der
Komiker
🎭 What does "der Komiker" mean?
A Komiker is a male person who makes people laugh professionally or as a hobby. This is often done through jokes (Witze), funny stories (lustige Geschichten), parodies, or situational comedy, usually on stage (auf einer Bühne), on television (im Fernsehen), or in films (in Filmen).
The feminine form is die Komikerin.
The word derives from "Komik" (humour, funniness), which in turn comes from Greek (κωμικός kōmikós).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-iker → always masculine.
Compare with '-er' (mostly masculine).
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of "der Komiker" in Detail
The noun "Komiker" is masculine and takes the article der. It belongs to the group of nouns with weak declension (n-declension) in the plural, but strong declension in the singular genitive case.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Komiker |
| Genitive | des | Komikers |
| Dative | dem | Komiker |
| Accusative | den | Komiker |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Komiker |
| Genitive | der | Komiker |
| Dative | den | Komikern |
| Accusative | die | Komiker |
Example Sentences
- Der Komiker erzählte einen Witz nach dem anderen. (The comedian told one joke after another.)
- Das Publikum lachte über die Pointen des Komikers. (The audience laughed at the comedian's punchlines.)
- Wir gaben dem Komiker nach der Vorstellung Applaus. (We gave the comedian applause after the show.)
- Siehst du den Komiker dort auf der Bühne? (Do you see the comedian there on the stage?)
- Viele Komiker traten bei dem Festival auf. (Many comedians performed at the festival.)
- Die Gags der Komiker waren sehr unterschiedlich. (The comedians' gags were very different.)
- Man dankte den Komikern für den unterhaltsamen Abend. (The comedians were thanked for the entertaining evening.)
🎤 How and When to Use "Komiker"?
The term Komiker is used to describe a person whose main goal is to make others laugh. This can happen in various contexts:
- Job title: Many people work full-time as comedians (Komiker), e.g., Stand-up-Komiker (stand-up comedian), Kabarettist (cabaret artist), actor in comedies (Schauspieler in Komödien).
- Describing a person: Sometimes someone is called a "Komiker" in everyday life if they are particularly funny or often make jokes, even if it's not their profession.
- Contexts: We talk about comedians (Komiker) in the theatre (im Theater), on TV (im Fernsehen), in the circus (im Zirkus), at events (bei Veranstaltungen), or in films (in Filmen).
Distinction: A Clown often differs through costume and non-verbal comedy. A Kabarettist frequently combines humour with political or social satire.
💡 Mnemonics for "der Komiker"
For the article: Think of "der Mann" (the man) who stands on stage telling jokes – der Komiker is often (traditionally) male.
For the meaning: A Komiker often does komische (funny/comical) things to make the audience laugh. The word "komisch" helps remember "Komiker". It sounds like 'comical'.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Humorist: Often slightly more sophisticated, can also be a writer.
- Spaßmacher: More colloquial, someone who provides fun.
- Witzbold: Colloquial for someone who likes telling jokes.
- Kabarettist: Often with a political/socially critical focus.
- Comedian: English loanword, very common, often for stand-up comedians.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Tragiker: Actor who plays tragic roles.
- Ernste Person: A serious person who rarely laughs or jokes.
- Langweiler: A bore, someone perceived as uninteresting or not entertaining.
Beware of confusion: Do not confuse with Komparse (extra in a film/play) or Komponist (composer).
😂 A Little Joke
Teacher asks: "Wer kann mir fünf Tiere nennen, die in Afrika leben?"
Fritzchen answers: "Vier Löwen und ein Gnu!"
The comedian in the audience whispers: "Immerhin, die Quote stimmt!"
Translation:
Teacher asks: "Who can name five animals that live in Africa?"
Little Fritz answers: "Four lions and a wildebeest!"
The comedian in the audience whispers: "Well, at least the ratio is right!"
✒️ Poem about the Comedian
Ein Komiker betritt die Bühn',
Mit Witz und Charme, ganz ohne Müh'n.
Erzählt Geschichten, leicht und frei,
Das Lachen schallt, die Sorgen sind vorbei.
Er zielt aufs Zwerchfell, trifft genau,
Mal laut, mal leise, immer schlau.
Applaus am End', ein heller Klang,
Für diesen Mann, der Freude sang.
Translation:
A comedian enters the stage,
With wit and charm, without effort's cage.
Tells stories, light and free,
Laughter rings out, worries flee.
He aims for the diaphragm, hits just right,
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, always bright.
Applause at the end, a clear sound's call,
For this man, who sang joy for all.
❓ Riddle
Ich steh im Licht, mein Ziel ist klar,
Dein Lachen ist mein Honorar.
Mit Pointen spiel' ich, Wort für Wort,
Wer bin ich, an diesem heit'ren Ort?
Translation:
I stand in the light, my goal is clear,
Your laughter is my payment dear.
With punchlines I play, word by word,
Who am I, in this cheerful world heard?
Solution: Der Komiker (The Comedian)
More Insights
Word Family:
- die Komik: humour, the comical aspect.
- komisch: funny, strange, comical.
- die Komödie: comedy (play or film).
Trivia: Many famous comedians (Komiker) write their own material and programs, developing a unique style and persona over many years.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Komiker?
The word "Komiker" is masculine and takes the article der. The plural is "die Komiker". It refers to a person who makes others laugh, a comedian.