der / das  Laster

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlastɐ/

What does 'Laster' mean? 🧐 The Meanings of der and das Laster

The German word Laster has several meanings, which can also be distinguished by their articles:

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning, especially with "der Laster". The distinction between "der Laster" (vice) and "das Laster" (vice) is subtle, with "der Laster" being more common for vice.

Article rules for der, die, and das

The Grammar of Laster: Declension and Examples 🤓

Here is the declension for der Laster (masculine) and das Laster (neuter).

Declension of "der Laster" (masculine)

Declension of "das Laster" (neuter)

Note: The plural "die Laster" is the same for both genders.

Example Sentences

1. Der Laster (vice): Er kämpft gegen seine Laster.
   (He fights against his vices.)
2. Der Laster (truck): Der Laster liefert die Ware pünktlich.
   (The truck delivers the goods on time.)
3. Das Laster (vice): Das Laster der Trägheit überwand er schließlich.
   (He finally overcame the vice of laziness.)

How to Use 'Laster' in Daily Life 🗣️

The use of "Laster" strongly depends on its meaning and the chosen article:

• Der Laster (vice): This is the most common form to refer to a bad habit or moral failing. It's often used in contexts of ethics, psychology, or everyday weaknesses.
  E.g.: "Jeder Mensch hat wohl irgendein kleines Laster." (Everyone probably has some small vice.)
• Der Laster (truck/lorry): In colloquial German, especially spoken, "der Laster" is a widespread abbreviation for "der Lastkraftwagen". You'll often hear it in traffic reports or everyday conversations about vehicles.
  E.g.: "Vorsicht, da kommt ein Laster von rechts!" (Careful, there's a truck coming from the right!)
• Das Laster (vice): This neuter form for "vice" is less common than "der Laster". It can have a slightly more formal, literary, or even archaic tone. In some contexts, it might emphasize the general concept or principle of vice. Duden lists it as synonymous with "der Laster" (vice). However, in daily usage, "der Laster" is more prevalent.
  E.g.: "Das Laster der Eitelkeit ist weit verbreitet." (The vice of vanity is widespread.)

Compared to synonyms like "Sucht" (addiction), "Laster" is often less severe and can also encompass smaller, everyday weaknesses. "Untugend" is a more direct synonym for the moral meaning.

🚨 Be aware that the colloquial meaning "truck" only applies to "der Laster". "Das Laster" never means truck.

Mnemonic Aids for 'Laster': Remembering Articles and Meanings 🧠

For the articles and meanings:

Imagine: DER strong man (masculine like 'der Mann') has many Laster (vices) 🚬🍷 and sometimes drives a big Laster (truck) 🚚.
DAS abstract concept, DAS Laster (vice itself) 📜, is neuter, like an impersonal thing ('das Ding').

To remember the meanings:

A Laster (vice) can 'last' a lifetime and become a 'Last' (burden) if you're not careful.
A Laster (truck) transports heavy 'Lasten' (loads) and 'lasts' for long journeys.

Similar and Opposite Words to Laster ↔️

Words that can cause confusion:

• Die Last: Means burden, load, weight. "Laster" (vice) is derived from it, but "die Last" is not the same as "das Laster" (vice).
• Lästern: The verb "lästern" (to slander, to badmouth) sounds similar but has a different meaning and origin.

A Little Laster Joke to Make You Smile 😂

In German:

Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Sagen Sie mal, haben Sie irgendwelche Laster?"
Antwortet der Patient: "Ja, Herr Doktor, einen blauen Mercedes vor der Tür. Warum?"

In English:

The doctor asks the patient: "Tell me, do you have any vices (Laster)?"
The patient replies: "Yes, doctor, a blue Mercedes parked outside. Why?"

(The pun is that "Laster" can mean vice or, colloquially, truck/lorry, and the patient misunderstands.)

Laster in Verse: A Short Poem 📜

Der innere Kampf / The Inner Struggle

Ein Laster schleicht, so leis und sacht,
(A vice creeps, so soft and slight,)
hat manchen schon zu Fall gebracht.
(Has brought many to their plight.)
Ob Trunk, ob Spiel, ob Trägheitsbann,
(Be it drink, or game, or lazy spell,)
es zieht uns in den tiefen Bann.
(It draws us into its deep shell.)

Ein andrer Laster, stark und groß,
(Another Laster, strong and grand,)
fährt auf der Straße, endlos bloß,
(Drives on the road across the land,)
transportiert Güter, fern und nah,
(Transports goods, both far and near,)
ist für die Wirtschaft immer da.
(For the economy, always here.)

So zweifach ist das Wort uns kund,
(Thus twofold is the word renowned,)
hält uns gesund oder macht uns wund.
(Keeps us healthy or makes us wound.)

Who or What Am I? The Laster Riddle 🤔

In German:

Ich kann eine Schwäche sein, tief im Herzen klein,
oder tonnenschwer auf Straßen rollen, stark und rein.
Mal bin ich männlich, wenn ich Untugend bring' oder Fracht,
mal sächlich, wenn nur Untugend ist's, die über uns wacht.
Was bin ich, sag es schnell, mit Bedacht?

In English:

I can be a weakness, small deep in the heart,
Or roll weighing tons on roads, playing a strong, clean part.
Sometimes I'm masculine, bringing vice or freight with might,
Sometimes neuter, when only vice is watching over us, day and night.
What am I, tell me quickly, with all your insight?

Solution: Das Laster / Der Laster (Vice / Truck)

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Laster 💡

Etymology:

The word "Laster" in the sense of vice comes from Middle High German "laster", meaning "disgrace, shame, fault, infirmity". It is related to "Last", meaning a burden or something that weighs one down. So, a vice is like a moral burden.

The meaning "truck/lorry" for "der Laster" is a shortening and a modern development, referring to the vehicle's function of transporting loads (Lasten).

Cultural Aspects:

Many cultures and religions have concepts of vices and virtues. The so-called "Seven Deadly Sins" (pride, greed, lust, wrath, gluttony, envy, sloth) are a well-known example of a categorization of vices. (German: Hochmut, Geiz, Wollust, Zorn, Völlerei, Neid, Faulheit).

Interesting Note:

Although "lästern" (to slander, to badmouth) sounds similar, it has a different etymological root (Old High German "lastaron" - to revile, to blame). However, there is a thematic connection, as slander can certainly be considered a Laster (vice).