der
Rotwein
🍷 What exactly is 'Rotwein'?
Der Rotwein is the German word for red wine. It refers to wine made from dark-skinned (blue or red) grapes. The characteristic red color comes from fermenting the grape juice (Most) together with the grape skins (Maischegärung), which allows pigments (anthocyanins) and tannins from the skins to infuse the wine.
It is a masculine noun, hence the article is der.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Alcohol → almost always masculine.
📘 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Rotwein
The word "Rotwein" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Rotwein |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Rotweins / Rotweines |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Rotwein / Rotweine |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Rotwein |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rotweine |
| Genitive | der | Rotweine |
| Dative | den | Rotweinen |
| Accusative | die | Rotweine |
💡 Example Sentences
- Nominativ: Der Rotwein passt gut zu diesem Gericht. (The red wine goes well with this dish.)
- Genitiv: Der Geschmack des Rotweins war hervorragend. (The taste of the red wine was excellent.)
- Dativ: Wir stoßen mit dem Rotwein an. (We toast with the red wine.)
- Akkusativ: Ich bestelle den Rotwein aus der Region. (I'll order the red wine from the region.)
- Plural: Auf der Weinprobe gab es viele verschiedene Rotweine. (There were many different red wines at the wine tasting.)
🗣️ How to Use "Rotwein"
"Rotwein" is used to refer to the beverage itself. People often talk about:
- Types: e.g., ein trockener Rotwein (a dry red wine), ein Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), ein Merlot.
- Occasions: Zum Abendessen (for dinner), bei Feiern (at celebrations), zur Entspannung (for relaxation).
- Pairings: Traditionally pairs well with dark meat, cheese, or pasta with tomato sauce.
- Quality and Origin: Ein guter Rotwein (a good red wine), ein Rotwein aus Italien/Frankreich/Deutschland (a red wine from Italy/France/Germany).
Compared to Wein (wine in general) or Weißwein (white wine), Rotwein specifies the type of wine based on its production and color.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Rotwein"
For the article (der): Imagine a strong, masculine sommelier, DER (he, sounds like the article) proudly presenting a heavy bottle of Rotwein. Most wines in German are masculine (der Wein, der Sekt), and Rotwein follows this pattern.
For the meaning: The color is right in the name! Rot means red, and Wein means wine. Easy to remember!
↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms: Around Red Wine
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Roter (colloquial, short for Rotwein)
- Sometimes specific varieties are used synonymously in context (e.g., "Ein Glas Merlot" instead of "Ein Glas Rotwein")
⚠️ Note: Glühwein (mulled wine) is often made from red wine, but it's spiced and heated – so it's not the same as a simple Rotwein.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Kellner den Gast: "Möchten Sie den Rotwein dekantieren?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Nein danke, ich trinke ihn lieber direkt aus dem Glas."
English Translation: The waiter asks the guest: "Would you like to decant the red wine?"
The guest replies: "No thanks, I'd rather drink it straight from the glass."
✒️ Poetry in a Glass
German:
Tiefrot im Glase schimmert er,
der Rotwein, schwer und hocherhaben.
Bringt Wärme, löst die Zunge sehr,
lässt uns den Alltagsstress begraben.
Ein Schluck voll Sonne, reifer Frucht,
hat lange schon das Fass gesucht.
Nun schenkt er Freude, Schluck für Schluck,
in stiller Nacht, bei Kerzenbucht.
English Translation:
Deep red it shimmers in the glass,
the red wine, heavy and sublime.
Brings warmth, loosens the tongue, alas,
lets us bury the stress of time.
A sip full of sun, of ripened fruit,
has long sought the barrel's root.
Now it gives joy, sip by sip pursued,
in silent night, by candlelight's loot.
🤔 A Little Riddle
German:
Ich werde aus dunklen Beeren gemacht,
habe oft in Holzfässern die Zeit verbracht.
Zu Käse und Braten pass' ich gut,
verleihe manchem Abend neuen Mut.
Mein Name sagt schon meine Farbe an,
ich bin ein Getränk für Frau und Mann.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I am made from dark berries,
have often spent time in wooden ferries (barrels).
With cheese and roast, I pair well,
giving many an evening a courageous spell.
My name already tells my hue,
I am a drink for him and for you.
What am I?
... Der Rotwein (Red Wine)
🧐 More Interesting Facts
Word Composition: The word "Rotwein" is a compound noun, composed of:
- rot: The adjective meaning red.
- Wein: The noun for wine, the alcoholic beverage made from fermented grape juice.
Trivia: Although Germany is more famous for its white wines (especially Riesling), it also produces excellent red wines, notably Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Dornfelder.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rotwein?
The noun "Rotwein" is masculine, so the correct article is der. The forms are der Rotwein (nominative), des Rotweins (genitive), dem Rotwein (dative), and den Rotwein (accusative). The plural is die Rotweine.