der
Redner
🗣️ What does "der Redner" mean?
Der Redner is the German word for a male speaker or orator. It refers to a man who gives a speech or speaks in front of an audience. This could be at an event, a conference, a political rally, or any other occasion where someone addresses a group.
So, it denotes a person using the spoken word to convey information, persuade, or entertain.
Important: For female speakers, the correct term is die Rednerin.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-ner → almost always masculine.
Compare with the category '-er'.
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of "der Redner" in Detail
The noun "Redner" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun | English Translation of Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Redner | (the speaker - subject) |
| Genitive | des | Redners | (of the speaker) |
| Dative | dem | Redner | (to/for the speaker) |
| Accusative | den | Redner | (the speaker - direct object) |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun | English Translation of Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Redner | (the speakers - subject) |
| Genitive | der | Redner | (of the speakers) |
| Dative | den | Rednern | (to/for the speakers) |
| Accusative | die | Redner | (the speakers - direct object) |
Note: The noun itself only changes in the Dative Plural (adds an 'n').
Example Sentences
- Der Redner betrat das Podium und begann seine Ansprache.
(The speaker entered the podium and began his address.) - Wir hörten dem Redner gespannt zu.
(We listened intently to the speaker.) - Die Argumente des Redners waren überzeugend.
(The speaker's arguments were convincing.) - Nach der Veranstaltung sprachen viele Leute den Redner an.
(After the event, many people approached the speaker.) - Viele Redner traten bei der Konferenz auf.
(Many speakers appeared at the conference.)
🎤 When to use "der Redner"?
The term "Redner" is used to describe a male person giving a formal or public speech. Typical contexts include:
- Events: Conferences, conventions, seminars (e.g., Der Hauptredner der Konferenz war sehr inspirierend. - The keynote speaker of the conference was very inspiring.)
- Politics: Parliamentary debates, campaign events (e.g., Der Redner der Opposition kritisierte die Regierung scharf. - The speaker from the opposition sharply criticized the government.)
- Ceremonies: Official ceremonies, anniversaries, award ceremonies (e.g., Der Festredner würdigte die Leistungen des Geehrten. - The ceremonial speaker honored the achievements of the honoree.)
- Education: Guest lectures at universities or schools.
Generally, "Redner" implies a certain formality and preparation of the speech, unlike a simple "Sprecher" (speaker) in an everyday conversation.
⚠️ Remember: for women, the correct form is "die Rednerin". The plural form "die Redner" can refer to a group of men or a mixed group.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Redner"
For the article 'der': Think of traditional roles. Often, public speaking roles were historically held by men. So, the speaker is der Mann (the man). The 'R' in Redner could also remind you of 'eR' (he).
For the meaning: The word Redner comes directly from the verb "reden" (to speak, to talk). A Redner is someone who "redet" – usually publicly and with preparation.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for "der Redner"
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Sprecher: More general term for someone who speaks (can also be a news anchor).
- Vortragender: Someone giving a lecture (often in academic or professional contexts).
- Referent: Someone giving a report or presentation (often more specific than Vortragender).
- Orator (elevated): A particularly gifted or rhetorically skilled speaker (similar to English).
Antonyms (opposites):
- Zuhörer / Zuhörerin: Listener (male/female).
- Publikum: Audience.
- Gesprächspartner / Gesprächspartnerin: Conversation partner (male/female) - implies dialogue, unlike the monologue of a Redner.
Potential Confusion:
Be careful not to confuse "Redner" with similar-sounding words:
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Zuhörer den anderen: "War der Redner nicht brillant? Er hat genau eine Stunde gesprochen und ich habe nicht einmal auf die Uhr geschaut!" Sagt der andere: "Stimmt, aber im Kalender musste ich nachschauen!"
Translation: One listener asks the other: "Wasn't the speaker brilliant? He spoke for exactly an hour and I didn't even look at my watch!" The other replies: "True, but I had to check the calendar!"
📜 A Poem about the Speaker
Der Redner steht, das Pult vor sich,
Die Menge lauscht ihm, Augen auf ihn rich-
tet. Mit Worten malt er Bilder klar,
Bringt Denken in Bewegung, wunderbar.
Mal laut, mal leise, ernst, sodann voll Scherz,
Ein guter Redner trifft direkt ins Herz.
Translation:
The speaker stands, the lectern near,
The crowd hangs on his words, holds him dear.
With words he paints the pictures bright,
Moves thoughts and minds with all his might.
Now loud, now soft, now serious, now in jest,
A gifted speaker touches every breast.
❓ Riddle
Ich stehe oft erhöht, mein Wort hat Macht,
Ich spreche vor vielen, bei Tag und Nacht.
Ich informiere, überzeuge, unterhalte gern,
Wer bin ich, der spricht, ob nah ob fern?
Translation:
I often stand elevated, my word has power,
I speak before many, hour after hour.
I inform, persuade, entertain with glee,
Who am I, speaking for all to see?
Solution: der Redner (the speaker)
💡 More about "der Redner"
- Word Formation: The word "Redner" is derived from the verb "reden" (to speak/talk) using the suffix "-er", which typically indicates the agent (the person performing the action).
- Feminine Form: As mentioned, the female equivalent is "die Rednerin".
- Profession: While not every speaker does it professionally, there are professional speakers (e.g., Keynote Speaker) who are booked for their appearances.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Redner?
The German word for a male speaker or orator is masculine: der Redner. The feminine form is die Rednerin, and the plural for multiple speakers (male or mixed group) is die Redner.