der  Kameramann

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kaˈmeːʁaman/

🎬 Meaning of 'der Kameramann'

Der Kameramann refers to a male person whose profession is to be responsible for the visual composition and technical execution of film, television, or video recordings. He operates the camera and ensures the desired recording quality and image composition.

It is a job title in the field of media production.

The female form is die Kamerafrau (camerawoman).

⚠️ Attention: Traditionally a male-dominated profession, but today there are many Kamerafrauen. For a gender-neutral term, sometimes Kameramensch (camera person) or mentioning both forms (Kameramann/Kamerafrau) is used.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar and Declension of 'Kameramann'

The noun 'Kameramann' is masculine. It is declined as follows:

ℹ️ Note: The plural form Kameraleute (camera people) is a commonly used gender-neutral form alongside Kameramänner (cameramen).

Example Sentences

1. Der Kameramann bereitete die nächste Szene vor.
   (The cameraman prepared the next scene.)
2. Die Anweisungen des Kameramanns waren sehr präzise.
   (The cameraman's instructions were very precise.)
3. Wir sprachen lange mit dem Kameramann über die Lichtsetzung.
   (We talked with the cameraman for a long time about the lighting.)
4. Hast du den Kameramann für das Interview schon gebucht?
   (Have you already booked the cameraman for the interview?)
5. Die Kameramänner (oder: Kameraleute) bauten ihr Equipment am Set auf.
   (The cameramen (or: camera people) set up their equipment on set.)

💡 How to use 'Kameramann'?

The term der Kameramann is primarily used in the context of film, television, and video productions.

• Job Title: It describes the person responsible for camera operation and cinematography. Example: Er arbeitet seit zehn Jahren als Kameramann beim Fernsehen. (He has been working as a cameraman for television for ten years.)
• Distinction: A Kameramann is not the same as a Regisseur (director, who has overall artistic control) or a Fotograf (photographer, who takes still images), although there can be overlaps.
• Gender Aspect: As mentioned, die Kamerafrau is the female form. In modern language use, gender-neutral formulations like Kameraleute (plural, camera people) or Kamera tätigende Person (person operating a camera) are often sought, or both forms are mentioned (Kameramann/Kamerafrau).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article 'der': Think of 'der Mann' (the man). Since 'Kameramann' ends in '-mann' and describes a (traditionally male) person, the article is masculine: der Kameramann. Most professions ending in '-mann' are 'der'.

Meaning: Break down the word: Kamera (camera) + Mann (man). A man (or person) who works with the camera. Picture a man behind a large film camera.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Risk of Confusion:

• Fotograf/in: (Photographer) Creates still images (photos), not moving images (film/video).
• Bildmischer/in: (Video mixer/Vision mixer) Selects between different camera feeds during live broadcasts.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Kameramann immer eine Leiter dabei?
Damit er auch mal hohe Einstellungen hat!

English: Why does the cameraman always carry a ladder?
So he can get high angles! (Pun: 'hohe Einstellungen' means 'high angles/shots' but 'hohe Einstellung' can also metaphorically mean 'high attitude/standard' or literally 'high setting'.)

✍️ Poem about the Kameramann

German:
Der Kameramann, mit Blick geschärft,
Fängt Bilder ein, die uns bewegen.
Durchs Objektiv die Welt er färbt,
Auf Licht und Schatten seine Wegen.

Er dreht am Rad, stellt Schärfe ein,
Für Hollywood und Tagesschau.
Sein Werk lässt uns im Bilde sein,
Mal bunt, mal ernst, mal himmelblau.

English Translation:
The cameraman, with sharpened gaze,
Captures images that move us all.
Through the lens, the world he portrays,
On light and shadow, standing tall.

He turns the wheel, adjusts the focus keen,
For Hollywood and the daily news.
His work keeps us within the scene,
Sometimes colorful, serious, or sky blues.

🕵️ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich stehe oft im Dunkeln, doch bringe Licht ins Bild.
Ich sehe durch ein Glasauge, mal ruhig und mal wild.
Ich fange Szenen ein, für Film und Fernsehen wichtig.
Mein Beruf braucht Auge und Hand, wer bin ich, sag es richtig?

English:
I often stand in darkness, yet bring light to the picture.
I see through a glass eye, sometimes calm, sometimes wilder.
I capture scenes, important for film and television.
My job needs eye and hand, who am I, make the right decision?

Solution: Der Kameramann (The cameraman)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Kameramann' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Kamera: The camera (the recording device).
• Der Mann: The man (the person operating the device, originally with male connotation).

Trivia:

• The profession requires both technical understanding and a good eye for aesthetics and image composition.
• Famous German cinematographers include Michael Ballhaus and Jost Vacano.