der
Löwe
🦁 What does "der Löwe" mean?
Der Löwe refers to a large, powerful predatory cat (Panthera leo), primarily found in Africa and parts of Asia. A characteristic feature of male lions (männliche Löwen) is their impressive mane (Mähne).
The lion (der Löwe) is often called the "King of Beasts" ("König der Tiere") and symbolizes strength (Stärke), courage (Mut), and dominion (Herrschaft). It also plays an important role in many cultures, myths, and coats of arms (Wappen).
There is only one article, "der", for *Löwe*, as it refers to a male animal and its grammatical gender in German is masculine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Large animals → mostly masculine.
📊 Grammar of "der Löwe" in Detail
Löwe is a masculine noun. It belongs to the group of weak nouns (n-declension). This means it takes the ending -(e)n in all cases except the nominative singular.
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Löwe |
| Genitive | des | Löwen |
| Dative | dem | Löwen |
| Accusative | den | Löwen |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Löwen |
| Genitive | der | Löwen |
| Dative | den | Löwen |
| Accusative | die | Löwen |
Example Sentences 📜
- Der Löwe schlief unter dem Baum.
(The lion slept under the tree.) - Das Gebrüll des Löwen war weithin zu hören.
(The roar of the lion could be heard far and wide.) - Die Tierpflegerin gab dem Löwen Futter.
(The zookeeper gave food to the lion.) - Wir beobachteten den Löwen im Zoo.
(We watched the lion in the zoo.) - Die Löwen jagen in der Nacht.
(The lions hunt at night.)
🗣️ How is "Löwe" used?
Der Löwe is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Biology & Zoology: To refer to the animal species (e.g., in zoos (im Zoo), documentaries (in Dokumentationen), textbooks (in Fachbüchern)).
- Metaphorically: To express strength (Stärke), courage (Mut), or fighting spirit (Kampfgeist). Example: "Er kämpfte wie ein Löwe." (He fought like a lion.)
- Symbolically: In coats of arms (in Wappen), logos, as a zodiac sign (Sternzeichen Löwe - Leo), or in cultural narratives.
- Colloquially: Sometimes, someone brave or dominant might be referred to as a "Löwe" (rather rare and context-dependent).
⚠️ Don't confuse der Löwe (male animal) with die Löwin (female animal).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Löwe"
Mnemonic for the article "der":
Der König der Tiere (The King of Beasts) is strong and masculine – just like der Löwe with his mane. 🦁👑
Mnemonic for the meaning:
Imagine a LOW VOlume roar that suddenly gets loud: LÖ-WEH! The sound connects to the word Löwe. 🗣️
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar words):
Antonyms (opposites - more conceptual):
- Lamm (Lamb - often symbolizes gentleness, opposite of strength/wildness)
- Beutetier (Prey animal - e.g., Zebra, Gnu - from the perspective of the food chain)
Similar, but different words:
- Die Löwin: The female lion.
- Der Löwenzahn: A dandelion (yellow flower - literally 'lion's tooth'). Has no direct relation to the animal other than the name.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Löwe den anderen: "Na, wie war dein Date gestern Abend?"
Sagt der andere Löwe: "Ganz gut, aber ich musste die ganze Zeit gähnen!"
Translation:
One lion asks the other: "So, how was your date last night?"
The other lion says: "Pretty good, but I had to yawn the whole time!" (A pun on 'gähnen' - to yawn, and the lion's roar/open mouth)
📜 Poem about the Lion
Der Löwe stolz, mit Mähnenpracht,
durch Steppe zieht bei Tag und Nacht.
Sein Brüllen klingt, so tief und laut,
hat Mut im Blick, auf Stärke baut.
Ein König, wild und ungezähmt,
der in Savannen Flammen entfacht.
Translation:
The lion proud, with splendid mane,
Through steppe he walks, in sun and rain.
His roar resounds, so deep and loud,
With courage in his gaze, on strength he's vowed.
A king, both wild and untamed,
Who sets savanna flames inflamed.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich trage eine Krone aus Haar, doch bin kein König, das ist klar.
Ich jage schnell in trocknem Gras,
mein lautes Brüllen macht viel Spaß (oder Angst!).
Man nennt mich König, stark und kühn.
Wer bin ich?
Translation:
I wear a crown of hair, it's true,
But I'm no king, for me or you.
I hunt quite fast in sun-dried grass,
My mighty roar brings fun (or fear!), alas.
They call me king, so strong and bold.
Who am I?
Solution: Der Löwe (The Lion)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
- Zodiac Sign: Der Löwe is also one of the twelve zodiac signs (Tierkreiszeichen) - Leo (July 23 – August 23). People born under this sign are often considered confident and natural leaders.
- Word Composition: The word Löwe is a base word. However, it can be part of compound words, such as Löwenmähne (lion's mane), Löwenherz (lionheart), Löwenanteil (lion's share), Löwenzahn (dandelion).
- Etymology: The German word Löwe comes from the Old High German lewo, which likely originates from the Latin leo and the Greek léōn.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Löwe?
The word "Löwe" referring to the well-known predatory cat is always masculine in German. The correct forms are: der Löwe (Nominative Singular), des Löwen (Genitive Singular), dem Löwen (Dative Singular), den Löwen (Accusative Singular), and die Löwen (Plural).