der  Kegel

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkeːɡl̩/

🎳 What does "der Kegel" mean?

The word der Kegel (the cone/pin) has several meanings:

• In sports (Kegeln/Bowling): The object that needs to be knocked over in German Kegeln (nine-pin bowling) or standard ten-pin bowling. Typically, there are nine (Kegeln) or ten (Bowling) pins (die Kegel) at the end of the lane.
• In geometry: A geometric solid with a circular base that tapers to a point (apex). Synonym: der Konus.
• In traffic: A pylon or traffic cone used for barriers or marking lanes.

🚨 Attention: Although all meanings use the masculine article ("der Kegel"), it's important to understand the context to grasp the correct meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar in Detail: Der Kegel

The noun "Kegel" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Beim Bowling fiel nur ein Kegel um.
   (Only one pin fell during bowling.)
2. Der Mathematiklehrer zeichnete einen Kegel an die Tafel.
   (The math teacher drew a cone on the blackboard.)
3. Die Polizei stellte Kegel auf, um die Unfallstelle abzusperren.
   (The police set up cones to block off the accident site.)
4. Der Schatten des Berges bildete einen perfekten Kegel.
   (The shadow of the mountain formed a perfect cone.)

🎯 Using "der Kegel" Correctly

• Sports: Talk about "Kegeln" (plural) when referring to the pins in bowling/Kegeln ("Alle neune Kegel sind gefallen!" - All nine pins fell!). A single pin is "der Kegel".
• Geometry: Here, "der Kegel" is used precisely for the geometric shape. A related term is "der Konus".
• Traffic: "Der Leitkegel" or "der Pylon" are more specific terms, but "der Kegel" is often used colloquially ("Pass auf den Kegel auf!" - Watch out for the cone!). Sometimes the diminutive "das Hütchen" (little hat) is used, especially for smaller markers.

Generally, "der Kegel" is a versatile word whose meaning heavily depends on the context.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Kegel"

Article mnemonic: Think of DER strong man who knocks over all DER Kegel (pins). The masculine article DER fits the 'strong' pin or the 'pointed' cone shape, often associated with masculine strength or direction.

Meaning mnemonic: Imagine a bowling Kegel (pin) falling over, transforming into a geometric Kegel (cone), which then lands on the street as a traffic Kegel (cone). All are 'pointed fellows' (masculine!).

🔄 Similar and Contrasting Words

⚠️ Be careful with "die Kugel": In sports, it's the ball; in geometry, it's a different shape (sphere).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Kegel nie am Marathon teil?
(Why do bowling pins never take part in a marathon?)

Weil sie Angst haben, unterwegs umzufallen!
(Because they're afraid of falling over along the way!)

📜 Poem about the Kegel

Ein Kegel stand am Bahnende,
(A pin stood at the lane's end,)
erwartete der Kugel Wende.
(awaiting the ball's turn.)
Mal steht er stolz und kerzengrad,
(Sometimes it stands proud and straight,)
mal dient als Hut er auf der Straß'.
(sometimes serves as a hat on the street.)
Ein spitzer Körper, wohlbekannt,
(A pointed body, well-known,)
in Mathe und im Sportlerland.
(in math and in the land of sports.)

❓ Who am I? - The Kegel Riddle

Ich stehe oft in einer Reihe,
(I often stand in a row,)
beim Sport, da gibt es keine Zweie.
(in sports, there are no twos [pairs? - idiom unclear, likely means 'no doubt']).
Ich habe einen runden Fuß,
(I have a round foot,)
und lauf' nach oben spitz zum Schluss.
(and run upwards, pointed at the end.)
Man stellt mich auf, um was zu leiten,
(People set me up to guide something,)
oder um Punkte zu bestreiten.
(or to compete for points.)

(Solution: Der Kegel - the pin/cone)

💡 More about Kegel

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen):

• Die Kegelbahn: The bowling alley (specifically for Kegeln).
• Der Kegelclub: The bowling club.
• Der Vulkankegel: The volcanic cone (shape of a volcano).
• Kegelförmig: Adjective meaning 'cone-shaped'.
• Der Lichtkegel: The cone of light produced by a lamp.

Trivia: Kegeln is one of the oldest sports in Europe, known since the Middle Ages.