der
Rollstuhl
♿ What Exactly is a 'Rollstuhl'?
A Rollstuhl (masculine, article: der) is a chair with wheels, primarily used by people who have difficulty walking or standing due to illness, injury, age, or disability.
It serves as an assistive device for locomotion, enabling mobility and independence. There are various types, such as manual wheelchairs (pushed by the user or an attendant) and electric wheelchairs (Elektrorollstühle, with motor propulsion).
The article is always der, as it refers to a single, specific object and the base word Stuhl (chair) is also masculine (der Stuhl).
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Rollstuhl
The noun Rollstuhl is masculine. Here are the declension tables for singular and plural:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Rollstuhl |
| Genitive | des | Rollstuhls / Rollstuhles |
| Dative | dem | Rollstuhl / Rollstuhle |
| Accusative | den | Rollstuhl |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rollstühle |
| Genitive | der | Rollstühle |
| Dative | den | Rollstühlen |
| Accusative | die | Rollstühle |
Example Sentences
- Nach dem Unfall war er auf einen Rollstuhl angewiesen. (After the accident, he was dependent on a wheelchair.)
- Der neue Rollstuhl ist viel leichter als der alte. (The new wheelchair is much lighter than the old one.)
- Die Rampe erleichtert den Zugang mit dem Rollstuhl. (The ramp facilitates access with the wheelchair.)
- Viele öffentliche Gebäude müssen für Rollstühle zugänglich sein. (Many public buildings must be accessible for wheelchairs.)
🗣️ How to Use 'Rollstuhl'?
The term Rollstuhl is used in medical contexts, everyday life, and regarding accessibility.
- Everyday Life: Describes the device itself. "Er sitzt im Rollstuhl." (He sits in a wheelchair.)
- Medicine/Care: As part of equipment or a necessary aid. "Wir benötigen einen speziellen Rollstuhl für diesen Patienten." (We need a special wheelchair for this patient.)
- Accessibility: In relation to the accessibility of places. "Ist das Museum rollstuhlgerecht?" (Is the museum wheelchair-accessible?)
Important Distinction: Sometimes the older term Krankenfahrstuhl (literally 'sick-person-driving-chair') is used, but it often sounds outdated or very clinical. Rollstuhl is the more common and neutral term.
Compound Words: You often find compounds like Elektrorollstuhl (electric wheelchair), Sportrollstuhl (sports wheelchair), Rollstuhlrampe (wheelchair ramp), Rollstuhlfahrer(in) (wheelchair user).
🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of DER Stuhl (the chair). A Rollstuhl is a type of Stuhl, so it's also DER Rollstuhl. Remember 'DER' as in 'the driver's seat' – the user 'drives' the chair.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a Stuhl (chair) that rolls. A chair that rolls = Rollstuhl.
🔄 Synonyms and Opposites
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Krankenfahrstuhl (outdated or very specific)
- Fahrstuhl (⚠️ Caution: mostly used for 'elevator'/'lift'!)
- Gehhilfe (walking aid - broader term, not specific)
Antonyms (Opposing Concepts):
- Gehen / Laufen (walking / running - as an ability)
- Stehen (standing)
- Mobilität ohne Hilfsmittel (mobility without aids)
A direct antonym as an object doesn't really exist.
Similar Terms:
- Rollator: A walking frame with wheels, used for support while walking, not sitting.
- Elektrorollstuhl: A wheelchair with an electric motor.
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Warum nehmen Rollstuhlfahrer keine Treppen?
Weil sie lieber auf die Rolltreppe warten!
EN: Why don't wheelchair users take the stairs?
Because they prefer to wait for the escalator (Rolltreppe)!
(A harmless pun)
📜 A Little Poem
DE:
Der Stuhl, der rollt so still und sacht,
\hat manchem neue Freiheit bracht.
\Auf vier kleinen Rädern schnell,
\macht er die Welt mobil und hell.
\Der Rollstuhl, stark und sehr gewandt,
ührt sicher durch das ganze Land.
EN:
The chair that rolls so quiet and soft,
Has brought new freedom to many aloft.
On four small wheels, moving fast,
It makes the world mobile and bright, unsurpassed.
The Rollstuhl, strong and very deft,
Leads safely through the whole country's weft.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich habe Räder, doch kein Motor treibt mich an (manchmal schon).
Ich biete Sitz, doch bin kein Sofa dann.
Ich helfe Menschen, die nicht laufen können weit.
Was bin ich wohl, zu jeder Zeit?
EN:
I have wheels, but no engine drives me (though sometimes one does).
I offer a seat, but I'm not a couch because.
I help people who cannot walk far or fast.
What am I then, built to last?
Solution: Der Rollstuhl (the wheelchair)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word Rollstuhl is a compound noun, composed of:
- rollen: to roll (the movement on wheels)
- Stuhl: chair (the piece of furniture for sitting)
So, it literally describes a "rolling chair".
Cultural Significance: The Rollstuhl is also an important symbol for inclusion and accessibility (Barrierefreiheit) in society.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rollstuhl?
The word "Rollstuhl" is always masculine, so the correct article is der Rollstuhl. It refers to a chair on wheels used as a mobility aid.