der
Hocker
🛋️ What Exactly is a "Hocker"?
A Hocker is a piece of furniture for sitting, typically characterized by having no backrest and no armrests. It's a simple type of seat, often also used as a footrest (Fußhocker) or a small side table.
In contrast to a Stuhl (chair), which always has a backrest, the Hocker is simpler in construction. It comes in many shapes and materials, from a basic wooden stool to a padded cube seat (Sitzwürfel).
Since there's only the article 'der', there are no different meanings based on the article. 🚽 Occasionally, a toilet might be colloquially referred to as a "Hocker", but this is rare and context-dependent.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar Insights: Declining "der Hocker"
The noun "Hocker" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Hocker |
| Accusative | den | Hocker |
| Dative | dem | Hocker |
| Genitive | des | Hockers |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Hocker |
| Accusative | die | Hocker |
| Dative | den | Hockern |
| Genitive | der | Hocker |
📝 Example Sentences
- Nominative Singular: Der Hocker passt gut zur Couch. (The stool goes well with the couch.)
- Accusative Singular: Ich kaufe den Hocker im Möbelhaus. (I am buying the stool at the furniture store.)
- Dative Singular: Das Kind sitzt auf dem Hocker. (The child is sitting on the stool.)
- Genitive Singular: Die Farbe des Hockers ist blau. (The color of the stool is blue.)
- Nominative Plural: Die Hocker stehen am Tresen. (The stools are standing at the counter.)
- Dative Plural: Wir geben den Hockern einen neuen Anstrich. (We are giving the stools a new coat of paint.)
💡 How to Use "Hocker"?
The term Hocker is used to describe various types of simple seats without backrests:
- As seating: A space-saving alternative to a chair, often found in bars (Barhocker - bar stool), kitchens, or as extra seating.
- As a footrest: A smaller stool often serves as a Fußhocker or Fußbank (footstool) for putting one's feet up.
- As a side table: Some sturdy stools are repurposed to hold magazines or drinks.
Important Distinction: A Stuhl (chair) always has a backrest; a Hocker generally does not. A Sessel is an upholstered armchair, usually with armrests and a backrest.
The related verb hocken or sich hinhocken means 'to squat', 'to perch', or 'to sit down informally', highlighting the connection to the furniture item.
🧠 Memory Hooks for "Hocker"
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a male (masculine -> der) HOckey playER sitting on a stool -> der Hocker.
Meaning Mnemonic: A Hocker sounds a bit like 'hock'. You might 'hock' your feet up on it when using it as a footstool. Or think of 'hunkering' down on a low seat.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Hocker
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Schemel: Often a simpler, smaller stool, sometimes wooden.
- Fußbank / Fußhocker: Specifically a footstool.
- Sitzwürfel: A cube-shaped stool, often upholstered.
- Taburett: A more elegant, often upholstered stool (taboret).
⚠️ Similar but Different Words
- Bank: Bench (longer seating for multiple people, can be with or without a backrest).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Tisch den Hocker: "Na, wie geht's?"
Sagt der Hocker: "Ach, ich fühl mich heute irgendwie so ohne Halt..."
Translation: The table asks the stool: "Well, how's it going?"
The stool says: "Oh, I feel somehow so without support/hold today..." (Play on words: 'Halt' means support/hold, referring both to the lack of a backrest and feeling unstable.)
✒️ Poem about the Hocker
Ein Hocker schlicht, vier Bein' er hat,
Steht meistens still an seinem Platz.
Kein Rücken ziert ihn, keine Lehn',
Doch lädt er ein, kurz Platz zu nehm'.
Mal Fußbank er, mal Sitzgelegenheit,
Bereit für kurze Rast und Zeit.
Ein kleines Möbel, oft verkannt,
Im ganzen deutschen Möbel-Land.
Translation:
A simple stool, four legs it's got,
Stands mostly still upon its spot.
No back adorns it, no support,
But invites to take a seat, in short.
Sometimes a footrest, sometimes a seat,
Ready for brief rest and time's retreat.
A little furniture, often misprized,
In all the German furniture guise.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe Beine, doch ich laufe nicht.
Ich biete Platz, doch Lehne hab' ich nicht.
Man ruht sich aus auf mir gar fein,
Was mag ich wohl für ein Möbel sein?
Translation:
I have legs, but I do not run.
I offer space, but backrest have I none.
You rest upon me, feeling fine,
What kind of furniture might be mine?
Solution: Der Hocker (The stool)
✨ Other Tidbits
Etymology: The word "Hocker" derives from the verb "hocken", which means 'to squat', 'to crouch' or 'to sit low'.
Variations: There are many specific types of stools, such as the Barhocker (taller, for counters), the Melkschemel (traditionally used for milking cows), or the Klavierhocker (piano stool, often height-adjustable).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hocker?
The German word "Hocker" is masculine, so the correct article is der Hocker (genitive: des Hockers, plural: die Hocker). It refers to a stool or ottoman – a simple seat without a backrest, often also used as a footrest.