der
Kursbeginn
🎯 What exactly is 'der Kursbeginn'?
The German word der Kursbeginn refers to the point in time or the day when a course (e.g., a language course, a university course, a workshop, etc.) starts or commences. It's the starting point of a class or learning program.
Because the word uses the article "der", it is a masculine noun.
- Meaning: Start of a course, commencement time.
There are no common pitfalls 🚨, as the meaning is quite clear and only one article is used.
📚 Grammar of 'Kursbeginn' in Detail
The word "Kursbeginn" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Kursbeginn |
| Genitive | des | Kursbeginns / Kursbeginnes |
| Dative | dem | Kursbeginn |
| Accusative | den | Kursbeginn |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kursbeginne |
| Genitive | der | Kursbeginne |
| Dative | den | Kursbeginnen |
| Accusative | die | Kursbeginne |
Example Sentences
- Der Kursbeginn ist für den 1. Oktober geplant.
(The course start is planned for October 1st.) - Bitte informieren Sie sich rechtzeitig über den genauen Kursbeginn.
(Please inform yourself about the exact course start time in advance.) - Nach dem Kursbeginn ist eine Anmeldung oft nicht mehr möglich.
(After the course has started, registration is often no longer possible.) - Wir wünschen allen Teilnehmern einen erfolgreichen Kursbeginn!
(We wish all participants a successful start to the course!)
🗓️ When and How to Use "Kursbeginn"?
"Kursbeginn" is primarily used in the context of educational institutions (schools, universities, adult education centers) and further training offers. It is a formal to neutral word.
- Typical Contexts: Announcements, schedules, information materials, registration forms, emails to course participants.
- Usage: It clearly denotes the starting time. You can talk about an "frühen Kursbeginn" (early course start) or "späten Kursbeginn" (late course start), or you can "den Kursbeginn verschieben" (postpone the course start).
- Comparison: While "Anfang" (beginning) or "Start" are more general, "Kursbeginn" specifically refers to the commencement of a course. Example: Der Anfang des Semesters ist im Oktober, aber der Kursbeginn für den Französischkurs ist erst eine Woche später. (The beginning of the semester is in October, but the start of the French course is only a week later.)
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of DER important moment everyone waits for: DER Kursbeginn! (Words for beginnings like der Anfang, der Start, der Beginn are often masculine).
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: Kurs (course) + Beginn (beginning). It literally means 'the beginning of the course'. Quite logical!
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with "Kursteilnahme" (course participation) or "Kursgebühr" (course fee).
😂 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Lehrer am ersten Tag: "Wer kann mir sagen, wann unser Kurs beginnt?" Meldet sich ein Schüler: "Na, am Kursbeginn natürlich!"
English: The teacher asks on the first day: "Who can tell me when our course begins?" A student raises his hand: "Well, at the course beginning, of course!"
✍️ Poem for the Start
German:
Der Kalender zeigt es an,
es fängt was Neues an.
Die Tür geht auf, ganz frisch und frei,
der Kursbeginn ist nun dabei.
Mit Stift und Block, bereit zu lern',
sehen wir den Start so gern.
English Translation:
The calendar shows it now,
Something new begins, and how.
The door opens, fresh and free,
The Kursbeginn is here, you see.
With pen and pad, ready to learn,
We gladly watch the new term turn.
🕵️♀️ Little Riddle
German:
Ich markiere einen Zeitpunkt klar,
bin für Schüler, Lehrer da.
Vor mir liegt die Lernenszeit,
nach mir Wissen, weit und breit.
Was bin ich?
... Der Kursbeginn
English Translation:
I mark a point in time so clear,
For students, teachers, I am here.
Before me lies the time to learn,
After me, knowledge you will earn, far and near.
What am I?
... The course start (Der Kursbeginn)
🧩 Word Building Blocks and More
Word Composition:
"Kursbeginn" is a compound noun (Kompositum):
Together they form "der Beginn des Kurses" (the beginning of the course).
Cultural Note: Punctuality is often important in Germany, so the exact Kursbeginn is relevant information that is usually adhered to (the famous "akademisches Viertel" - academic quarter hour - at universities is a well-known exception).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kursbeginn?
The word "Kursbeginn" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It refers to the starting time or commencement of a course or class.