der
Kreis
⭕ What does "der Kreis" mean?
The German word der Kreis is a masculine noun with several meanings:
- Geometric Shape: The most common meaning is a perfect round shape, where all points on the line are equidistant from the center. For example: Ein Zirkel hilft beim Zeichnen eines Kreises. (A compass helps to draw a circle.) 📐
- Group of People: It also refers to a group of people connected by common interests, friendship, or activity. Often translated as circle or group. For example: Sie traf sich regelmäßig mit ihrem Freundeskreis. (She regularly met with her circle of friends.) 🧑🤝🧑
- Administrative District: In Germany, a Kreis (or Landkreis) is an administrative division, a level between the municipality (Gemeinde) and the federal state (Bundesland). Similar to a county in the US or UK. For example: Der Kreis Euskirchen liegt in Nordrhein-Westfalen. (The district of Euskirchen is located in North Rhine-Westphalia.) 🗺️
⚠️ Important: Although all meanings use the article 'der', the context is crucial for understanding which meaning is intended.
📝 Grammar of "der Kreis" in Detail
Der Kreis is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Kreis | ein Kreis | Kreis |
| Genitive | des Kreises | eines Kreises | Kreises |
| Dative | dem Kreis / Kreise | einem Kreis / Kreise | Kreis / Kreise* |
| Accusative | den Kreis | einen Kreis | Kreis |
*The dative ending -e (Kreise) is considered elevated or archaic, but still possible.
Example Sentences
- (Geometry) Der Radius des Kreises beträgt 5 cm.
(The radius of the circle is 5 cm.) - (Group) Er bewegt sich nur in gehobenen Kreisen.
(He only moves in exclusive circles.) - (Administration) Die Zuständigkeit liegt beim Kreis.
(The responsibility lies with the district.) - (Group) Wir saßen im Kreise der Familie am Lagerfeuer.
(We sat in the family circle around the campfire.)
💡 How to Use "der Kreis"
- Geometrically/Mathematically: Often used with terms like Radius (radius), Durchmesser (diameter), Mittelpunkt (center), Umfang (circumference), Fläche (area). Example: Die Fläche eines Kreises berechnen. (Calculate the area of a circle.)
- Socially: Refers to social circles. Common compounds include Freundeskreis (circle of friends), Bekanntenkreis (circle of acquaintances), Familienkreis (family circle), Lesekreis (reading circle), Arbeitskreis (working group). Example: Im engsten Kreise feiern. (To celebrate within the closest circle.)
- Administratively/Politically: Denotes a Landkreis (rural district) or Stadtkreis (urban district) in Germany. Also found in terms like Kreistag (district council/parliament) or Wahlkreis (electoral district/constituency). Example: Der Landrat steht an der Spitze des Kreises. (The district administrator heads the district.)
- Figuratively: Can also describe a cycle or a closed movement, e.g., der Kreislauf des Lebens (the circle of life).
Compared to Runde (often more informal for a group or a round of drinks) or Zirkel (often more specific for exclusive groups or the drawing compass), der Kreis has a broader application.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Kreis"
Article Mnemonic: Think of Der Führer (the leader, masculine) standing in the center of der Kreis. Or: The word cRcle has an 'R', like deR.
Meaning Mnemonic: A Kreis can be many things: round without strife (shape 📐), a group that gives life (group 🧑🤝🧑), or where county laws are rife (district 🗺️).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- (Shape): Punkt (point), Gerade (line), Quadrat (square), Dreieck (triangle)
- (Group): Individuum (individual), Einzelner (individual person), Außenseiter (outsider)
- (District): (No direct opposite, rather other administrative levels like Gemeinde (municipality), Land (state))
🚨 Potential for Confusion:
Learners sometimes confuse Kreis (circle) with Kreuz (cross, the symbol †) because the words sound similar.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum sind Mathematiker schlecht im Dating?
Sie reden immer nur über ihre Ex-Punkte und den perfekten Kreis!
Translation: Why are mathematicians bad at dating?
They always talk only about their ex-points (Ex-Freundinnen/ex-girlfriends pun) and the perfect circle!
✍️ Poem about the Kreis
Der Kreis, so rund, so ohne End',
Symbol der Einheit, die man kennt.
Ob als Figur, ganz klar und rein,
Als Freundesgruppe, niemals allein,
Als Landstrich, wo die Verwaltung sitzt,
Der Kreis, der stets zusammen flitzt.
Translation:
The circle, so round, without an end,
A symbol of unity, a known trend.
Whether as a shape, so clear and pure,
As a group of friends, never unsure,
As a district, where administration sits,
The circle, that always together flits.
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich habe keinen Anfang und kein End',
bin eine Form, die jeder kennt.
Ich kann 'ne Gruppe Freunde sein,
oder ein Bezirk, nicht grad klein.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I have no beginning and no end,
I am a shape that everyone knows, my friend.
I can be a group of friends so dear,
Or a district, quite large, it's clear.
What am I?
Solution: Der Kreis (the circle/group/district)
➕ Other Information
Compound Words (Komposita):
Der Kreis forms part of many compound German words:
- Kreisverkehr: roundabout
- Kreislauf: circulation (e.g., blood circulation), cycle
- Wirkungskreis: sphere of influence
- Teufelskreis: vicious circle
- Kreisdiagramm: pie chart
- Kreissäge: circular saw
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kreis?
The German word Kreis is always masculine. Therefore, it is always der Kreis, regardless of whether it refers to a geometric shape, a group of people, or an administrative district. The plural form is die Kreise.