der  Rabe

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaːbə/

🐦 What does "der Rabe" mean?

Der Rabe (noun, masculine) primarily refers to a large, mostly black bird from the corvid family (Krähenvögel). Specifically, it often means the common raven (Kolkrabe, Corvus corax), the largest passerine bird in the world. In a broader sense, the term is often used for other corvids like the carrion crow (Aaskrähe) or rook (Saatkrähe), although Krähe (crow) is the more specific term for those.

Ravens (Raben) are known for their intelligence and play significant roles in many cultures, myths, and fairy tales, often as wise messengers, but sometimes also as harbingers of bad luck or thieving birds.

• Main Meaning: Large, black corvid (especially the common raven).
• Figurative Meaning: Sometimes used as a symbol for misfortune, death, wisdom, or theft (e.g., "Rabeneltern" for neglectful parents, "rabenschwarz" for pitch black or deep misfortune).

🚨 Attention: In common speech, "Rabe" and "Krähe" are often used interchangeably, but biologically, there are differences.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Rabe

"Rabe" is a masculine noun and belongs to the group of weak nouns (n-declension). This means it takes the ending "-n" in all cases except the nominative singular.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Rabe sitzt auf dem Ast. (The raven sits on the branch.)
• Genitive: Das Gefieder des Raben glänzt schwarz. (The raven's plumage shines black.)
• Dative: Ich gebe dem Raben Futter. (I give food to the raven.)
• Accusative: Siehst du den Raben dort fliegen? (Do you see the raven flying there?)
• Plural: Die Raben versammeln sich auf dem Feld. (The ravens gather in the field.)

💡 How to use "Rabe"

• Biological/Zoological: When specifically talking about the bird, especially the common raven. "Der Rabe ist ein sehr intelligenter Vogel." (The raven is a very intelligent bird.)
• Colloquial: Often used synonymously with "Krähe" (crow), even if not entirely correct. "Pass auf, da sitzt ein Rabe!" (Watch out, there's a raven/crow sitting there!)
• Literary/Symbolic: In poems, fairy tales, and myths, often with symbolic meaning (wisdom, misfortune, magic). Think of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven". "Der Rabe krächzte dreimal – ein böses Omen." (The raven croaked three times – a bad omen.)
• In Compounds: In compound words like "Rabenvater", "Rabenmutter" (neglectful parents), "rabenschwarz" (pitch black, often used figuratively for misfortune), "Rabenvogel" (corvid).

Compared to "Krähe": "Rabe" usually refers to the larger common raven, while "Krähe" means carrion, hooded, or rook crows. Ravens often have a wedge-shaped tail in flight and a heavier beak.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Rabe"

Article Mnemonic: Think of the dark, dashing bird – that's DER Rabe (masculine). Or imagine der wise old Raven giving Ratschläge (advice).

Meaning Mnemonic: A Rabe often roosts rarely alone, and is known for 'robbing' shiny things (or at least liking them). It's often pitch-black like shoe polish (Schuhcreme - sounds a bit like Rabe?).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Krähe: As mentioned above, biologically distinct but often confused (crow).
• Dohle: A smaller, more sociable corvid with a grey nape (jackdaw).

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Treffen sich zwei Raben auf einem Ast. Sagt der eine: "Ich habe gestern einen Diamantring gefunden!" Fragt der andere: "Und, hast du ihn zurückgegeben?" Antwortet der erste: "Warum? Ich bin doch kein Fundbüro, ich bin ein Rabe!"

EN: Two ravens meet on a branch. One says: "I found a diamond ring yesterday!" The other asks: "And, did you return it?" The first replies: "Why? I'm not a lost-and-found office, I'm a raven!"

📜 Poem about the Raven

DE: Der Rabe auf dem Turm

Ein Rabe sitzt, so schwarz wie Nacht,
Hoch auf dem Turm und hält die Wacht.
Sein Ruf klingt rau durch Wind und Zeit,
Ein Zeichen alter Einsamkeit.

Er sieht die Welt, die unter ihm,
Mal sonnenhell, mal düster-trüb.
Ein weiser Vogel, sagt man leis,
Der mehr als mancher Mensch schon weiß.

---

EN: The Raven on the Tower

A raven sits, as black as night,
High on the tower, keeping sight.
Its harsh call sounds through wind and time,
A sign of ancient, lonely clime.

It sees the world, that lies below,
Sometimes sun-bright, sometimes dark woe.
A wise bird, people softly say,
Who knows more than mere men today.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich trage Schwarz, doch bin kein Priester,
Bin schlau und manchmal auch ein Dieb, Sir.
Man sagt, ich bringe Unglück oder Kunde,
Und krächze laut zu später Stunde.

Wer bin ich?

---

EN:
I wear black, but am no priest,
I'm clever, sometimes a thief, at least.
They say I bring bad luck or news,
And croak out loud when daylights lose.

Who am I? ... Der Rabe / The Raven

🧩 Trivia & More

• Mythology: In Norse mythology, the ravens Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory) accompany the god Odin and report to him what is happening in the world. (DE: In der nordischen Mythologie begleiten die Raben Hugin und Munin den Gott Odin.)
• Intelligence: Ravens are among the most intelligent animals. They can use tools, solve problems, and are even said to recognize faces. (DE: Raben gehören zu den intelligentesten Tieren.)
• Etymology: The word "Rabe" comes from the Old High German "(h)raban", which likely imitates the bird's croaking call onomatopoeically. (DE: Das Wort stammt vom althochdeutschen "(h)raban".)
• Idioms: "Stehlen wie ein Rabe" (to steal like a raven = to be very thievish), "Rabeneltern" (raven parents = neglectful parents), "rabenschwarz" (raven-black = pitch black; figuratively: unlucky, dreadful).