der
Kran
🏗️ What does "der Kran" mean?
The German word der Kran (plural: die Kräne) primarily refers to a machine used for lifting and moving heavy loads. These machines are often found on construction sites (Baustellen), in ports (Häfen), or in industrial plants (Industrieanlagen).
Important Note: ⚠️ Although the word "Kran" is etymologically related to the bird crane (der Kranich) – because of the machine's long "neck" – the bird itself is usually called der Kranich. Occasionally or poetically, "der Kran" might also refer to the bird, but this is less common and depends on the context.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-an → almost always masculine.
Caution: Most country names in German do not have an article and are neutral. You say "nach" plus country, like "nach Japan". But some countries have an article, for example "der Sudan". Then you say "in den" plus the country, like "in den Sudan".
Devices → mostly masculine.
Caution: das Gerät
🧐 Grammar of "der Kran" in Detail
"Kran" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Kran |
| Genitive | des | Kran(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Kran(e) |
| Accusative | den | Kran |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kräne |
| Genitive | der | Kräne |
| Dative | den | Kränen |
| Accusative | die | Kräne |
Example Sentences
- Der große Kran hebt die Betonplatten auf das Dach.
(The large crane lifts the concrete slabs onto the roof.) - Die Arbeiter warten auf die Lieferung durch den Kran.
(The workers are waiting for the delivery by the crane.) - Die Bedienung eines Krans erfordert eine spezielle Ausbildung.
(Operating a crane requires special training.) - Am Hafen stehen viele hohe Kräne.
(There are many tall cranes at the port.)
🛠️ Everyday Usage
The word der Kran is mainly used in technical and industrial contexts.
- Construction sites (Baustellen): For lifting building materials (e.g., Baukran - construction crane, Turmdrehkran - tower crane).
- Ports (Häfen): For loading and unloading ships (e.g., Hafenkran - harbour crane, Containerkran - container crane).
- Industry (Industrie): In factory halls for moving heavy machine parts (e.g., Brückenkran - bridge crane, Portalkran - gantry crane).
- Transport (Transport): Cranes mounted on trucks (e.g., Ladekran - loading crane, Mobilkran - mobile crane).
Compared to words like das Hebezeug (hoisting equipment), "Kran" is the more common and specific term for this type of machine.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Remembering the Article: Think of a strong construction worker (der Mann - the man) operating den Kran. The machine is powerful and imposing, a masculine symbol (der).
Remembering the Meaning: Imagine the long neck of a crane (the bird). Der Kran (the machine) also has a long "neck" (jib or boom) to lift things high up.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- der Hebekran: General term for lifting crane.
- der Baukran: Specifically used on construction sites.
- der Ladekran: Mounted on vehicles.
- das Hebezeug: More general (hoisting equipment), can include smaller devices.
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
Direct antonyms for "Kran" don't really exist. Functionally, one might consider opposites like:
- Something that lowers (although cranes also lower loads).
- Manual labour (instead of machine assistance).
Similar but Different Words
- der Kranich: The bird from which the name is derived.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Kran aufgehört zu arbeiten?
Er hatte einfach keinen Bock mehr!
(Why did the crane stop working?
It just wasn't 'up' for it anymore! / It had no desire/drive anymore! - "keinen Bock haben" is colloquial for 'not feeling like it', and "Bock" can also mean trestle/support, making a pun)
📜 Poem about the Crane
Hoch ragt der Kran in Himmels Blau,
bewegt die Lasten, schwer und grau.
Ein Stahlriese, stark und groß,
hilft bauen Schloss um Schloss.
Sein Arm schwenkt weit, sein Haken greift,
was Menschenkraft allein nicht schleift.
(High stands the crane in heaven's blue,
Moves the loads, heavy and grey, it's true.
A steel giant, strong and tall,
Helps build castles, one and all.
Its arm swings wide, its hook takes hold,
What human strength alone can't mould.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe einen langen Hals, aber keinen Kopf.
Ich hebe schwere Lasten, doch bin kein Tropf.
Auf Baustellen bin ich oft zu seh'n.
Wer bin ich? Sag's geschwind und schön!
(I have a long neck, but no head.
I lift heavy loads, but I'm no simpleton instead.
On construction sites, I'm often seen.
Who am I? Tell me quick and keen!)
Solution: Der Kran (The Crane)
ℹ️ Other Information about "der Kran"
Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Kran" derives from Middle High German "kranech" or "kran", which referred to the crane bird (Kranich). The machine was named due to the resemblance of its jib/boom to the bird's long neck.
Compound Words: There are many compound nouns with "Kran" that specify the type or location of use, e.g.:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kran?
The correct form is der Kran (masculine). The plural is die Kräne.