der
Hügel
⛰️ What exactly is a Hügel?
A Hügel is a natural elevation of the terrain that rises above the immediate surroundings but is smaller and less steep than a mountain (Berg). It's a common landform.
The word Hügel is masculine, so the correct article is der Hügel.
🚨 There are no known exceptions or common mistakes regarding the article.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
The Grammar Behind 'der Hügel' 🧐
The noun "Hügel" is masculine. Here is the declension:
| Case | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Hügel |
| Genitive | des Hügels |
| Dative | dem Hügel |
| Accusative | den Hügel |
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Hügel |
| Genitive | der Hügel |
| Dative | den Hügeln |
| Accusative | die Hügel |
Example Sentences
- Wir machten ein Picknick auf dem Hügel. (We had a picnic on the hill.)
- Von dem Hügel aus hatten wir eine tolle Aussicht. (From the hill, we had a great view.)
- Die Kinder rollten den Hügel hinunter. (The children rolled down the hill.)
- Die Landschaft ist geprägt von sanften Hügeln. (The landscape is characterized by gentle hills.)
When to Use 'der Hügel'? 🌄
The term Hügel is primarily used to describe a geographical elevation smaller than a mountain (Berg).
- Geography & Landscape Description: "Die Toskana ist bekannt für ihre sanften Hügel." (Tuscany is known for its rolling hills.)
- Everyday Language: Often used for small rises in terrain, even in parks or gardens (e.g., a Maulwurfshügel - molehill).
- Figurative Meaning: Sometimes used metaphorically, e.g., "über den Hügel sein" means to be over the worst of something or to be old.
Compared to Berg (mountain), a Hügel is significantly smaller and usually less steep. An Anhöhe is a very similar word, often used synonymously, but can also refer to a less prominent elevation.
Memory Aids for 'der Hügel' 🤔
Article Mnemonic: Think of a huge (Hüg-), strong man (masculine - der) pulling a cart up der Hügel. He needs masculine strength for that hill!
Meaning Mnemonic: A Hügel sounds a bit like 'huge hill', but remember it's actually the smaller version of a mountain. Or think of it being 'huggable' because it's smaller than a daunting mountain.
Similar and Opposite Terms 🔄
Synonyms
⚠️ Note: Berg (mountain) is not a synonym; it refers to a significantly larger elevation.
A Little Hill Joke 😄
DE: Warum hat der Hügel keine Geheimnisse?
Weil man ihm alles ansehen kann!
EN: Why does the hill have no secrets?
Because you can see everything on it! (A play on the German phrase "jemandem etwas ansehen" - to be able to tell something by looking at someone/something).
A Poem About the Hill 📜
DE:
Ein kleiner Hügel, grün und rund,
\steht still in weiter Flur zur Stund'.
\Die Sonne wärmt ihn, sanft und licht,
\ein schöner Anblick, ein Gedicht.
\Man steigt hinauf, der Blick wird weit,
\vergessen sind der Stress, die Zeit.
EN:
A little hill, so green and round,
\stands quiet in the fields profound.
\The sun warms it, soft and bright,
\a lovely view, a pure delight.
\One climbs it up, the view grows wide,
orgotten are the stress, the tide.
Hill Riddle 🤔
DE:
Ich bin höher als ein Maulwurfshaufen,
\doch kleiner als ein Berg zum Laufen.
\Man sieht von mir oft in die Fern'.
\Was bin ich? Rate schnell und gern!
EN:
I am higher than a molehill's mound,
But smaller than a mountain renowned.
From me, you often see afar.
What am I? Guess quick, like a star!
Solution: Der Hügel (The hill)
Trivia and Origin 🤓
Etymology: The word "Hügel" comes from Middle High German "hübel" or "hügel", which meant a small elevation or hump. It is related to the word "Höcker" (hump, bump).
Word Combinations (Wortzusammensetzungen): Hügel appears in many compound words, e.g.:
- Maulwurfshügel (molehill - earth thrown up by moles)
- Grabhügel (tumulus, barrow - artificial hill over a grave)
- Hügellandschaft (hilly landscape - a landscape characterized by many hills)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hügel?
The word Hügel describes a natural elevation in the terrain, smaller than a mountain. It is always masculine, so the correct form is der Hügel (plural: die Hügel).