der  Kelch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɛlç/

🍷 What exactly is a Kelch?

The German word der Kelch is a masculine noun. It primarily has two meanings:

1. 🏺 A drinking vessel: Often an ornate vessel with a foot and stem, similar to a Pokal (goblet) or Becher (cup), used for drinking wine or water. The liturgical Kelch (chalice) used in Christian communion (das Abendmahl) is particularly well-known (der Abendmahlskelch).

2. 🌸 A part of a flower: In botany, der Kelch (calyx) refers to the collection of sepals that enclose and protect the flower bud before it opens. It is usually located at the base of the flower.

Both meanings use the masculine article der.

🧐 Grammar: Der Kelch in Detail

The word "Kelch" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Note: In the genitive singular, both forms (Kelches and Kelchs) are possible, with Kelches being slightly more common. In the dative singular, Kelche is less common and sounds more formal or archaic.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Priester hob den goldenen Kelch.
   (The priest lifted the golden chalice.)
2. Aus dem edlen Kelch trank der König Wein.
   (The king drank wine from the noble goblet.)
3. Der Kelch der Tulpe schützt die zarten Blütenblätter.
   (The calyx of the tulip protects the delicate petals.)
4. Die grünen Kelche fielen nach der Blüte ab.
   (The green calyxes fell off after flowering.)

💡 How to Use "der Kelch"?

The usage of der Kelch heavily depends on the context:

• Religious/Liturgical Context: Here, "Kelch" is the standard term for the vessel used in communion or the Eucharist.
• Elevated/Literary Context: As a synonym for Pokal (goblet) or Becher (cup), often to convey elegance or archaism ("Er reichte ihr den Kelch." - He handed her the goblet.).
• Botanical Context: As a technical term for the outer part of the flower (calyx).
• Figurative Meaning: There's an idiom "den Kelch (des Leidens) bis zur Neige leeren" (literally: to empty the chalice (of suffering) to the dregs), meaning to endure something unpleasant completely. Example: "Er musste diesen bitteren Kelch bis zur Neige leeren." (He had to drink this bitter cup to the dregs.) Here, the Kelch symbolizes suffering or an ordeal.

In everyday language for a normal drinking glass, Germans typically use "Glas", "Becher", or "Tasse". "Kelch" often sounds more formal or specific.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article 'der': Think of a priest (der Priester) or a knight (der Ritter), who often use a Kelch. Many masculine roles end in -er, associated with 'der'. Alternatively, imagine a strong man holding a heavy golden der Kelch.

For the meanings: Picture Der King (drinking vessel meaning) admiring a flower with a fancy green collar (der Kelch - calyx meaning).

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Der Kelch

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Köcher: quiver (for arrows) - sounds somewhat similar, but different meaning.
• Kalk: lime, calcium carbonate - purely phonetic similarity.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Kelch beim Abendmahl nie Stress?
Weil er immer weiß, was auf ihn zukommt – Wein! 😄

(Why is the chalice never stressed during communion?
Because it always knows what's coming – wine! (Also sounds like 'why not' in German: 'wein' nicht!'))

📜 A Poem About the Kelch

Ein Kelch, aus Silber, Gold gemacht,
Hält Trank bereit für Tag und Nacht.
Ein Kelch am Stiel, so fein und grün,
Lässt bald die zarte Blüte blühn.
Ob Wein, ob Nektar, tief im Grund,
Der Kelch erzählt von mancher Stund'.

(A chalice, of silver, gold made bright,
Holds drink prepared for day and night.
A calyx on its stem, so fine and green,
Lets soon the tender blossom preen.
Be it wine or nectar, deep inside,
The Kelch tells tales of time and tide.)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich hab einen Fuß, doch kann nicht gehen.
Ich halte Wein, den Priester heben.
An einer Blume bin ich auch zu sehen,
Bevor die Farben sich erheben.

Was bin ich? ... Der Kelch

(I have a foot, but cannot walk.
I hold the wine that priests lift high.
On a flower, I can also be seen,
Before the colors rise to the sky.

What am I?
... The Kelch (chalice/calyx))

✨ More Interesting Facts

Etymology: The word "Kelch" comes from the Latin word calix, meaning "cup" or "goblet". This shows the long history of this type of vessel.

Symbolism (Symbolik): The Kelch has rich symbolic meaning, especially in Christianity (Blood of Christ, community), but also more generally as a symbol of receiving, fate, or life itself (as in the idiom of the "bitter cup" - bitterer Kelch).