der  Schausteller

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃaʊˌʃtɛlɐ/

🎪 What exactly is a Schausteller?

A Schausteller is a person who professionally operates rides (Fahrgeschäfte), shooting galleries (Schießbuden), sales stalls (Verkaufsstände), or other attractions at fairs (Jahrmärkte), funfairs (Volksfeste), church fairs (Kirchweihen), or similar events. They 'put on show' (zur Schau stellen) their goods or services and offer entertainment or wares.

It's typically a male job title; the female form is die Schaustellerin.

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse a Schausteller with a pure artist (Künstler) or performer (Darsteller), although some Schausteller might incorporate performative elements into their work.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Der Schausteller

The word "Schausteller" is a masculine noun and uses the article der. It follows the weak N-declension pattern.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Schausteller baute sein Karussell auf dem Marktplatz auf. (The showman set up his carousel in the market square.)
2. Ich sprach mit dem Schaustellern über die Geschichte seines Familienbetriebs. (I spoke with the showman about the history of his family business.)
3. Die Genehmigung des Schaustellern wurde geprüft. (The showman's permit was checked.)
4. Wir sahen den Schaustellern, wie er die Zuckerwattemaschine reinigte. (We saw the showman cleaning the cotton candy machine.)
5. Viele Schausteller reisen von Stadt zu Stadt. (Many showmen travel from city to city.)

🎡 When and how to use "Schausteller"?

The term Schausteller is primarily used in the context of funfairs (Volksfeste), annual fairs (Jahrmärkte), Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), and similar events. It denotes the person behind the attractions and stalls.

• Typical Contexts: Reports about festivals, conversations about leisure activities, job titles.
• Distinction: A Schausteller is primarily an entrepreneur who 'puts something on show' (a ride, a stall). An artist (Künstler) or performer (Artist) primarily presents an art or skill. A market trader (Markthändler) sells goods but doesn't necessarily offer entertainment or rides.
• Cultural Significance: Schausteller are an important part of German fair culture (Volksfestkultur) and are often organized in family businesses passed down through generations.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man) der etwas zur Schau stellt (who puts something on show). This helps recall the masculine article "der".

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Schau (like 'show' or 'view') + steller (from 'stellen', meaning 'to place' or 'to set up'). So, a Schausteller is someone who sets up something for show.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Künstler/Artist: Focus on performing arts/skills (e.g., Zirkusartist - circus performer, Musiker - musician).
• Markthändler: Focus on selling goods at a market.
• Zirkusdirektor: Manages a circus, which often includes show elements but also artistry.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Besucher den Schausteller am Autoscooter: "Sagen Sie mal, warum fahren hier eigentlich alle wie verrückt?"

Antwortet der Schausteller: "Na, die wollen doch alle ihr Geld wieder rausfahren!" 😉

Translation:

A visitor asks the showman at the bumper cars: "Tell me, why is everyone driving like crazy here?"

The showman replies: "Well, they all want to make their money back!" (Pun: 'rausfahren' can mean 'drive out' or idiomatically 'recoup costs'). 😉

📜 Poem about the Schausteller

Von Stadt zu Stadt, mit Wagen voll,
kommt der Schausteller, das ist toll.
Mal Karussell, mal Zuckerwatte süß,
Er bringt den Rummel, ein Paradies.

Er baut es auf bei Sonnenschein,
Lädt Groß und Klein zum Feiern ein.
Sein Lachen hallt, die Lichter blinken,
Lässt Kinderaugen fröhlich winken.

Translation:

From town to town, with wagons full,
The showman comes, it's wonderful.
A carousel, sweet cotton candy treat,
He brings the funfair, a paradise sweet.

He sets it up in sunny rays,
Invites young and old to festive days.
His laughter echoes, the lights all gleam,
Making children's eyes happily beam.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich reise viel, hab' selten Ruh', Bring' Spaß und Trubel immerzu. Mal dreht sich's rund, mal knallt's ganz laut, Hab' Buden und Fahrten aufgebaut. Auf Kirmes und Markt bin ich bekannt, Mit meiner Arbeit im ganzen Land.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:

I travel much, have seldom rest,
Bring fun and bustle, put smiles to the test.
Sometimes things spin, sometimes they bang loud,
I've set up stalls and rides for the crowd.
At fairs and markets, I'm known near and far,
With my work across the land, driving my car (or truck!).

Who am I?

Solution: Der Schausteller (The Showman/Exhibitor)

✨ Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

The word "Schausteller" is composed of:

• Schau: Relates to showing, presenting, viewing (cf. 'zur Schau stellen' - to put on display).
• stellen: The verb for 'to place', 'to set up'.
• -er: Suffix indicating a person who performs an action.

So, a Schausteller literally means someone who sets something up for show.

Cultural Context

The Schausteller trade (Schaustellergewerbe) has a long tradition in Germany and is closely linked to the culture of Volksfeste (public festivals/fairs). Many Schausteller businesses are family-run enterprises, passing down their craft and attractions through generations.

Feminine Form

The female equivalent is die Schaustellerin (plural: die Schaustellerinnen).