der  Marathonlauf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmaʁatɔnˌlaʊ̯f/

🏃 What exactly is a Marathonlauf?

The German word der Marathonlauf refers to a specific athletic competition, namely a long-distance run (Langstreckenlauf) over a distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). The name originates from the legend of a messenger who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory.

It's considered a significant test of endurance and mental strength. 🏅

🧐 Grammar: Der, des, dem Marathonlauf

The word "Marathonlauf" is a masculine noun. The definite article is der.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der nächste Marathonlauf findet in Berlin statt. (The next marathon run takes place in Berlin.)
2. Die Vorbereitung auf den Marathonlauf ist sehr intensiv. (The preparation for the marathon run is very intensive.)
3. Er träumt davon, einen Marathonlauf zu absolvieren. (He dreams of completing a marathon run.)
4. Nach dem Marathonlauf war sie erschöpft, aber glücklich. (After the marathon run, she was exhausted but happy.)

👟 When to use Marathonlauf?

The term "Marathonlauf" is primarily used in the context of sporting events. It describes the specific 42.195 km run.

• You talk about participating in a Marathonlauf, training for a Marathonlauf, or organizing a Marathonlauf.
• Metaphorically, "Marathon" (without "-lauf") can also refer to a long, arduous task (e.g., "ein Sitzungsmarathon" - a marathon meeting). "Marathonlauf" itself is less commonly used metaphorically.
• "Langstreckenlauf" is a more general term encompassing other long distances, but "Marathonlauf" refers specifically to the 42.195 km race.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: The German word for 'the run' is 'der Lauf'. Since 'Lauf' is masculine (der), the compound word 'Marathonlauf' is also masculine: der Marathonlauf. Imagine: Der (=The masculine) strong runner wins den (=the accusative masculine) Lauf.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the place Marathon in Greece and the long Lauf (run) of the legendary messenger. This connects the origin (Marathon) with the action (Lauf = run), signifying the long run associated with der Marathonlauf.

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Potential for Confusion:

• Halbmarathon: A half marathon (21.0975 km).
• Ultramarathon: A run longer than the marathon distance.

😄 A Little Running Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nicht am Marathonlauf teil?

Sie haben nicht den nötigen Mumm und keine Ausdauer! 😉

(Why don't skeletons participate in the marathon run?
They don't have the guts and no stamina! [Pun: 'Mumm' can mean guts/courage, related to 'Mumie' - mummy, but the joke plays on the lack of literal guts and endurance])

📜 A Poem About the Run

Zweiundvierzig Kilometer, Schritt für Schritt,
Der Marathonlauf, ein harter Ritt.
Asphalt brennt, die Muskeln schrei'n,
Doch im Ziel, da strahlt der Sonnenschein.
Der Stolz, die Freude, unermesslich,
Diesen Lauf vergisst man nicht, tatsächlich!

(Forty-two kilometers, step by step,
The marathon run, a tough trip.
Asphalt burns, the muscles scream,
But at the finish line, the sunshine gleams.
The pride, the joy, immeasurable,
This run, indeed, is unforgettable!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Rennen, lang und schwer,
Von Griechenland komm' ich daher.
Zweiundvierzig Komma eins neun fünf,
Fordert von Läufern Mut und Mumm und Grips.

Was bin ich?

(I am a race, long and hard,
From Greece I come, disregard.
Forty-two point one nine five,
Demands from runners courage, guts, and drive.

What am I?)

(Solution: der Marathonlauf / the marathon run)

ℹ️ Additional Info on der Marathonlauf

Word Composition: The word is composed of:

• Marathon: Name of the place in Greece, site of a battle in 490 BC.
• Lauf: The noun form of the verb "laufen" (to run).

Trivia:

• The exact distance was standardized at the 1908 London Olympics to cover the route from Windsor Castle to the royal box in the stadium.
• Famous marathons (Marathonläufe) are held annually in cities like Berlin, New York, Boston, and Tokyo.