with the association.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Potential Confusion: Sometimes "Greis" (noun) is confused with the adjective "greis" (very old, senile), which refers to the state (e.g., "ein greiser Mann" - an old/senile man).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Enkel seinen Großvater: "Opa, stimmt es, dass du schon ein Greis bist?"
Antwortet der Opa: "Nein, mein Junge. Ich bin nur ein Klassiker mit hoher Kilometerleistung!"

(A grandson asks his grandfather: "Grandpa, is it true that you are already an old man (Greis)?"
The grandpa replies: "No, my boy. I'm just a classic with high mileage!")

📜 A Poem about the Greis

Der Greis sitzt still am Fensterplatz,
Die Zeit verrinnt, ein alter Schatz.
Sein Haar ist weiß wie Winterschnee,
Er sieht die Welt, wie sie vergeh'.
Mit Falten tief, vom Leben schwer,
Erzählt sein Blick oft mehr und mehr.

(The old man sits still at the window seat,
Time passes by, an old treasure.
His hair is white like winter snow,
He watches the world as it goes.
With deep wrinkles, heavy from life,
His gaze often tells more and more.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich trage viele Jahre schwer,
mein Haar ist weiß, mein Gang nicht mehr so quer.
Man nennt mich weise, manchmal alt,
mein Wissen ist oft vielfältig und kalt.
Ich bin kein Jüngling, das ist klar.

Wer bin ich wohl? Es ist ...

(I carry many years heavily,
my hair is white, my walk no longer so spry.
They call me wise, sometimes old,
my knowledge is often diverse and bold.
I am no youth, that is clear.

Who am I? It is...)

(Solution: der Greis)

💡 Trivia

Etymology: The word "Greis" comes from the Middle High German word "grīs", meaning "grey" or "grey-haired". It is thus directly linked to the color of hair in old age.

Feminine Form: The feminine form "die Greisin" is even rarer than "der Greis" and is used almost exclusively in literary or very old texts.

Cultural Significance: In many cultures, old age (and thus the Greis) is associated with wisdom and respect, while in others, it is more associated with frailty and the loss of abilities.