der  Sabbat

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzabat/

📖 What does "der Sabbat" mean?

Der Sabbat is the German word for the Sabbath in Judaism. It refers to the seventh day of the week, a holy day of rest, lasting from Friday evening to Saturday evening. According to the Torah, no work should be done on this day. It is dedicated to rest, reflection, and community with God and family.

• Main meaning: The weekly day of rest in Judaism (from Friday evening to Saturday evening).

• Origin: The word comes from the Hebrew word shabbat (שַׁבָּת), meaning “rest”, “cessation”, or “pause”.

• Importance: One of the most important commandments in Judaism.

⚠️ Pay attention to the correct spelling! Sometimes you might also encounter the variant Schabbat, which is closer to the Hebrew original.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Sabbat" in Detail

The noun "Sabbat" is masculine (maskulin). It is usually used without a plural form when referring to the general day of rest. If multiple specific Sabbath days are meant, the plural "die Sabbate" is used.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Am Sabbat gehen gläubige Juden in die Synagoge.
   (On the Sabbath, observant Jews go to the synagogue.)

2. Sie wünschen sich gegenseitig einen "Schabbat Schalom".
   (They wish each other a "Shabbat Shalom" (a peaceful Sabbath).)

3. Die Einhaltung des Sabbats ist ein zentrales Element jüdischen Lebens.
   (The observance of the Sabbath is a central element of Jewish life.)

4. Wir haben die letzten drei Sabbate bei Freunden verbracht.
   (We spent the last three Sabbaths with friends.)

🗣️ How to use "Sabbat"?

• Religious Context: Primarily used in connection with Judaism.
  Example: "Die Familie bereitet sich auf den Sabbat vor." (The family is preparing for the Sabbath.)

• Fixed Expressions: "Den Sabbat halten/heiligen" means to observe/keep the Sabbath, following the commandments of the day of rest.
  Example: "Strenggläubige Juden halten den Sabbat sehr genau ein." (Strictly observant Jews observe the Sabbath very precisely.)

• Figurative Meaning (less common): Sometimes "Sabbat" is used metaphorically for a break or time-out (similar to Sabbatjahr or sabbatical), but this is less common than the religious context.
  Example (rare): "Nach dem Projekt brauche ich erstmal einen Sabbat." (After the project, I first need a Sabbath/break.)

• Distinction from Sunday: The Christian day of rest is der Sonntag (Sunday), not der Sabbat.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of DER Tag (the day). The Sabbath is a specific day, and Tag is masculine, just like der Sabbat.

Meaning Mnemonic: Sabbat sounds a bit like 'sit about'. On the Sabbath, you rest and 'sit about' rather than work.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Sonntag: Sunday, the Christian day of rest.
• Sabbatjahr/Sabbatical: A longer professional break, etymologically derived from Sabbat, but with a different meaning.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum summen Bienen am Sabbat nicht?
Weil sie den heiligen Ruhetag einhalten und sich lieber mit einem guten Buch entspannen! 🐝📚

Why don't bees buzz on the Sabbath?
Because they observe the holy day of rest and prefer to relax with a good book! 🐝📚 (Okay, maybe they still buzz, but it's a nice thought!)

📜 Poem about the Sabbat

Der Freitag neigt sich, still wird's nun,
die Arbeit darf jetzt endlich ruhn'.
Kerzen leuchten, Wein bereit,
der Sabbat bringt geweihte Zeit.
Ein Tag für Seele, Geist und Herz,
vertreibt den Alltag, lindert Schmerz.
Gemeinschaft, Frieden, tiefes Sinn,
ein heiliger Neubeginn.

(English Translation)

Friday descends, it's quiet now,
The work at last may take a bow.
Candles glow, wine is prepared,
The Sabbath brings a time that's shared.
A day for soul, for mind, for heart,
Drives daily grind, heals ev'ry smart.
Community, peace, meaning deep,
A holy restart while you sleep.

🕵️ Riddle Time

Ich komme jede Woche wieder,
beginne, wenn der Abend nieder
sich auf den Freitag senkt herab,
und halte alle Arbeit knapp.
Im Judentum bin ich zentral,
ein Ruhetag, ganz ohne Wahl
für jene, die die Tora ehren.
Wer kann mir meinen Namen lehren?

(English Translation)

I come again each week anew,
Begin when Friday's evening hue
Descends upon the fading light,
And keep all work from taking flight.
In Judaism, I'm central stage,
A day of rest, on history's page,
For those who honor Torah's call.
What is my name, known to all?

Solution: Der Sabbat (The Sabbath)

💡 Other Information

• Etymology: As mentioned, from Hebrew shabbat (שַׁבָּת) meaning “rest”, “cessation”.

• Cultural Significance: The Sabbat strongly shapes the weekly rhythm in Jewish life. Many activities are restricted or forbidden on this day (e.g., driving, operating electrical devices, lighting fires).

• Sabbath Greeting: People wish each other “Schabbat Schalom” (Hebrew for “Peaceful Sabbath”) or, in Yiddish, “Gut Schabbes”.

• Sabbatical Year (Sabbatjahr): The concept of a longer break from work (sabbatical) derives from a biblical commandment to let fields lie fallow every seven years, and is thus etymologically related to the weekly Sabbat.