der
Jänner
🗓️ What does "der Jänner" mean?
Der Jänner is an alternative term, mainly used in Austria and parts of Southern Germany, for the first month of the year, Januar (January). It is a masculine noun.
- Meaning: The first month in the Gregorian calendar.
- Region: Primarily Austria, South Tyrol (Italy), parts of Bavaria (Germany).
- Standard German: In most of Germany, Januar is the common form.
⚠️ Although both forms are understood, using Jänner in Northern or Central Germany might sound unusual or distinctly regional.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Weekdays, months, seasons → almost always masculine.
Caution: see exceptions
-ner → almost always masculine.
Compare with the category '-er'.
-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 of "der Jänner" in Detail
"Jänner" is a masculine noun and is declined as follows:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Jänner (the January) | ein Jänner (a January) |
| Genitive | des Jänners / Jänner (of the January) | eines Jänners / Jänner (of a January) |
| Dative | dem Jänner (to/for the January) | einem Jänner (to/for a January) |
| Accusative | den Jänner (the January) | einen Jänner (a January) |
Note: The genitive singular can also be formed without "s", especially in fixed phrases or without a preceding article.
| Case | Definite Article |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Jänner (the Januaries) |
| Genitive | der Jänner (of the Januaries) |
| Dative | den Jännern (to/for the Januaries) |
| Accusative | die Jänner (the Januaries) |
Note: The plural is rarely used, mostly when referring to several January months across different years (e.g., "die kalten Jänner der letzten Jahre" - the cold Januaries of recent years).
📝 Example Sentences
- Im Jänner ist es in den Alpen oft sehr kalt.
In January, it's often very cold in the Alps. - Wir fahren jedes Jahr im Jänner nach Österreich zum Skifahren.
We go skiing in Austria every year in January. - Der Vertrag läuft Ende Jänners aus.
The contract expires at the end of January. - Viele Leute haben gute Vorsätze für den kommenden Jänner.
Many people have good resolutions for the coming January.
🗣️ How to use "Jänner"?
The use of der Jänner is strongly influenced by region.
- Austria & South Tyrol: Jänner is the absolutely standard and preferred form in everyday life, media, and official contexts. Januar is understood but rarely actively used.
- Southern Germany (esp. Bavaria): Jänner is also common and often used alongside Januar, sometimes with a slightly regional or traditional feel.
- Rest of the German-speaking world: Here, Januar is the standard form. Using Jänner might identify the speaker as Austrian or Southern German.
Context: It's used just like Januar to denote the first month, e.g., in dates, planning, or describing events happening in January.
Comparison: Jänner vs. Januar – they are synonyms with different regional prevalence but identical meaning.
💡 Mnemonics for "der Jänner"
Article Mnemonic (der): All month names in German are masculine, so it's always der Jänner, der Februar, der März, etc. Remember: Der Monat (the month).
Meaning Mnemonic (January/Regional): Think of Austria: they might say Ja a lot. And the Jahr (year) starts in Jänner. This helps remember the regional variant for the start of the year.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
- Januar: The standard High German form, common in most of Germany.
- Hartung: An old, now rarely used German name for January (referring to the frozen, hard ground).
- Eismond: (Ice Moon) Another old, poetic name.
Similar Misleading Words: There aren't really direct words often confused with Jänner, other than mixing up the regional (Jänner) and standard (Januar) forms.
😂 A Little Joke
German:
Warum sind die Witze im Jänner oft so schlecht?
Weil sie noch vom letzten Jahr übrig sind und erst auftauen müssen!
English Translation:
Why are jokes often so bad in January (Jänner)?
Because they're leftovers from last year and still need to thaw out!
📜 Poem about Jänner
Der Jänner kommt
Der Jänner kommt, das Jahr ist neu,
Mit Frost und Schnee, oft himmelstreu.
Die Tage kurz, die Nächte lang,
Ein kalter Wind, ein leiser Sang.
In Österreich, da sagt man's klar,
Nicht Januar, nein, 's ist der Jänner da!
Man rutscht ins Jahr mit Schwung und Freud,
Auf dass es Gutes uns bedeut'.
English Translation:
January (Jänner) Arrives
Jänner arrives, the year is new,
With frost and snow, often strewn from the blue.
The days are short, the nights are long,
A cold wind blows, a quiet song.
In Austria, they say it clear,
Not Januar, no, Jänner's here!
We slide into the year with joy and zest,
Hoping it brings us all the best.
🧩 Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin der Erste im Kalenderreigen,
Lass oft die Welt in Weiß sich zeigen.
In Wien und München nennt man mich so,
Woanders klingt mein Name anderswo.
Wer bin ich?
English Translation:
I'm the first in the calendar's round dance,
Often make the world appear white at a glance.
In Vienna and Munich, they call me this way,
Elsewhere, my name sounds different, they say.
Who am I?
Solution: der Jänner (or Januar / January)
✨ Other Information
Etymology: The name Jänner (like Januar) derives from the Latin Ianuarius. This month was dedicated to the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, doors and gates, often depicted with two faces (one looking back, one forward).
Pronunciation: The "J" in Jänner is pronounced like the German "J" (similar to the "Y" sound in "yes").
Cultural Notes: Jänner is often associated with new beginnings, New Year's resolutions, but also with cold, snow, and winter sports.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Jänner?
The word "Jänner" is masculine, so the correct article is always der Jänner. It's a variant of the month name Januar (January), primarily used in Austria and Southern Germany.