der  King

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɪŋ/

👑 What does "der King" mean?

The word "King" is an Anglicism, a loanword from English. In German, it's primarily used in two contexts:

• Monarch: Similar to English, it can refer to a male monarch. However, the native German word "der König" is much more common and formal for this. Using "der King" often sounds more casual or is used in specific titles (e.g., Elvis, der "King of Rock 'n' Roll").
• Top Dog/Best: Colloquially, "der King" is often used to describe someone who is the best or the leader in a particular field (e.g., "Er ist der King auf dem Fußballplatz." - He's the king on the soccer field.).

🚨 Attention: The actual German word for a male monarch is "der König". While "King" is understood, it's often informal or refers to the English-speaking world.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der King" in Detail

"Der King" is a masculine noun. It's declined like most Anglicisms, often retaining the English plural form.

Declension Singular

Note: In the genitive singular, both "des Kings" (with the English genitive 's') and "des King" (without 's') can be found.

Declension Plural

Note: The plural is usually formed according to the English model with "-s": die Kings.

Example Sentences

• Elvis Presley wird oft als "der King of Rock 'n' Roll" bezeichnet. (Elvis Presley is often called "the King of Rock 'n' Roll".)
• In diesem Spiel bist du heute der King! (In this game, you're the king today!)
• Die Macht des Kings war unumstritten. (The power of the king was undisputed. - Often refers to historical English kings)
• Wir trafen uns mit den "Kings" der Skaterszene. (We met with the "kings" of the skater scene.)

💡 How "der King" is Used

The use of "der King" in German heavily depends on the context:

• Music & Pop Culture: Very common for nicknames like "King of Pop" (Michael Jackson) or "King of Rock 'n' Roll" (Elvis Presley).
• Colloquial Speech: To express admiration or superiority: "Wow, du hast das geschafft? Du bist echt der King!" (Wow, you managed that? You're really the king!)
• Historical/English Context: When talking about English/British kings, "King" might be used, but often "König" is also used (e.g., "King Charles" vs. "König Charles").
• Games/Sports: Sometimes informally for the best player or champion. However, the chess piece is called "der König", and the playing card is also "der König".

Comparison with "der König": "Der König" is the standard word for a male monarch and sounds more formal and traditional. "Der King" is more colloquial, modern, and often limited to specific contexts (pop culture, slang, English-speaking world).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der King"

For the Article: Think of the English phrase 'the King'. 'Der' somewhat resembles 'the', and a king is typically male, matching the masculine article der.

For the Meaning: It's super easy – "King" sounds exactly like the English word king and usually means the same thing: either a real ruler or someone treated like one because they are the best!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• König (der): The primary German word. "King" is a loanword.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir einen berühmten King nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Burger King!"

Teacher asks: "Who can name a famous King?"
Little Fritzchen raises his hand: "Burger King!"

📜 Poem about the "King"

Man nennt ihn "King", mal hier, mal dort,
Ein Herrscher oft, an fernem Ort.
Doch auch im Spiel, auf manchem Platz,
ist "King", wer hat den größten Schatz –
An Können, Mut und Siegeswillen,
Kann so den höchsten Rang erfüllen.

He's called "King", sometimes here, sometimes there,
A ruler often, in places far.
But also in games, on many a field,
Is "King" who has the greatest yield –
Of skill, courage, and will to win,
Thus can fulfill the highest station within.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komm' aus England, Wort für Wort,
bin Herrscher dort, doch auch im Sport,
nennt man den Besten oft nach mir,
bin männlich, sag, wer bin ich dir?
(Maskuliner Artikel!)

I come from England, word for word,
I rule there, but also in sport,
the best is often named like me,
I'm masculine, tell me, who might I be?
(Masculine article!)

Solution: der King

➕ Other Info

• Word Origin: Directly borrowed from English (Anglizismus). The English word "king" derives from the Old English "cyning".
• Cultural References: Besides the music "Kings" already mentioned, there's Stephen King (author, often called "King of Horror"), Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights leader), and the character "King Kong".