der  Nix

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/nɪks/

🧜‍♂️ What exactly is a Nix?

Der Nix (masculine) refers to a male water spirit or merman in Germanic and German mythology. He usually lives in rivers (Flüsse), lakes (Seen), or ponds (Teiche).

Nixe (the general term for these spirits, and also the plural form) are often depicted as ambivalent beings: they can help humans, but also lure them to their doom, especially through music (Musik) or song (Gesang). Der Nix is the male counterpart to die Nixe (female water spirit).

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse der Nix (water spirit) with the colloquial word nix (for 'nothing', nichts). The latter is an adverb/pronoun and doesn't take an article.

🧐 Grammar of 'der Nix'

The word 'Nix' is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Note: The plural 'die Nixe' can refer to both male and female water spirits, but is more commonly used for female ones or when the gender is unspecified. Sometimes 'Nixen' is also used as a plural form.

📝 Examples:

1. Im tiefen See soll der Nix hausen. (They say the Nix lives in the deep lake.)
2. Die Sage erzählt von der Macht des Nixes. (The legend tells of the power of the Nix.)
3. Man traute sich nicht, dem Nix zu nahe zu kommen. (People didn't dare to get too close to the Nix.)
4. Einige glaubten, den Nix gesehen zu haben. (Some believed they had seen the Nix.)
5. In alten Geschichten wimmelt es von Nixen und anderen Fabelwesen. (Old stories are teeming with Nixe and other mythical creatures.)

🌊 When do we talk about a Nix?

The term der Nix is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Mythology & Folklore: In legends (Sagen), fairy tales (Märchen), and folk tales as the term for the male water spirit.
• Literature & Art: As a character in poems (Gedichte), stories (Geschichten), or artistic depictions referencing these mythological beings.
• Regional Variations: The exact concept and name can vary regionally (e.g., also Wassermann, Neck).

Compared to die Nixe (the female counterpart), der Nix is often less prominent in depictions but is equally part of the folklore surrounding water beings. Both can be seductive (verführerisch) and dangerous (gefährlich).

💡 Mnemonics to Help You Remember

Remembering the Article: Der Nix is the man ('der Mann') in the wet domain. (Masculine = der).

Remembering the Meaning: Imagine a merman who nicks things from boats or nods (sounds like Nix) invitingly from the water.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Words Causing Confusion:

• Die Nixe: The female counterpart to the Nix. Very similar, but different gender and article.
• nix (Adv./Pron.): Colloquial German for 'nothing' (nichts). Grammatically unrelated to 'der Nix'.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Tourist am Seeufer einen Einheimischen: "Gibt es hier Nixen?" Antwortet der Einheimische: "Keine Ahnung, ich bade immer mit Badehose! Aber passen Sie auf den Nix auf, der soll hier manchmal inkognito sein... vielleicht als Bademeister?"

English Translation: A tourist asks a local by the lake: "Are there any Nixen (mermaids/water spirits) here?" The local replies: "I don't know, I always swim with my trunks on! But watch out for the Nix, they say he's sometimes here incognito... maybe as the lifeguard?"

📜 Poem about the Nix

German:
Im dunklen Teich, so klar und kühl,
wo Schilf sich wiegt im Windesspiel,
da wohnt der Nix, mit grünem Haar,
lockt tief hinab, Jahr für Jahr.

Sein Lied klingt süß, voll Zaubermacht,
hat manchen schon ums Glück gebracht.
Drum hüte dich am Ufersaum,
sonst endet schnell dein Lebenstraum.

English Translation:
In the dark pond, so clear and cool,
Where reeds sway in the wind's soft rule,
There lives the Nix, with hair of green,
Luring deep down, year after year, unseen.

His song sounds sweet, with magic might,
Has robbed many of their fortune bright.
So guard yourself upon the shore,
Or your life's dream will be no more.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Mann, doch leb' im Nass,
mein Reich ist tief, voll Algengras.
Mit Harfenklang verführ' ich gern,
doch Vorsicht, bleibe lieber fern!

Wer bin ich? ... Der Nix

English Translation:
I am a man, but live in wetness deep,
My realm is low, where algae creep.
With sounds of harp, I like to lure,
But caution calls, stay back, be sure!

Who am I? ... The Nix

🧩 Other Interesting Facts

Etymology: The name 'Nix' likely derives from the Old High German 'nihhus' or 'niccus', meaning 'water monster'. There might also be a connection to the verb 'neigen' (to bow/bend) or 'nicken' (to nod), possibly referring to the creature's luring gesture.

Cultural Depiction: The Nix appears in various forms in legends throughout Germany and Scandinavia. Sometimes described as an old man, sometimes as a handsome youth, often with a green hat or green teeth as distinguishing features.