der
Großauftrag
🏢 What does 'der Großauftrag' mean?
Der Großauftrag (noun, masculine) refers to an order or contract characterized by a particularly large volume (financially or quantitatively). It typically involves a substantial order for goods or services, often in a business or industrial context.
Imagine a company ordering not just ten, but ten thousand computers – that's a Großauftrag! It implies a significant business relationship and often a longer production or delivery time.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Großauftrag
The word 'Großauftrag' is a masculine noun. The article is der.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Großauftrag |
| Genitive | des | Großauftrags / Großauftrages |
| Dative | dem | Großauftrag / Großauftrage |
| Accusative | den | Großauftrag |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Großaufträge |
| Genitive | der | Großaufträge |
| Dative | den | Großaufträgen |
| Accusative | die | Großaufträge |
📝 Example Sentences:
- Die Firma hat einen riesigen Großauftrag an Land gezogen.
The company landed a huge major order. - Die Verhandlungen über den Großauftrag dauerten mehrere Monate.
The negotiations for the major contract lasted several months. - Wir müssen die Produktion hochfahren, um den Großaufträgen gerecht zu werden.
We need to ramp up production to cope with the large orders. - Dank des neuen Großauftrags sind die Arbeitsplätze für die nächsten Jahre gesichert.
Thanks to the new major contract, jobs are secure for the coming years.
💡 Usage in Daily Life and Business
'Der Großauftrag' is primarily used in the economic and business sphere. It's mentioned when companies conclude significant contracts or receive or place very large orders.
- Typical Contexts: Industry, trade, construction, service sector.
- Distinction: A normal 'Auftrag' (order, contract) can be of any size. A 'Großauftrag' explicitly emphasizes the high volume or value.
- Importance: Such orders are often crucial for the economic stability or growth of a company.
You often hear the term in business news or company reports.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der Vertrag' (the contract) or 'der Auftrag' (the order). Many German nouns ending in '-trag' are masculine. Since 'Großauftrag' is a type of 'Auftrag', just a large one, it remains der Großauftrag.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: 'Groß' (meaning large, big, major) + 'Auftrag' (meaning order, assignment, contract). Simply put: A large order is a Großauftrag.
🔄 Similar Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Riesenauftrag: (Giant order) Emphasizes the enormous size.
- Millionenauftrag / Milliardenauftrag: (Million/Billion order) Refers to the high financial value.
- Großprojekt: (Major project) Often used synonymously if the order involves carrying out a large-scale project.
- Großbestellung: (Large order/bulk order) Focuses on the quantity of goods.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Kleinauftrag: (Small order) An order of small scope or value.
- Einzelauftrag: (Single order) An individual, often smaller, order.
- Bagatellauftrag: (Minor/trivial order) An insignificant order.
⚠️ Similar but Different Words:
- Großprojekt: (Major project) Can be a Großauftrag, but not every Großauftrag is a project (e.g., a simple delivery of goods). A project usually has a defined start and end and a specific goal beyond mere delivery.
😄 A Little Joke
Der Chef fragt den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon Erfahrung mit wirklich großen Aufträgen?"
Mitarbeiter: "Aber ja! Ich habe gestern Abend bei Pizzaservice angerufen und eine Familienpizza für mich allein bestellt – das war definitiv ein Großauftrag!"
Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have any experience with really large orders?"
Employee: "Oh yes! Last night I called the pizza delivery service and ordered a family pizza just for myself – that was definitely a major order!"
✍️ A Poem about the Word
Die Telefone klingeln heiß,
ein Angebot, zu gutem Preis.
Dann die Zusage, welch ein Glanz,
ein Großauftrag, er schafft Bilanz!
Die Maschinen rattern, Tag und Nacht,
die Firma hat's emporgebracht.
Translation:
The phones are ringing off the hook,
An offer made, a price well-shook.
Then the acceptance, what a sheen,
A major order balances the scene!
The machines they clatter, day and night,
The company's success takes flight.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Zwerg, ich bin ein Riese,
bring' Firmen oft 'ne gold'ne Wiese.
Ich fülle Bücher, schaffe Rank,
und steh' bei 'Auftrag' vorn, Gott sei Dank!
Mit 'groß' beginn ich, männlich bin ich auch,
was bin ich wohl im Wirtschaftsbrauch?
Translation:
I'm not a dwarf, I am a giant,
Often bring firms profits reliant.
I fill the books, create high rank,
And stand before 'order', thankfully frank!
I start with 'large', I'm masculine too,
What am I in business, have you a clue?
Solution: der Großauftrag (the major order/contract)
🧩 Word Components and More
Word Composition:
The word 'Großauftrag' is a compound noun, composed of:
- groß (adjective): meaning large, big, major, great.
- der Auftrag (noun, masculine): meaning order, assignment, contract, mission.
Context: Großaufträge (plural) are often milestones for companies and can influence entire industries, e.g., in aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding, or large infrastructure projects.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Großauftrag?
The word 'Großauftrag' is masculine. The correct article is der. It means a very large order or a substantial contract, usually in a business context.