der  Karton

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kaʁˈtoːn/

📦 What Exactly is a 'Karton'?

The German word der Karton (plural: die Kartons or die Kartone) primarily has two meanings:

1. Material: It refers to a firm, thick type of paperboard, often used for packaging. Example: Dieses Regal ist aus stabilem Karton gefertigt. (This shelf is made of sturdy cardboard.)
2. Container: It refers to a box made from this material (Karton/Pappe - cardboard). This is the more common meaning in everyday life. Example: Ich brauche einen großen Karton für den Umzug. (I need a large box for the move.)

Luckily, this word only uses the article der, which makes it easier to remember.

🧐 Grammar of 'der Karton' in Detail

The noun 'der Karton' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Note: The plural form Kartons is more common than Kartone. In the Dative plural, the form 'Kartone' takes an extra -n ('den Kartonen').

Example Sentences

1. Der leere Karton steht im Flur. (The empty box is in the hallway. - Nominative Singular)
2. Ich werfe den Karton weg. (I throw the box away. - Accusative Singular)
3. In dem Karton sind Bücher. (There are books in the box. - Dative Singular)
4. Der Deckel des Kartons fehlt. (The lid of the box is missing. - Genitive Singular)
5. Die Kartons stapeln sich im Keller. (The boxes are piling up in the basement. - Nominative Plural)

💡 How to Use 'Karton' Correctly

'Der Karton' is mostly used in contexts related to packaging, storage, shipping, or moving. Common terms include:

• Umzugskartons (moving boxes)
• Versandkartons (shipping boxes)
• Geschenkkartons (gift boxes)
• Schuhkartons (shoe boxes)

As a material, 'Karton' is sometimes distinguished from 'Pappe' (cardboard), where 'Karton' might imply higher quality or stiffness, but the line is often blurry. A 'Schachtel' is a more general term for a box, which can also be made of other materials, whereas a 'Karton' specifically refers to one made of cardboard/paperboard.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Karton'

For the article: Think of a strong man (masculine -> der) carrying a heavy moving box (Karton). Der strong Karton helps you move.

For the meaning: Imagine a 'carton' of milk, but much bigger and made of cardboard – that's a Karton (box). Or, think of a 'ton' of stuff fitting into a Kar-ton.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Karton geweint?
Weil er zu viele Ecken und Kanten hatte!

(Why did the cardboard box cry?
Because it had too many rough edges / corners and edges!)

📜 Poem about the Karton

Ein Karton, stabil und braun,
dient zum Packen, kann man schau'n.
Ob Umzug, Versand, ob Lager klein,
stets passt etwas in ihn hinein.
Vier Ecken hat er, manchmal mehr,
trägt die Last, mal leicht, mal schwer.
Ist er leer, wird er gefaltet,
bis man ihn erneut gestaltet.

(A carton, sturdy and brown,
Serves for packing, can be shown.
Whether moving, shipping, storage small,
Something always fits inside it all.
Four corners it has, sometimes more,
Carries the load, light or sore.
When empty, it is folded away,
Until needed another day.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe Ecken, aber kein Haus.
Ich trage Dinge, bin aber keine Maus.
Man faltet mich, wenn ich bin leer.
Was bin ich? Rate sehr!

(I have corners, but no house.
I carry things, but I'm not a mouse.
You fold me when I am empty.
What am I? Guess intently!)

Solution: der Karton (the cardboard box)

🌐 Other Information

The word 'Karton' comes from the French word 'carton', which in turn derives from the Italian 'cartone' (large paper, pasteboard). This originates from 'carta' (paper).

An interesting point is the plural distinction: 'Kartons' is the more common form today, while 'Kartone' sounds a bit dated but is grammatically correct.