der  Preisträger

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpʁaɪ̯stʁɛːɡɐ/

🏆 What does "der Preisträger" mean?

Der Preisträger refers to a male person who has won or received a Preis (prize, award). This can happen in various contexts, such as competitions, honours for special achievements, or awards in arts, science, or sports.

It is a masculine noun. The feminine form is die Preisträgerin (female prize winner).

Composition: The word is composed of der Preis (the prize/award) and der Träger (the carrier/bearer/recipient).

🚨 Attention: Use "der Preisträger" only for male individuals or when the gender is unknown or irrelevant and a generic masculine form is used (although gender-neutral language like "Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger" or "die Preistragenden" is often preferred nowadays).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Preisträger

The noun "Preisträger" is masculine and uses the article "der". It follows the weak N-declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Preisträger nahm die Auszeichnung strahlend entgegen.
   (The prize winner accepted the award beaming.)
2. Der Name des Preisträgers wurde feierlich verkündet.
   (The name of the prize winner was solemnly announced.)
3. Alle gratulierten dem Preisträger zu seinem Erfolg.
   (Everyone congratulated the prize winner on his success.)
4. Die Journalisten interviewten den Preisträger nach der Verleihung.
   (The journalists interviewed the prize winner after the ceremony.)
5. Die Preisträger des Wettbewerbs wurden auf die Bühne gebeten.
   (The prize winners of the competition were asked onto the stage.)

💡 Usage Notes

"Der Preisträger" is used to name the winner of an award or competition.

• Contexts: Nobel Prize, Academy Awards (Oscars), sports competitions, art exhibitions, scientific honours, literary awards, etc.
• Formality: The word is somewhat formal but is also commonly used in everyday reporting.
• Distinction:
  • Der Gewinner: Often synonymous, but "Preisträger" emphasizes receiving a specific Preis (prize), while "Gewinner" describes a victory more generally.
  • Der Sieger: Similar to "Gewinner", often used in a sporting context (victor).
  • Der Nominierte: A person who was nominated for a prize but hasn't (yet) won it (nominee).

You often hear compounds like "Nobelpreisträger" (Nobel prize winner), "Oscar-Preisträger" (Oscar winner), or "Bundespreisträger" (federal prize winner).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of DER MAN who TRÄGt (carries) the PREIS (prize) - DER PreisTRÄGER. It's a 'he' (masculine) who gets the award.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone proudly TRÄG-ing (carrying) a big trophy (the PREIS) – that's the Preisträger, the prize carrier or prize winner.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words: Be careful not to confuse "Preisträger" (prize winner) with "Preisgeber" (person/institution giving the prize).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir einen berühmten Preisträger nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Mein Vater! Er hat letzte Woche im Lotto gewonnen und den Hauptpreis getragen... äh, bekommen!"

Teacher asks: "Who can name a famous prize winner?"
Little Fritz answers: "My dad! He won the lottery last week and carried... uh, received the main prize!"

✍️ Poem about the Preisträger

Im Saale Glanz, die Spannung steigt,
Ein Name fällt, die Menge schweigt.
Dann Jubel laut, Applaus beginnt,
Der Preisträger freudig winkt.
Für Werk, für Mut, für Geist, für Tat,
Er nun den Preis errungen hat.
Ein Moment, der ewig ihm gehört,
Der stolze Träger, hochgeehrt.

In the hall's gleam, tension rises,
A name is called, the crowd falls silent.
Then loud cheers, applause begins,
The prize winner waves joyfully.

For work, for courage, for spirit, for deed,
He has now won the prize indeed.
A moment that is forever his,
The proud bearer, highly honoured bliss.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich steh im Licht, Applaus ist mein Lohn,
Hab oft gekämpft, bestieg den Thron.
Ich trage keinen Schmuck, doch Ehr' und Ruhm,
Gewann im Spiel, im Kunst-, Gelehrtentum.

Wer bin ich?
Lösung: Der Preisträger

I stand in the light, applause is my reward,
I often fought, ascended the throne.
I wear no jewels, but honour and fame,
Won in games, in arts, or scholarly domain.

Who am I?

Solution: The prize winner (Der Preisträger)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition: As mentioned, "Preisträger" is composed of "Preis" (prize) and "Träger" (carrier/bearer/recipient).

Cultural Significance: Honouring Preisträger holds high significance in many societies as it highlights outstanding achievements and can serve as inspiration for others.

Feminine Form: The explicit feminine form is "die Preisträgerin". In plural contexts, "Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger" is often used to include both genders.