der  Karneval

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/kaʁnəˈvaːl/

🎭 What is Karneval?

Der Karneval refers to an extensive festive season traditionally held before the Christian period of Lent (starting on Aschermittwoch - Ash Wednesday). It's characterized by public celebrations, parades (Umzüge), music, dancing, and wearing costumes (Kostüme) and masks (Masken).

Regionally, there are different names and customs:

• Karneval: Mainly used in the Rhineland (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz).
• Fasching: Common in Southern Germany (Bavaria, Saxony) and Austria.
• Fastnacht / Fasnet: Typical for Southwestern Germany (Swabia, Baden, Switzerland).

Although the names vary, the underlying concept is similar: a time of exuberant celebration and the inversion of social norms before the contemplative Lenten season. ⚠️ Be aware of regional differences in dates and traditions!

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Karneval

The noun 'Karneval' is masculine. The article is der.

A plural form ('die Karnevale') is very rare and usually only used to describe different types of carnival celebrations or events over several years.

Example Sentences

1. Der Kölner Karneval zieht jedes Jahr Millionen Besucher an.
   (The Cologne Carnival attracts millions of visitors every year.)
2. Wir freuen uns schon auf den Karneval im nächsten Februar.
   (We are already looking forward to Carnival next February.)
3. Während des Karnevals sind die Straßen voller Narren.
   (During Carnival, the streets are full of fools/jesters.)
4. Sie erzählte mir von ihrem liebsten Kostüm zu Karneval.
   (She told me about her favorite costume for Carnival.)

💡 How to Use Karneval

'Karneval' is used to refer to the entire season or specific events within that period.

• Context: Cultural events, holidays, traditions, social gatherings.
• Typical Phrases: 'Karneval feiern' (to celebrate Carnival), 'im Karneval' (during Carnival), 'zum Karneval gehen' (to go to Carnival), 'Karnevalsumzug' (Carnival parade).
• Differences: As mentioned, 'Fasching' and 'Fastnacht' are regionally common synonyms. The intensity and type of celebrations can vary greatly (e.g., Rhenish street carnival vs. Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht with traditional masks).
• Time Period: Officially, the Carnival season often begins on 11/11 at 11:11 AM, but the main festivities take place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday (from Weiberfastnacht - Women's Carnival Thursday - to Veilchendienstag - Shrove Tuesday).

🧠 Mnemonics for Karneval

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of a male CAR driving NAVAL officers in a parade. A CAR-NAVAL parade led by men (masculine = der).
2. Meaning Mnemonic: 'Karneval' might derive from Italian 'carne levare' or Latin 'carne vale', meaning 'meat, farewell!'. Think of saying 'farewell to meat' before Lent = Karneval, the big party before fasting.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but distinct terms:

• Maskenball: A masked ball; can be part of Karneval but isn't the same thing.
• Festival: A more general term for a large celebration, often involving music. Karneval is a specific type of festival/festive season.

😂 A Little Carnival Joke

German: Fragt der Jeck den anderen: "Sag mal, warum hast du denn eine Klobürste auf dem Kopf?" Antwortet der andere: "Ach, ich wollte dieses Jahr mal als 'verrückter Scheißer' gehen!"

English Translation: One jester asks another: "Tell me, why do you have a toilet brush on your head?" The other replies: "Oh, this year I wanted to go as a 'crazy crapper'!"

🎶 A Rhyme for the Foolish Season

German:
Bunt und laut, die Stadt erwacht,
Der Karneval hat's mitgebracht.
Kostüme schrill, Musik im Ohr,
Ein jeder Narr tritt aus dem Tor.
Man tanzt und lacht, vergisst die Zeit,
Bis Aschermittwoch ist's nicht weit.
Helau! Alaaf! So ruft man hier,
Im schönsten Trubel, glaube mir!

English Translation:
Colorful and loud, the city awakes,
The Carnival is what it takes.
Costumes flashy, music in the ear,
Every jester steps out from the gate, clear.
They dance and laugh, forget the time so fleet,
Till Ash Wednesday isn't far, oh sweet.
Helau! Alaaf! They shout it here,
In the finest bustle, believe me, dear!

❓ What am I?

German:
Ich komme vor der Zeit des Fastens,
vertreibe Sorgen, Lasten.
Mit Masken, Spaß und viel Tamtam,
ziehn Narren durch das ganze Land.
Im Rheinland nennt man mich zuerst,
obwohl ich anderswo verehrt.
Mein Artikel ist 'der', ganz klar.

Wer bin ich wohl, Jahr für Jahr?

English Translation:
I come before the time of fasting,
driving away worries, burdens lasting.
With masks, fun, and much ado,
jesters parade the whole land through.
In the Rhineland, they name me first,
though elsewhere I'm revered, not cursed.
My article is 'der', that's clear.

Who am I then, year after year?

Solution: Der Karneval (Carnival)

🤓 Interesting Facts about Karneval

• Etymology: The exact origin is disputed. Besides 'carne levare' (remove meat), 'carrus navalis' (ship cart, a float in parades) is also discussed.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Rhenish Carnival was added to Germany's nationwide inventory of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2014.
• Traditional Shouts: The most famous 'fool's shouts' (Narrenrufe) are 'Helau' (Düsseldorf, Mainz) and 'Alaaf' (Cologne, Bonn, Aachen).
• Symbolic Figures: Often there is a royal couple (Prinz Karneval and his Venetia/Bonna etc.) who symbolically take over the rule of the jesters.