der  Männerchor

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɛnɐˌkoːɐ̯/

🎶 What exactly is a Männerchor?

A Männerchor is a group of men who sing together. It is a choir consisting exclusively of male singers, who sing in different voice ranges (typically Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass 1, Bass 2).

The article is always der, because the base word 'Chor' is masculine, and compound nouns in German typically take the gender of the last component.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar Focus: Der Männerchor

The noun 'Männerchor' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Der örtliche Männerchor gibt am Wochenende ein Konzert.
   (The local male choir is giving a concert on the weekend.)
2. Die Proben des Männerchors finden jeden Dienstag statt.
   (The male choir's rehearsals take place every Tuesday.)
3. Wir lauschten andächtig dem Männerchor in der Kirche.
   (We listened devoutly to the male choir in the church.)
4. Hast du den Männerchor schon einmal live singen hören?
   (Have you ever heard the male choir sing live?)
5. Viele Städte haben traditionelle Männerchöre.
   (Many cities have traditional male choirs.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Männerchor'

The term 'Männerchor' is used to describe a specific type of vocal ensemble. It is often found in contexts such as:

• Cultural events: Concerts, festivals, traditional celebrations.
• Clubs/Associations: Many male choirs are organized as clubs (Vereine), e.g., Männergesangverein (MGV).
• Church music: Purely male choirs also exist in religious settings.
• Music description: For classifying musical pieces or recordings.

It's important to distinguish 'Männerchor' from 'gemischter Chor' (mixed choir - men and women) or 'Frauenchor' (women's choir).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of DER Mann (the man). Many men form DER Männerchor. The base word 'Chor' is masculine anyway (der Chor).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word tells you: It's a choir (Chor) made up only of Männer (men).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Be careful with 'Gesangverein' (singing club/association): This can also refer to a mixed choir, although 'Männergesangverein' (MGV) is specific.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum singen Tenöre im Männerchor so oft falsch?
(Why do tenors in the male choir often sing off-key?)

Weil sie immer eine Oktave zu hoch denken!
(Because they always think an octave too high!)

🎼 A Little Poem

Der Männerchor, ein Klang so voll,
(The male choir, a sound so full,)
Tenor und Bass, es klingt ganz toll.
(Tenor and bass, it sounds quite great.)
Vereint im Lied, mit Kraft und Mut,
(United in song, with strength and courage,)
Das Singen tut der Seele gut.
(Singing is good for the soul.)

❓ Who or What Am I?

Ich habe viele Stimmen, doch keine Frau ist dabei.
(I have many voices, but no woman is among them.)
Von Tenor bis Bass erklingt mein Schrei.
(From tenor to bass my cry resounds.)
In Kirchen, Sälen, oft im Verein,
(In churches, halls, often in a club,)
wer kann ich wohl nur sein?
(Who can I possibly be?)

Solution: Der Männerchor (The male choir)

💡 Trivia about the Männerchor

Word Composition:

The word 'Männerchor' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Männer: Plural of 'der Mann' (man).
• Chor: From Greek 'choros' (dancing place, round dance, group of dancers and singers).

Cultural Significance: Male choirs (Männerchöre) have a long tradition in Germany. They experienced a golden age, particularly in the 19th century, and were often an expression of community spirit and national consciousness.