der
Link
🔗 What does 'der Link' mean?
The word der Link (plural: die Links) is an anglicism, directly borrowed from the English word "link". In German, it's almost exclusively used in the context of the internet and digital technology.
It refers to a Hyperlink, which is a connection or reference on a webpage, in a document, or an email that leads to another location or resource (e.g., another webpage, an image, a video, a document) when clicked.
It is a masculine noun and always takes the article der. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with the German word links (adverb, meaning 'left' or 'to the left')!
🧐 Grammar of 'der Link' in Detail
The noun "der Link" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Link |
| Genitive | des Links |
| Dative | dem Link |
| Accusative | den Link |
| Case | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Links |
| Genitive | der Links |
| Dative | den Links |
| Accusative | die Links |
Example Sentences
- Kannst du mir bitte den Link zur Webseite schicken? (Can you please send me the link to the website?)
- Ich habe auf den Link geklickt, aber er funktioniert nicht mehr. (I clicked on the link, but it doesn't work anymore. / This link is dead.)
- Auf dieser Seite findest du viele nützliche Links zu anderen Ressourcen. (On this page, you will find many useful links to other resources.)
- Der Genitiv wird selten verwendet, man sagt eher: "Die Adresse des Links" oder "Die Zielseite vom Link". (The genitive case is rarely used; one usually says: 'The address of the link' or 'The target page of the link'.)
🌐 How to use 'der Link'?
Der Link is a fundamental concept in the World Wide Web and digital documents.
- Context: Mainly used for the Internet, Webseiten (websites), E-Mails, digital documents (PDFs, etc.).
- Typical Verbs: einen Link anklicken (to click a link), einem Link folgen (to follow a link), einen Link setzen/einfügen (to set/insert a link), einen Link teilen/schicken/senden (to share/send a link), einen Link öffnen (to open a link).
- Compounds: Hyperlink (synonym), Weblink, Download-Link, Deeplink, Backlink, Permalink.
- Comparison: The word Verknüpfung (connection, shortcut) can be used more broadly (also for file shortcuts on a desktop), while Verweis (reference) often sounds a bit more formal. Der Link is the most common term in everyday digital life.
People often say that a link funktioniert (works), is tot (is dead/broken), or is aktiv (is active).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Link'
Article Mnemonic: Think of der Verweis (the reference) or der Hyperlink. Also, 'Link' sounds a bit like 'ink', and you use der Stift (the pen, masculine) to write with ink. So, der Link.
Meaning Mnemonic: A link *links* you to another place online. The word itself is the key! It creates a *link* between pages.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of 'der Link'
Synonyms
- Der Hyperlink: Technical term, often used synonymously.
- Der Verweis: A bit more general, can also refer to citations in texts, etc.
- Die Verknüpfung: Can also mean other digital connections (e.g., file shortcuts).
- Die URL/Webadresse: Refers to the target address itself, not the clickable link, but sometimes used colloquially ("Send me the link/URL.").
Similar, but different words
- links (adverb): Directional indicator (e.g., "Bitte links abbiegen." - Please turn left.). Don't confuse them!
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Webdesigner schlechte Laune?
(Why is the web designer in a bad mood?)
Er findet einfach keinen funktionierenden Link zu seiner Motivation!
(He just can't find a working link to his motivation!)
✍️ Poem about 'der Link'
Ein Klick, so klein, auf blauen Text,
Der Link führt fort, ganz unverhext.
Zu Wissen neu, zu Spaß und Spiel,
Ein Pfad im Netz, erreicht sein Ziel.
Man folgt ihm gern, ist er bekannt,
Durchs digitale Wunderland.
Der Link, er bindet und verbindet,
Bis man die nächste Seite findet.
(A click so small, on text of blue,
The link leads on, magically true.
To knowledge new, to fun and games,
A path online, achieves its aims.)
(One follows gladly, if it's known,
Through digital wonderland shown.
The link, it ties and connects near,
Until the next page does appear.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe kein Kabel, doch ich verbinde.
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch ich weise den Weg.
Man klickt auf mich im digitalen Gewinde.
Ich bin meist blau und unterstrichen, nicht träg'.
Was bin ich? ... Der Link
(I have no cable, yet I connect.
I have no voice, yet I show the way.
You click on me in the digital net.
I'm often blue and underlined, not grey.)
(What am I?) ... The Link (der Link)
💡 Other Tidbits
- Origin: As mentioned, a direct borrowing from English ("link").
- Pronunciation: Mostly pronounced as in English [lɪŋk].
- Frequency: Extremely common in digital language use, understood even by non-tech-savvy people.
- Word Formation (Wortbildung): Forms many compounds: Downloadlink, Weblink, Backlink, Deeplink, Permalink.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Link?
The word "Link" meaning a digital hyperlink is always masculine: der Link (plural: die Links).