der
Igel
What does 'der Igel' mean? 🦔
Der Igel means hedgehog in English. It refers to a small, nocturnal mammal known primarily for its coat of Stacheln (spines). This coat serves as protection against predators. When threatened, der Igel curls up into a ball.
There is only one article for the word 'Igel'. It's a masculine noun (Maskulinum).
- Meaning: A spiny mammal (scientific: Erinaceidae).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Large animals → mostly masculine.
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
Grammar Spotlight: Der Igel
The noun "Igel" is masculine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Igel |
| Genitive | des | Igels |
| Dative | dem | Igel |
| Accusative | den | Igel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Igel |
| Genitive | der | Igel |
| Dative | den | Igeln |
| Accusative | die | Igel |
Example Sentences
- Im Herbst suchen die Igel nach einem Winterquartier. (In autumn, the hedgehogs look for winter quarters.)
- Der Igel rollte sich zu einer Kugel zusammen. (The hedgehog rolled itself into a ball.)
- Wir haben dem Igel im Garten etwas Wasser hingestellt. (We put some water out for the hedgehog in the garden.)
- Hast du den Igel unter dem Busch gesehen? (Did you see the hedgehog under the bush?)
- Das Stachelkleid des Igels ist ein effektiver Schutz. (The hedgehog's coat of spines is effective protection.)
When to use 'Igel'? 🤔
The term "Igel" is used to refer to the well-known spiny animal. You'll often find it in contexts related to Natur (nature), Gartenarbeit (gardening), or Tiere (animals).
- Typical situations: Spotting one in the Garten (garden), discussions about wildlife, children's stories.
- Idiom: "Sich einigeln" means to withdraw or isolate oneself, similar to how a hedgehog curls up when in danger. Example: "Er igelt sich bei Kritik immer ein." (He always withdraws when faced with criticism.)
- Potential confusion: There's no direct confusion with other words, as "Igel" is very specific. Sometimes people mistakenly use "Stachelschwein" (porcupine), although this is a different animal.
Never Forget: Mnemonics for 'Igel'
Article 'der': Think of a male figure, maybe an eagle (sounds a bit like Igel?) who is strong and prickly. Der Igel.
Meaning: The word "Igel" sounds a bit like the English word "eagle", but imagine an eagle covered in spikes instead of feathers! That's your Igel (hedgehog).
Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Stacheltier (colloquial, more general: spiny animal)
- (No direct, common synonyms for the animal itself)
Watch Out! ⚠️
- Stachelschwein: Porcupine - a different, larger rodent with longer quills. Don't confuse it with der Igel!
- Seeigel: Sea urchin - a marine animal that also has spines but is biologically unrelated to the land mammal Igel.
A Little Chuckle 😄
DE: Kommt ein Igel in einen Laden und fragt: "Haben Sie Stahlwolle?" Sagt der Verkäufer: "Nein, nur Kämme!"
EN: A hedgehog walks into a shop and asks: "Do you have steel wool?" The shopkeeper replies: "No, only combs!"
A Little Poem about the 'Igel'
DE:
Im Garten raschelt es ganz leis,
wer tappt da durch auf seine Weis'?
Ein kleiner Kerl, mit Stacheln dran,
der Igel schaut uns freundlich an.
Rollt sich zur Kugel, rund und klein,
so schützt er sich, das ist sein Schein.
EN:
In the garden, a soft rustling sound,
Who's tapping through upon the ground?
A little fellow, spiky bright,
The hedgehog greets us with friendly sight.
Curls to a ball, so round and small,
Protecting himself, standing tall.
Who am I? A Little Riddle
DE:
Ich trage Nadeln, doch ich näh' nicht.
Ich hab' ein Haus, doch wohn' nicht drin' dicht.
Bei Gefahr werd' ich zur Kugel rund.
Wer bin ich, sag's mir in dieser Stund'?
EN:
I carry needles, but I do not sew.
I have a house, but don't live tight, you know.
In danger, I become a ball so round.
Who am I? Tell me, what have you found?
Solution: Der Igel (The hedgehog)
Good to Know: More about 'Igel' 🤓
- Diet: Hedgehogs (Igel) are insectivores but also eat worms, snails, and sometimes fallen fruit.
- Hibernation: European hedgehogs hibernate (halten Winterschlaf) to survive the cold season.
- Conservation: Hedgehogs are protected (geschützt) in many regions. You can help them by making gardens nature-friendly and providing shelters (e.g., Laubhaufen - leaf piles). 🚨 Be careful when mowing the lawn and using robotic mowers!
- Word Formation: The verb "igeln" (or "sich einigeln" - to curl up/withdraw) is directly derived from the animal's behavior.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Igel?
The word "Igel" (hedgehog) is always masculine in German. Therefore, the correct article is always der. The different forms are: der Igel (Nominative Singular), des Igels (Genitive Singular), dem Igel (Dative Singular), den Igel (Accusative Singular), and die Igel (Nominative/Accusative Plural) or den Igeln (Dative Plural).