der  Pack

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pak/

📦 What exactly is "der Pack"?

The German word der Pack (masculine) primarily has two meanings:

1. A bundle or parcel: Refers to a tied or wrapped quantity of things, often for transport or storage. This meaning is somewhat outdated or regional; das Paket (the package) or die Packung (the pack/package) are more common. Example: Er trug einen schweren Pack auf dem Rücken. (He carried a heavy pack on his back.)
2. A pack or group (often derogatory): Refers to a group of animals (e.g., wolves) or, very pejoratively, a group of people considered rabble or riff-raff. 🚨 In this meaning, the neuter form das Pack is also often used, which is even more derogatory. Example (animals): Ein Pack Wölfe jagte durch den Wald. (A pack of wolves hunted through the forest.) Example (people, derogatory): Mit diesem Pack will ich nichts zu tun haben. (I want nothing to do with this mob/rabble.)

⚠️ Using it for people carries a strong negative connotation and should be used with caution.

🧐 Grammar of "der Pack"

The noun Pack is masculine, taking the article der. It declines as follows:

Singular

Plural

The plural is rare and differs by meaning:

• For bundle/parcel: The plural is die Packe. However, it's very uncommon. One would more likely use die Pakete (packages) or die Bündel (bundles).
• For pack/group (animals): The plural die Packe is possible but also rare. Often the singular is used collectively, or one says die Rudel / die Meuten (packs/herds).
• For group (people, derogatory): A plural is usually not formed. It often remains singular as a collective noun (der Pack / das Pack).

Example Sentences

1. Der Postbote lieferte einen großen Pack ab.
   (The postman delivered a large pack/parcel.)
2. Pass auf, dass der Pack nicht vom Gepäckträger fällt.
   (Be careful that the pack/bundle doesn't fall off the luggage rack.)
3. Ein Pack wilder Hunde streunte durch die Gassen.
   (A pack of wild dogs roamed through the alleys.)
4. Er bezeichnete die Demonstranten als "ärgerlichen Pack".
   (He referred to the protesters as "annoying rabble/mob".)

🗣️ How to use "Pack"?

• Meaning 1 (Bundle/Parcel): This usage is rather old-fashioned or regional. In modern German, das Paket, die Packung, or das Bündel are more common. You might still find it in set phrases or older literature.
• Meaning 2 (Pack/Mob): For animal groups (e.g., Wolfspack - wolf pack), it's neutral. 🚨 For groups of people, der Pack (and even more so das Pack) is highly derogatory and offensive. It expresses deep contempt and should be avoided in normal conversation unless one intentionally wants to provoke or insult. It's considered vulgar language.

Potential Confusion: Don't confuse it with die Packung (e.g., eine Packung Nudeln - a packet of pasta) or the verb packen (to pack).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Pack"

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man) carrying the heavy Pack. This helps remember the masculine gender (der), whether it's a bundle or a (stereotypically male-dominated) mob.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Pack can be something you pack (a bundle) or a group you wouldn't want to be packed in with (a mob).

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but Different Words

• die Packung: A standardized packaging unit (e.g., Packung Kaffee - package of coffee).
• packen (verb): To pack something, to grab, or to grip/captivate.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist schlimmer als ein Pack Wölfe vor deiner Tür?"
Schüler: "Ein Rudel Vertreter!"

(Teacher asks: "What's worse than a pack of wolves at your door?"
Student: "A pack of salesmen!")

📜 Poem about the Pack

Ein schwerer Pack, geschnürt und alt,
liegt auf dem Weg, im dunklen Wald.
Ist's Diebesgut, vergessen hier?
Oder nur Last von einem Tier?

Doch Vorsicht auch, wenn Stimmen schallen,
und dunkle Schatten niederfallen.
Ein wilder Pack, nicht gut gesinnt,
rennt durch die Nacht, geschwind, geschwind.

(A heavy pack, tied up and old,
Lies on the path, in forest cold.
Is it stolen goods, forgotten here?
Or just the burden of a deer?)

(But caution too, when voices call,
And dark shadows start to fall.
A wild pack, not well-intentioned,
Runs through the night, swiftly mentioned.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich kann ein Bündel sein, das man trägt mit Kraft,
oder eine Gruppe, voll wilder Leidenschaft.
Mal bin ich nur Gepäck, mal bin ich eine Meute,
oft schwingt Verachtung mit, für gewisse Leute.

Was bin ich?

(I can be a bundle, carried with might,
Or a group, full of wild, passionate fight.
Sometimes I'm just luggage, sometimes a pack on the run,
Often with contempt for certain people, I'm spun.

What am I?)
(Answer: der Pack)

💡 Other Information

Etymology: The word Pack likely comes from Low German or Dutch, originally referring to a bundle of merchandise. The derogatory meaning for people developed later, possibly from the idea of a disorderly, jumbled group. It is closely related to the English word "pack".

Use in Compound Words: You can also find Pack in compound nouns like Packesel (pack animal, also metaphorically for someone who has to carry a lot), Packeis (pack ice), or Wolfspack (wolf pack).