der
Klee
🌱 What does 'der Klee' mean?
Der Klee (noun, masculine) refers to the plant genus clover from the legume family (Fabaceae), which is widespread worldwide. Typically, the leaves have three leaflets (hence the Latin name Trifolium).
Clover is particularly known as:
- Forage crop: Many types of clover are important fodder plants in agriculture (e.g., Rotklee - red clover, Weißklee - white clover).
- Green manure: Clover enriches the soil with nitrogen.
- Symbol: Especially the four-leaf clover (vierblättriger Klee) is considered a symbol of luck. 🍀
There is only the masculine article 'der' for Klee.
🧐 Grammar of 'der Klee' in Detail
The word "Klee" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der Klee | ein Klee (a clover) |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Klees | eines Klees (of a clover) |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Klee | einem Klee (to/for a clover) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den Klee | einen Klee (a clover) |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Klee / Klees | Klee / Klees (clovers) |
| Genitive | der Klee / Klees | Klee / Klees (of clovers) |
| Dativ | den Klee / Klees | Klee / Klees (to/for clovers) |
| Accusative | die Klee / Klees | Klee / Klees (clovers) |
Note: The plural is rare and often unchanged ('die Klee') or formed with -s ('die Klees'), especially when referring to different species.
Example Sentences
- Die Kuh frisst den saftigen Klee auf der Weide. (The cow eats the juicy clover in the pasture.)
- Hast du schon einmal einen vierblättrigen Klee gefunden? (Have you ever found a four-leaf clover?)
- Der Bauer sät Klee zur Bodenverbesserung. (The farmer sows clover for soil improvement.)
- Im Wappen Irlands findet man ein Kleeblatt (Shamrock). (In the coat of arms of Ireland, you can find a cloverleaf (Shamrock).)
💬 How to use 'Klee'?
'Der Klee' is mainly used in the context of nature, agriculture, and symbolism.
- Nature & Agriculture: People talk about Klee in meadows (Wiesen), fields (Feldern), or gardens (Gärten). Example: "Der Weißklee blüht im Sommer." (White clover blooms in summer.)
- Symbolism: Especially the four-leaf clover (vierblättriges Kleeblatt) stands for luck (Glück). Example: "Ich wünsche dir viel Glück, hier ist ein vierblättriger Klee!" (I wish you good luck, here is a four-leaf clover!)
- Idioms: "Jemanden über den grünen Klee loben" (literally: to praise someone over the green clover) means to praise someone excessively or effusively.
Compared to 'Gras' (grass), 'Klee' refers to a specific plant genus, while 'Gras' is a more general term.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Klee'
Article Mnemonic: Think of the lucky charm, the four-leaf clover. The article 'der' is masculine. Maybe imagine a strong man (der Mann) looking for lucky Klee.
Meaning Mnemonic: 'Klee' sounds a bit like the English word 'glee', which means happiness or joy – fitting for a lucky clover! Or imagine something sticky, like it 'clings' to your shoes in a field - Klee.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Luzerne (alfalfa, a related forage plant, often used similarly)
- Kleeblatt (cloverleaf, often refers to the single leaf or the symbol)
- Glücksklee / Glücksbringer (lucky clover / lucky charm, specifically for the four-leaf clover)
- Futterklee (fodder clover, emphasizing its use as animal feed)
Similar sounding, but different words
- Kleie: (die Kleie) - bran (from grain). Don't confuse them!
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Gärtner immer Glück?
Weil er den Klee auf seiner Seite hat! 😄
Translation: Why is the gardener always lucky?
Because he has the clover (luck/Klee) on his side! (It's a pun: 'Klee' sounds like 'Glück', luck, and it's a plant.)
📜 Poem about Clover
Grün und klein auf weiter Flur,
der Klee, ein Stück Natur.
Drei Blätter meist im Sonnenlicht,
ein viertes Glück verspricht.
Für Biene, Kuh ein Festtagsmahl,
wächst frisch in Berg und Tal.
Translation:
Green and small on fields afar,
The clover, a piece of nature's star.
Three leaves mostly in sunlight bright,
A fourth one promises fortune's light.
For bee and cow, a festive treat,
Grows fresh in mountain and valley sweet.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich wachse grün auf Feld und Wiese,
hab' meist drei Blätter, nur ganz miese
Tage gibt's für den, der sucht,
doch manchmal bringt ein Blatt mir Frucht
des Glücks. Man nennt mich oft Symbol.
Wer bin ich wohl?
Translation:
I grow green in field and meadow,
Usually have three leaves, only very bad
Days exist for the one who searches,
But sometimes a leaf brings me the fruit
Of luck. I'm often called a symbol.
Who am I?
Solution: Der Klee (Clover)
💡 More about Klee
- Etymology: The word "Klee" comes from Old High German "kleo" or "kle", possibly originating from an Indo-European root meaning "to stick" or "to smear" (perhaps due to the sticky nectar).
- Symbolism Ireland: The three-leaf clover (Shamrock / Kleeblatt) is a national symbol of Ireland and is said to have been used by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity.
- Four-leaf clover (Vierblättriger Klee): Having four leaves is a rare genetic mutation. Estimates suggest that for every 1,000 to 10,000 three-leaf clovers, there is only one four-leaf clover.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Klee?
The German word for clover (the plant) is always masculine: der Klee. It refers to the common plant, usually with three leaves, known as a fodder crop, for green manure, and (with four leaves) as a symbol of good luck.