der  Informationsstand

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪnfɔʁmaˈt͡si̯oːnsˌʃtant/

📖 What exactly is an Informationsstand?

Der Informationsstand is a masculine noun in German and has two main meanings:

1. The current state of knowledge or information about a specific topic or situation. It describes how much one knows about something at a given point in time. Synonyms for this meaning include Kenntnisstand or Wissensstand.
2. A physical place (a booth, counter, or small area) where information is provided, for example, at trade fairs, conferences, train stations, or shopping malls. Here, you can ask questions and receive information. Synonyms for this include Infostand or Auskunft.

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning!

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Informationsstand

The word "Informationsstand" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

📝 Example Sentences:

• Meaning 1 (State of knowledge): "Können Sie mich bitte auf den aktuellen Informationsstand bringen?"
  (Could you please bring me up to date / to the current state of information?)
• Meaning 1 (State of knowledge): "Mein Informationsstand zu diesem Projekt ist leider veraltet."
  (My level of information regarding this project is unfortunately outdated.)
• Meaning 2 (Info booth): "Fragen Sie am besten am Informationsstand in der Eingangshalle nach."
  (It's best to ask at the information desk in the entrance hall.)
• Meaning 2 (Info booth): "Auf der Messe gab es viele interessante Informationsstände."
  (There were many interesting information booths at the trade fair.)

💡 Using "Informationsstand" Correctly

Usage depends heavily on the meaning:

• As Kenntnisstand (state of knowledge): Often used in formal or professional contexts. People talk about the "aktueller Informationsstand" (current state of information), "jemanden auf den gleichen Informationsstand bringen" (to bring someone up to speed), or "den eigenen Informationsstand aktualisieren" (to update one's own information level). It refers to abstract data and facts.
• As Infostand (information booth): Refers to a concrete place. You find it "auf einer Veranstaltung" (at an event), "im Bahnhof" (in the train station), or "im Museum" (in the museum). It's about the physical provision of information or materials (like brochures).

Confusion is rare as the context is usually clear. A "Stand" (in the sense of opinion or viewpoint, i.e., Standpunkt) is different from "der Informationsstand" (state of information).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article: Think of 'der Stand' as in 'the stand/booth' at a market, or 'the state' of affairs. Both 'stand' and 'state' can feel inherently strong or definite, like the masculine 'der'. So, it's der Informationsstand.

For the meaning: Imagine two scenarios: 1. Your brain has a certain 'Stand' (level/state) of Information. 2. You physically stand at a 'Stand' (booth) to get Information.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Related Terms:

• Die Information: The individual piece of information or news.
• Der Standpunkt: A viewpoint or opinion.
• Der Zustand: The general state or condition of something.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Informationsstand nie Geheimnisse?
(Why does the information booth never have secrets?)

Weil er immer auf dem neuesten Stand ist und alles preisgibt!
(Because it's always up-to-date and reveals everything!)

📜 Poem about the Word

Ob Wissen, das im Kopf entstand,
(Whether knowledge born in the mind,)
aktuell und klar zur Hand,
(current and clearly at hand,)
ob Schalter, wo man freundlich fand
(or counter where one kindly found)
die Auskunft schnell, mit Plan und Wand –
(information quick, with map and wall –)
Es ist der Informationsstand.
(It is the state of information / the information booth.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich kann dein Wissen messen,
(I can measure your knowledge,)
oder ein Ort sein, nicht zu vergessen.
(Or be a place, not to forget.)
Mal bin ich aktuell, mal muss man fragen,
(Sometimes I'm current, sometimes you must ask,)
an Messetagen oder an Bahngleis-Kragen.
(On fair days or by the collars of train tracks.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Answer: der Informationsstand

🧩 Further Insights into Informationsstand

Word Composition:

The word is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Information (information, news, knowledge)
• Der Stand (state, level; or: booth, stand)

The meaning logically follows from combining these two parts.

Trivia:

In the digital world, people often refer to the "aktueller Informationsstand" regarding software updates or project progress. So, the term has adapted well to modern contexts.