der
Reisepass
🛂 What exactly is a Reisepass?
The Reisepass (masculine, article der) is an official document issued by government authorities. It serves as proof of a person's identity and nationality and authorizes them to cross international borders.
It's a small booklet containing personal data, a photograph, and often biometric features (like fingerprints) of the holder. For German citizens, it's generally mandatory for travel outside the European Union (and some other countries).
🚨 Attention: Don't confuse the Reisepass (passport) with the Personalausweis (ID card), which is primarily used for travel within the EU and for identification domestically.
🧐 Grammar & Declension: Der Reisepass
The noun "Reisepass" is masculine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Reisepass | ein Reisepass |
| Accusative | den Reisepass | einen Reisepass |
| Dative | dem Reisepass(e) | einem Reisepass(e) |
| Genitive | des Reisepasses | eines Reisepasses |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Reisepässe | Reisepässe |
| Accusative | die Reisepässe | Reisepässe |
| Dative | den Reisepässen | Reisepässen |
| Genitive | der Reisepässe | Reisepässe |
📝 Example Sentences
- Bitte zeigen Sie Ihren Reisepass bei der Grenzkontrolle vor.
(Please show your passport at border control.) - Mein alter Reisepass ist abgelaufen, ich muss einen neuen beantragen.
(My old passport has expired, I need to apply for a new one.) - Vergiss nicht, eine Kopie deines Reisepasses zu machen.
(Don't forget to make a copy of your passport.) - In vielen Ländern benötigt man zur Einreise einen gültigen Reisepass.
(In many countries, you need a valid passport to enter.)
✈️ When do you need a Reisepass?
The Reisepass is mainly required for international travel, especially outside the EU/Schengen Area.
- Border controls: The primary document for identification when entering and leaving many countries.
- Visa applications: Often a prerequisite for applying for a visa.
- Identification abroad: Serves as official proof of identity abroad.
In contrast, the Personalausweis (ID card) is often sufficient for travel within the EU or the Schengen Area. However, the Reisepass is the more comprehensive and internationally recognized document.
Common verbs used with Reisepass include: einen Reisepass beantragen (to apply for), verlängern (to renew, though usually it's a new issue), ihn vorlegen (to present/show), or ihn verlieren (to lose).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Aid (der): Think: Passports are issued by the state, often associated with authority, think of a strong male figure (masculine) - DER Pass allows you to pass.
Meaning Aid: The word is composed of Reise (journey, travel) and Pass (pass, permit). It's literally a 'travel pass'.
🔄 Synonyms & Related Terms
Synonyms
Antonyms / Differentiation
- Personalausweis: ID card for identification and travel within the EU/Schengen.
- Visum: Visa, an entry permit placed within a passport, not a passport document itself.
- Führerschein: Driver's license, not a travel document for crossing borders.
⚠️ Caution: Although "Pass" is often used synonymously, depending on the context, it can also refer to other types of passes (e.g., Dienstpass - service passport, Diplomatenpass - diplomatic passport) or even a mountain pass.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Grenzbeamte: "Beruf?"
Der Reisende: "Nein, nur Urlaub!"
Translation:
The border official asks: "Occupation?" (In German, "Beruf" sounds like "Berufung" - calling/vocation, but also means job/profession)
The traveler replies: "No, just vacation!"
📜 Poem about the Passport
Ein kleines Buch, in Blau oft schick,
Mit Foto drin, für den Augenblick.
Der Name steht, das Datum klar,
Der Reisepass, so wunderbar.
Er öffnet Türen, fern und breit,
Für Abenteuer jederzeit.
Translation:
A little book, often chic in blue,
With a photo inside, for the moment's view.
The name is there, the date is clear,
The Reisepass, so wonderful, so dear.
It opens doors, both far and wide,
For adventures, any time, any tide.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe Seiten, doch bin kein Buch zum Lesen.
Ich zeige dein Gesicht, dein ganzes Wesen.
Ich lasse dich reisen, über Land und Meer,
Ohne mich kommst du an Grenzen oft nicht weit her.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I have pages, but I'm not a book to read.
I show your face, your entire being indeed.
I let you travel, over land and sea,
Without me, at borders, you often won't get far, you see.
What am I?
Solution: Der Reisepass (The Passport)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
- Word Composition: The word "Reisepass" is clearly composed of "Reise" (journey, travel) and "Pass" (pass, permit, document).
- Biometric Passport (Biometrischer Reisepass): Modern passports contain a chip with biometric data (photo, often fingerprints) to enhance security. Also called ePass.
- Children's Passport (Kinderreisepass): Until a certain age, special passports exist for children, often with shorter validity periods.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Reisepass?
The word "Reisepass" is masculine, so the correct article is always der Reisepass. It refers to the official document required for international travel.