der
Laufsteg
Catwalk or Gangway? What der Laufsteg means 🚶♀️
Der Laufsteg is a masculine noun that mainly has two meanings:
In fashion 👠: An elevated, narrow platform where models present clothing during fashion shows. This is probably the most well-known meaning (English: catwalk, runway).
Example: Die Models schwebten elegant über den Laufsteg. (The models floated elegantly over the catwalk.)
Technical/Architectural 🏗️: A narrow walkway or platform used to access specific areas, e.g., on construction sites, in industrial plants, over machinery, on cranes, on ships (as a connection to land or between parts of the ship), or in theaters (above the stage). (English: gangway, walkway, catwalk).
Example: Der Techniker ging über den Laufsteg, um die Maschine zu warten. (The technician walked across the gangway to service the machine.)
🚨 Important: The article is always der for Laufsteg, regardless of its meaning.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-eg/-ieg → mostly masculine.
In the Spotlight of Grammar: Der Laufsteg 🔦
The word "Laufsteg" is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der | Laufsteg |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Laufsteg(e)s |
| Dative (To/For whom?) | dem | Laufsteg |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den | Laufsteg |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Laufstege |
| Genitive | der | Laufstege |
| Dative | den | Laufstegen |
| Accusative | die | Laufstege |
Example Sentences ✍️
- Das Model betrat selbstbewusst den Laufsteg. (Accusative Singular: The model confidently stepped onto the catwalk.)
- Die Beleuchtung des Laufstegs war spektakulär. (Genitive Singular: The lighting of the catwalk was spectacular.)
- Auf dem Laufsteg präsentierte der Designer seine neue Kollektion. (Dative Singular: The designer presented his new collection on the catwalk.)
- In dieser Fabrikhalle gibt es mehrere Laufstege für die Wartung. (Nominative Plural: In this factory hall, there are several walkways for maintenance.)
- Die Sicherheit der Laufstege muss regelmäßig geprüft werden. (Genitive Plural: The safety of the gangways must be checked regularly.)
Where and How to Use 'Laufsteg'? 🤔
The use of Laufsteg strongly depends on the context:
- Fashion Context: Here, 'Laufsteg' is the standard German word for the presentation platform (catwalk or runway). Synonyms like 'Catwalk' are also used in German but are loanwords.
- Technical/Architectural Context: Here, 'Laufsteg' refers to a functional access way (gangway, walkway, sometimes also catwalk in a technical sense). The specific type of walkway usually becomes clear from the context (e.g., 'der Laufsteg am Kran' - the walkway on the crane, 'der Laufsteg zum Schiff' - the gangway to the ship).
Compared to 'der Steg', which generally means a simple bridge or jetty, 'Laufsteg' is more specific: either for fashion or as a narrow, often elevated access path in technical environments.
Never Forget: Mnemonics for Laufsteg 🧠
Mnemonic for the article 'der':
Imagine: Der strong man (masculine!) lauft (walks) over the Steg (walkway). It must be der Laufsteg.
Mnemonic for the meaning:
On this Steg (walkway), people laufen (walk) - either models (fashion) or technicians (technology). It's a Lauf-Steg (walking-walkway).
Word Relations: Similar and Different 🔄
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- For fashion Laufsteg: Catwalk (common loanword), Runway (less common), Präsentationssteg
- For technical Laufsteg: Gangway (often for ships/planes), Steg, Zugangssteg, Wartungssteg, Arbeitsbühne (platform, depending on context)
A Little Laugh on the Catwalk 😄
Fragt der Modedesigner das Model: "Warum läufst du auf dem Laufsteg Zickzack?"
Antwortet das Model: "Auf dem Etikett steht 'Waschbar bei 30 Grad im Schonwaschgang'!"
Translation:
The fashion designer asks the model: "Why are you walking zigzag on the catwalk?"
The model replies: "The label says 'Washable at 30 degrees on gentle cycle'!"
Poetry of Walking 📜
Der Laufsteg, schmal und lang,
Mal Mode, mal Technikzwang.
Darüber schreitet stolz das Bein,
Mal im Glanz, mal im Maschinenschein.
Ein Weg, erhöht, für Schritt und Tritt,
Nimmt Mensch und manchmal Ware mit.
Von Mailand bis zur Werft am Meer,
Der Laufsteg dient – mal so, mal sehr.
Translation:
The catwalk/gangway, narrow and long,
Sometimes fashion, sometimes technical throng.
Across it strides the proud leg,
Sometimes in glamour, sometimes by machine's peg.
A path, elevated, for step and pace,
Carries people and sometimes goods with grace.
From Milan to the shipyard by the sea,
The Laufsteg serves – variably.
A Little Riddle for You ❓
Ich bin ein langer, schmaler Weg,
Mal für Models, mal nur ein Steg.
Auf mir wird Mode stolz gezeigt,
Oder Technik zugänglich gemacht leicht.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am a long, narrow path,
Sometimes for models, sometimes just a swath.
On me, fashion is proudly shown,
Or technology is made easily known.
What am I?
Solution: der Laufsteg
More Than Just a Walkway: Other Details 🧩
Word Composition:
The word "Laufsteg" is a compound noun, composed of:
- laufen: The verb to walk/run.
- der Steg: A narrow bridge, walkway, or jetty.
So, it literally means a "walk(ing) walkway".
Trivia:
- The term "Catwalk" for the fashion runway is said to have originated because models often move gracefully and lithely like cats on it.
- The length and shape of catwalks at fashion shows can vary greatly, from simple straight paths to complex, winding structures.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Laufsteg?
The noun "Laufsteg" is always masculine. The correct form is der Laufsteg. It refers to both the catwalk in fashion and a narrow access path (gangway) in technical settings or on ships. The plural is "die Laufstege".