der  Makel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmaːkəl/

🧐 What Exactly is a 'Makel'?

Der Makel (noun, masculine) refers to a flaw, a blemish, a defect, an imperfection, or a stain. It can relate to both physical characteristics (e.g., a spot on clothes, a scratch on a surface) and abstract concepts like a person's character or reputation.

• Physical: A small flaw or damage on an object. Example: Ein kleiner Makel im Stoff (A small flaw in the fabric).
• Abstract/Moral: A character weakness, a past mistake, or a circumstance that harms one's reputation. Example: Ein Makel im Lebenslauf (A blemish on his resume).

⚠️ Important: The word often carries a slightly negative connotation, as it points to something undesirable or flawed.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of 'der Makel' in Detail

The noun "Makel" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Trotz intensiver Suche fand er keinen einzigen Makel an dem Diamanten.
   (Despite an intensive search, he found not a single flaw in the diamond.)
2. Sein Ruf hatte nach dem Skandal einen erheblichen Makel erlitten.
   (His reputation suffered a considerable blemish after the scandal.)
3. Kleine Makel machen Dinge oft erst interessant.
   (Small imperfections often make things interesting.)
4. Sie versuchte, den Makel auf dem Tisch wegzuwischen.
   (She tried to wipe away the stain on the table.)

📝 How to Use 'Makel'?

The term "Makel" is used to describe a deviation from the ideal or the norm.

• With objects: Describes physical imperfections like scratches, stains, or minor defects. (e.g., "Das antike Möbelstück hatte ein paar Makel, war aber sonst gut erhalten." - The antique piece of furniture had a few flaws, but was otherwise well-preserved.)
• With people (character/reputation): Refers to character weaknesses, behavioral flaws, or events that negatively impact reputation. (e.g., "Sein einziger Makel war seine Ungeduld." - His only flaw was his impatience., "Ein Makel an seiner Karriere." - A stain on his career.)
• Figuratively: Can also be used more generally for any aspect that makes something seem less than perfect. (e.g., "Der einzige Makel an dem Urlaub war das schlechte Wetter." - The only downside to the vacation was the bad weather.)

Compared to "Fehler" (mistake, error), "Makel" often emphasizes something visible or that spoils the overall impression, whereas "Fehler" is broader. "Mangel" (lack, shortage) refers more to the absence of something necessary.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of other masculine flaws like 'der Fehler' (the mistake) or 'der Schandfleck' (the blot/stain). These words often associated with 'Makel' are also masculine.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone complaining ('meckern' or 'makeln' in some dialects) about a spot – that spot is a Makel.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

There aren't really similar-sounding German words that are easily confused with 'Makel' in meaning, though theoretical confusion with 'makeln' (to broker, like an estate agent - Immobilienmakler) is possible, but context usually makes it clear.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum beschweren sich Geister nie über ihr Aussehen?

Weil sie keine körperlichen Makel haben! 😉

(Why do ghosts never complain about their appearance? Because they don't have any physical flaws!)

📜 A Poem About the Flaw

Ein kleiner Kratzer, kaum zu sehen,
ein Fleck, der nicht mehr will vergehen.
Ein Wort gesagt in Zorn und Hast,
des Lebens Rucksack trägt die Last.

Doch ist's der Makel, der uns zeigt,
dass nichts auf Erden ewig bleibt
in reiner Form, perfekt und klar?
Gerade das macht Leben wahr.

(A little scratch, barely seen,
a stain that will no longer clean.
A word once said in angry haste,
life's backpack carries all the waste.)

(But it's the flaw that shows us all,
that nothing earthly stands up tall
in perfect form, forever clear?
That's exactly what makes life dear.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Held, doch hab' Gewicht,
verändere oft das Angesicht.
Mal klein, mal groß, mal kaum bekannt,
an Dingen oder auch am Band
des Lebens find' ich meinen Platz,
bin manchmal nur ein kleiner Kratz.
Man sieht mich ungern, das ist klar,
ich bin ein Fehler, immer da.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Makel

(I am no hero, yet I carry weight,
I often change a face's state.
Sometimes small, sometimes large, sometimes barely known,
On things or on the thread of life I'm shown.
I find my place, a tiny scratch may be,
You don't like seeing me, it's plain to see,
I am a flaw, forever near.)

What am I?

(Answer: Der Makel / The flaw)

💡 Other Information

Word Origin:

The word "Makel" comes from the Middle High German word "mākel", which meant spot or disgrace. It is related to the Dutch word "makel" (spot).

Adjective:

The corresponding adjective is makellos, meaning "without flaw", i.e., perfect, immaculate, or pure.