der / die  Judoka

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/juˈdoːka/

🥋 What exactly is a Judoka?

A Judoka is a person who practices the martial art of Judo. The word originates from Japanese.

In German, the article depends on the person's gender:

• der Judoka: Refers to a male person practicing Judo.
• die Judoka: Refers to a female person practicing Judo.

So, it's a noun with what's called "Sexus-Genus", where the grammatical gender follows the biological sex. ⚠️ Be careful: The plural form is the same for both genders: die Judoka.

🧐 Grammar Check: Declension of Judoka

The declension of 'Judoka' follows the n-declension for the masculine form and the feminine declension for the feminine form. The plural is identical for both.

Example Sentences

1. Der Judoka bereitet sich auf den Wettkampf vor. (The male Judoka is preparing for the competition.)
2. Die Trainerin lobte die Judoka für ihre Technik. (The female coach praised the female Judoka for her technique.)
3. Wir trafen mehrere Judoka beim Training. (We met several Judoka at training. - Plural, can refer to males, females, or mixed group)
4. Das ist die Matte des Judokan. (That is the male Judoka's mat. - masculine, genitive singular)
5. Ich gebe der Judoka ihren Gürtel zurück. (I give the female Judoka her belt back. - feminine, dative singular)
6. Wir helfen den Judokan beim Aufräumen. (We help the Judoka clean up. - plural, dative)

🗣️ How to use Judoka in Conversation?

The term 'Judoka' is primarily used in the context of sports, especially when discussing Judo competitions, training, or clubs.

• Sports reporting: In articles or broadcasts about Judo.
• Club life: Members of a Judo club are called Judoka.
• Everyday language: When talking about someone whose hobby or profession is Judo.

It is a specific term that clearly refers to a Judo practitioner. Unlike more general terms like 'Sportler' (athlete) or 'Kämpfer' (fighter), 'Judoka' is precise.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der/die Judoka'

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der Mann' (the man) and 'die Frau' (the woman). It's the same for 'der Judoka' (male) and 'die Judoka' (female). The gender determines the article!

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of Judo + ka (like in 'practitioner' or '-ist'). A Judo practitioner is a Judoka.

↔️ Similar and Opposing Terms

Synonyms

• Judokämpfer / Judokämpferin: A slightly longer but also common term (Judo fighter).
• Judosportler / Judosportlerin: Emphasizes the sporting aspect (Judo athlete).

Antonyms

Direct antonyms are difficult. One could create contrasts:

• Nicht-Sportler: Someone who doesn't do sports (non-athlete).
• Laie (im Judo): Someone with no knowledge of Judo (layperson in Judo).

Similar Terms (Potential for Confusion!)

• Karateka: A Karate practitioner (different martial art).
• Kendoka: A Kendo practitioner (Japanese swordsmanship).
• Aikidoka: An Aikido practitioner.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum tragen Judoka weiße Anzüge?
Damit man den Schiedsrichter besser vom Sanitäter unterscheiden kann!

Why do Judoka wear white suits?
So you can better distinguish the referee from the paramedic!

📜 Poem about a Judoka

Auf der Matte, still und klar,
steht der Judoka, wunderbar.
Mit Griff und Wurf, geschwind und fein,
so muss ein wahrer Kämpfer sein.

Auch die Judoka, stark und schlau,
kennt die Techniken genau.
Respekt und Mut im Herzen tragend,
nie den sanften Weg verzagend.

On the mat, silent and clear,
stands the (male) Judoka, wonderful.
With grip and throw, swift and fine,
thus must a true fighter shine.

Also the (female) Judoka, strong and smart,
knows the techniques right from the start.
Carrying respect and courage in her heart,
never losing faith in the gentle art.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich trage einen weißen Anzug und einen Gürtel bunt,
falle oft, doch bleibe meist gesund.
Ich werfe und ich halte fest im Griff,
wer bin ich, auf dem sportlichen Schiff?

I wear a white suit and a colorful belt,
I fall often, but mostly stay healthy, I've felt.
I throw and I hold with a firm grip,
Who am I, on this sporting ship?

Solution: Der Judoka / Die Judoka (The Judoka)

💡 More Tidbits about Judoka

• Word Origin: The word 'Judoka' (柔道家) comes directly from Japanese. It is composed of 'Judo' (柔道 - gentle way) and 'ka' (家 - person, expert, house).
• Belt Colors: The color of the belt (Obi) indicates a Judoka's progress and rank, starting with white and progressing through yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, up to black for master ranks (Dan).
• Olympic Discipline: Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964 (men) and 1992 (women).