der  Sarg

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/zaʁk/

⚰️ What does 'der Sarg' mean?

Der Sarg (noun, masculine) refers to an oblong container, usually made of wood, used to hold a corpse for burial or cremation. In English, this is known as a coffin or sometimes a casket (though casket often implies a more rectangular, potentially ornate box).

It's the primary German word for this object. There are no other meanings or articles associated with "Sarg".

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Sarg

The noun "Sarg" is masculine. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

• Der Sarg wurde feierlich zu Grabe getragen. (The coffin was carried solemnly to the grave.)
• Die Angehörigen standen um den Sarg herum. (The relatives stood around the coffin.)
• Blumen schmückten den Deckel des Sarges. (Flowers adorned the lid of the coffin.)
• Man wählte einen einfachen Kiefernholzsarg. (A simple pine wood coffin was chosen.)
• Die Särge wurden für den Transport vorbereitet. (The coffins were prepared for transport.)

💬 How to use 'der Sarg'

"Der Sarg" is primarily used in the context of death, funerals, and burials. It's a specific term and rarely used metaphorically.

• Funerals (Bestattungen): The word is central when planning and conducting funerals or cremations.
• Historically/Culturally: Coffins play roles in many cultures and historical periods (e.g., Sarkophage in ancient Egypt, though "Sarkophag" is more specific).
• Literature/Film: Coffins frequently appear in stories, especially in horror or mystery genres.

There is little risk of confusion as the word is very specific. One might potentially mix it up with "die Bahre" (a stretcher for the dead or injured) or "die Urne" (an urn for ashes after cremation), but their meanings are distinctly different.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Sarg'

For the article (der): Think of masculine figures often associated with funerals in traditional imagery: perhaps "der Undertaker" (der Bestatter) carries den Sarg. Or link it to "der Tod" (death), which is also masculine.

For the meaning (coffin): "Sarg" sounds a bit like the English word "sarcophagus", which is a type of coffin. Imagine putting someone *sorely* missed into the *Sarg*.

↔️ Synonyms and Related Terms

😂 A (slightly morbid) joke

Fragt der Bestatterlehrling seinen Meister: "Chef, was ist eigentlich der Unterschied zwischen einem Sarg und einer Geige?"
Meint der Meister: "Ganz einfach: In der Geige liegt die Musik drin, und im Sarg ist sie raus!"

Translation:
The undertaker's apprentice asks his master: "Boss, what's the difference between a coffin and a violin?"
The master replies: "Simple: The music is inside the violin, and in the coffin, it's out!"

✍️ Poetry of Silence

Aus Holz gezimmert, fest und schlicht,
Der Sarg, er birgt ein still Gesicht.
Letzte Hülle, dunkler Raum,
Ende eines Lebenstraum.
Er trägt zur Ruh', was einst belebt,
Ein Abschied, der die Seele hebt?

Translation:
Made of wood, firm and plain,
The coffin holds a silent face again.
Final cover, darkest space,
End of a life's dream, life's race.
It carries to rest what once had breath,
A farewell that perhaps lifts the soul from death?

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe kein Schloss, doch ich bewahre einen Schatz.
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch ich erzähle vom letzten Platz.
Man trägt mich schwer, oft unter Tränen.
Ich bin das letzte Haus, nach dem sich wenige sehnen.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I have no lock, yet I guard a treasure.
I have no mouth, yet I speak of the final measure.
I am carried heavy, often amidst tears.
I am the last house, longed for by few through the years.

Who am I?
Answer: Der Sarg (The Coffin)

💡 More about 'der Sarg'

Etymology: The word "Sarg" comes from Old High German "sarc", which in turn derives from the Greek "sarkophágos" (σαρκοφάγος). This originally meant "flesh-eating" and referred to a specific type of limestone believed to rapidly decompose corpses.

Cultural Aspects: The design and use of coffins vary greatly across cultures. There is a wide spectrum, from simple wooden boxes to ornate, individually designed coffins (like the fantasy coffins in Ghana).