der  Schenk

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃɛŋk/

📜 What does "der Schenk" mean?

The word der Schenk (masculine) mainly has two meanings:

1. Innkeeper, publican: Someone who runs an inn or pub (eine Schänke) and serves drinks. This meaning is somewhat dated (veraltet), but still understandable. Today, one would more likely say der Wirt or der Gastwirt.
2. Cupbearer (historical): A person, often of noble birth, who was responsible for the beverages at a court and handed the cup (den Becher) to the ruler. This was an honourable office (ein ehrenvolles Amt).

⚠️ The most common confusion arises with the verb schenken (to pour, to gift), from which the noun is derived.

🧐 Grammar of "der Schenk" in Detail

Der Schenk is a masculine noun.

Example Sentences

• Der Schenk goss Wein in die Becher. (The cupbearer/innkeeper poured wine into the cups.)
• Im Mittelalter war das Amt des königlichen Schenken sehr begehrt. (In the Middle Ages, the office of the royal cupbearer was highly sought after.)
• Die Schenken des Dorfes trafen sich zum Stammtisch. (The innkeepers of the village met for their regulars' table.)
• Er vertraute dem Schenken sein Geheimnis an. (He confided his secret to the innkeeper.)

🗣️ How to use "der Schenk"?

The usage of der Schenk strongly depends on the meaning:

• As innkeeper/publican: This usage is rather dated (veraltet) or regional. It's sometimes found in historical contexts or literary language. In everyday life, der Wirt or der Gastwirt are the common terms.
• As cupbearer: This meaning is purely historical and refers to the office at medieval or early modern courts. It is used when talking or writing about that period.

Compared to Kellner (waiter, who serves) or Barkeeper (bartender, who mixes drinks at the bar), der Schenk (as an innkeeper) tends to refer to the proprietor or the person responsibly pouring drinks. The historical meaning as Mundschenk (cupbearer) is unique and has no direct modern equivalent in the literal sense.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Schenk"

Article Mnemonic: Der man who pours (einschenkt) is der Schenk. (Links the masculine person 'der Mann' to the action 'schenken' and the masculine noun 'der Schenk')

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a historical Schenk needing strong shanks (legs) to carry heavy jugs of wine to the king. Or think of someone who 'schenkt ein' (pours) drinks.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Words

• die Schenke: The pub, the inn (the place, not the person).
• das Geschenk: A gift, a present.
• schenken (verb): To pour (drinks) or to give (as a gift).

😄 A Little Joke

Der Gast fragt den Schenken: "Ist das Bier hier immer so trüb?"
Antwortet der Schenk: "Nein, nur wenn ich es frisch aus dem Teich hole!" 😉

Translation:
The guest asks the innkeeper: "Is the beer here always this cloudy?"
The innkeeper replies: "No, only when I fetch it fresh from the pond!" 😉

✒️ Poem about the Schenk

Im Wirtshaus, spät am Abend,
Steht der Schenk, die Gläser labend.
Er füllt den Krug mit kühlem Nass,
Ein Lächeln huscht ihm übers Fass.

Als Mundschenk einst am Hofe fein,
Reicht' er dem König edlen Wein.
Ob Wirt, ob adlig, alt und grau,
Der Schenk weiß, was man braucht, genau.

Translation:
In the tavern, late at night,
Stands the Schenk, refreshing glasses bright.
He fills the jug with cooling stream,
A smile across his face does gleam.

As cupbearer once at court so fine,
He served the king noble wine.
Be he innkeeper, noble, old and grey,
Der Schenk knows what's needed, anyway.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich schenke ein, doch geb' kein Geschenk,
Bin Wirt im Haus oder Diener am Gelenk
Des Königs Arm, wenn er trinken mag.
Historisch wichtig, manch alten Tag.

Wer bin ich, mit der davor genannt?

Translation:
I pour drinks, but give no gift,
Am an innkeeper, or a servant swift
At the king's arm, when he wants a sip.
Historically important, from an old-time slip.

Who am I, preceded by der?

Solution: der Schenk

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Etymology: The word Schenk derives directly from the verb schenken, which originally meant "to pour, to give someone something to drink". The meaning "to give something as a gift" developed from this later.

Historical Significance: The office of the cupbearer (Mundschenk, often simply called der Schenk) was an important court office (Hofamt, often hereditary) in many European courts, frequently held by high-ranking nobles. It involved not only serving drinks but also managing the wine cellars and sometimes even tasting the beverages beforehand to protect against poison.

Surname: "Schenk" is also a relatively common German surname, often indicating ancestors who held this profession or office.