der
Pokal
🏆 What exactly is a Pokal?
The German word der Pokal primarily has two meanings:
- A trophy 🏆: This is the most common meaning, especially in sports. A Pokal is an often artistically designed cup or bowl made of metal (or other material) awarded as a prize in competitions, particularly athletic ones. It symbolizes victory or outstanding achievement.
- A drinking vessel / goblet 🍷: Less commonly, 'der Pokal' also refers to a large, often bulbous drinking vessel with a stem, similar to a goblet (Kelch), often used for wine or sparkling wine, sometimes on festive occasions.
It is always a masculine noun (der Pokal).
🧐 Grammar and Declension of 'der Pokal'
The noun der Pokal is masculine. Here is its declension:
Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Pokal | ein Pokal |
| Genitive | des Pokals / des Pokales | eines Pokals / eines Pokales |
| Dative | dem Pokal / dem Pokale | einem Pokal / einem Pokale |
| Accusative | den Pokal | einen Pokal |
Plural
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Pokale | Pokale |
| Genitive | der Pokale | Pokale |
| Dative | den Pokalen | Pokalen |
| Accusative | die Pokale | Pokale |
💡 Example Sentences
- Die Mannschaft feierte den Gewinn des Pokals. (The team celebrated winning the cup/trophy.)
- Der Kapitän stemmte den Pokal in die Höhe. (The captain hoisted the cup/trophy high.)
- Er trank den Wein aus einem silbernen Pokal. (He drank the wine from a silver goblet.)
- Im Museum waren wertvolle historische Pokale ausgestellt. (Valuable historical cups/goblets/trophies were exhibited in the museum. - Meaning depends on context)
🗣️ How to Use 'Pokal'?
- In sports contexts: Very common for the winner's trophy (e.g., DFB-Pokal, Champions-League-Pokal). People talk about the 'Pokalgewinn' (cup win), 'Pokalfinale' (cup final), or 'Pokalspiel' (cup match).
- For awards: Even outside of sports, a Pokal can serve as an award.
- As a drinking vessel: This meaning is less common in everyday life than Glas (glass) or Kelch (goblet/chalice). It's found more often in literary or historical contexts or for specific drinks on very festive occasions.
Distinction: A Pokal used for drinking is typically larger and more ornate than a normal Tasse (cup for coffee/tea) or a Becher (mug/beaker, often without a handle, cylindrical). A Kelch is very similar but more often used specifically for wine or in a religious context (communion chalice).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Pokal'
Article Mnemonic: Think of der Winner. Der Winner gets den Pokal. The 'er' ending in Winner helps remember 'der'. Or imagine a race car driver winning the *Der*by and getting *der* Pokal.
Meaning Mnemonic (Trophy): Imagine how powerful the winner feels holding the Pokal.
Meaning Mnemonic (Drinking Vessel): Imagine you pour a celebratory drink into the fancy Pokal (goblet).
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- For Trophy: die Trophäe (trophy), der Siegerpreis (winner's prize), die Auszeichnung (award)
- For Drinking Vessel: der Kelch (goblet, chalice), der Becher (beaker, cup - depending on shape/context), das Trinkgefäß (drinking vessel)
Antonyms (opposites)
There are no direct antonyms for the object 'Pokal'. However, you can name contrasting concepts:
- In sports context: die Niederlage (defeat), der letzte Platz (last place), (instead of Pokal) die Medaille (medal - depending on the competition)
Similar but Different Words
- Der Pott: Colloquial, often affectionate term for certain trophies (e.g., „den Pott holen“ - 'to get the pot' - in the Ruhr area for the DFB-Pokal).
- Die Schale: Another form of trophy, often flatter, like a plate or shield (e.g., die Meisterschale - the championship shield in Bundesliga).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Trainer seine Mannschaft vor dem Pokalfinale: „Habt ihr Fragen zur Taktik?“
Sagt der Stürmer: „Ja, Trainer. Ist der Pokal spülmaschinenfest?“
Translation:
The coach asks his team before the cup final: "Any questions about the tactics?"
The striker says: "Yes, coach. Is the cup dishwasher-safe?"
✒️ Poem about the Pokal
Aus Silber, Gold, welch Glanz und Schein,
der Pokal soll unser Lohn heut sein.
Gekämpft, gerannt, das Ziel erreicht,
dem Sieger nun die Trophäe gereicht.
Man hebt ihn hoch, mit Jubelschrei,
die Mühe war nun nicht umsonst, juchhei!
Translation:
Of silver, gold, what shine and gleam,
the cup shall be our reward today, it'd seem.
Fought and run, the goal achieved,
to the victor now the trophy's bequeathed.
They lift it high, with joyous cry,
the effort wasn't wasted, oh my!
❓ Riddle Time
Ich glänze oft im Rampenlicht,
nach Sieg sehnt man sich mein Gesicht.
Manchmal halt' ich edlen Wein,
manchmal bin ich nur zum Schein.
Den Besten wird mein Anblick Lohn.
Wer bin ich?
... Der Pokal
Translation:
I often shine in the spotlight's glare,
after victory, people long for my face so fair.
Sometimes I hold a noble wine,
sometimes I'm just for show, a sign.
For the best, my sight is their reward alone.
Who am I?
... The Pokal (cup/trophy/goblet)
🤓 Trivia
Etymology: The word 'Pokal' comes from the Italian word boccale, meaning “bulbous drinking vessel” or “jug”. It entered the German language in the 16th century.
Famous Pokale (Cups/Trophies):
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Pokal?
The correct form is always der Pokal (masculine). It means either a trophy (especially in sports) or a large drinking vessel (goblet).