der  Schotte

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃɔtə/

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 What does 'der Schotte' mean?

The term der Schotte refers to a male person who comes from Scotland or holds Scottish citizenship. It's the masculine form of the nationality.

• Masculine: der Schotte (the Scotsman/Scot)
• Feminine: die Schottin (the Scotswoman)
• Country of origin: Schottland (Scotland) (Compare: Deutschland -> der Deutsche, Frankreich -> der Franzose)

⚠️ Attention: As with many nationality labels, generalization can sometimes evoke stereotypes. It's important to remain respectful.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar for 'der Schotte'

'Der Schotte' is a weak masculine noun (n-Deklination). This means it adds an '-n' ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominativ: Der Schotte trägt einen Kilt. (The Scot is wearing a kilt.)
2. Genitiv: Das ist der Dudelsack des Schotten. (That is the Scot's bagpipe.)
3. Dativ: Ich gebe dem Schotten die Flasche Whisky. (I give the bottle of whisky to the Scot.)
4. Akkusativ: Wir haben den Schotten im Pub getroffen. (We met the Scot in the pub.)
5. Plural: Viele Schotten besuchen das Highland Festival. (Many Scots visit the Highland Festival.)

🗣️ How to use 'Schotte'?

The term 'der Schotte' is used to talk about a male person from Scotland. It is the standard term in German.

• General conversation: „Mein Nachbar ist ein Schotte.“ (My neighbor is a Scot.)
• Cultural context: The term is often mentioned in connection with Scottish culture (e.g., Kilts, Whisky, Highland Games).
• Differentiation: To distinguish from other inhabitants of Great Britain (Engländer - English, Waliser - Welsh, Nordiren - Northern Irish).

Important: The adjective is „schottisch“ (e.g., „ein schottischer Akzent“ - a Scottish accent, „schottischer Whisky“ - Scotch whisky).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Schotte'

Remembering the Article: Masculine nouns describing people in German are often masculine (der Mann, der Lehrer, der Franzose) – so is der Schotte.

Remembering the Meaning: Think of "Scotland". A Schotte comes from Schottland. The similarity in the words helps connect them.

↔️ Synonyms & Opposites

Similar Terms

• Schottisch: The adjective (e.g., schottische Musik - Scottish music).
• Schottland: The country (Scotland).
• Schote: ⚠️ Don't confuse! Eine Schote (feminine, 'die') is a pod, like from peas or beans.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum nehmen Schotten immer einen Regenschirm mit zum Golfen?

Antwort: Falls es „Hole-in-one“ regnet!

Question: Why do Scots always take an umbrella golfing?

Answer: In case of a reign of hole-in-ones! (Pun on 'rain' and 'reign')

📜 Poem about a Scot

Ein Schotte, stolz und froh,
\Mit Kilt und Dudelsack ebenso.
\Durch Highlands weit er zieht,
\Ein kernig Lied er singt und spielt.
\Aus Glasgow oder Edingburgh fein,
\So soll ein echter Schotte sein.

A Scot, so proud and free,
With kilt and bagpipes, wild with glee.
Through Highlands wide he roams,
A hearty song from ancient homes.
From Glasgow town or Edinburgh stone,
A true Scot, standing on his own.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme von der Insel nördlich,
\Trag manchmal einen Rock, ganz urtümlich.
\Mein Land ist bekannt für Loch Ness,
\Und Whisky, das ist kein Stress.
\Bin männlich und mein Artikel ist 'der'.

Wer bin ich?

I come from the island up north,
Sometimes wear a skirt, showing my worth.
My land is known for Loch Ness,
And whisky causes no stress.
I'm male and my article is 'der'.

Who am I?

Solution: der Schotte (the Scot)

💡 More Tidbits

• Word Origin: The term derives directly from the country name „Schottland“ (Scotland).
• Cultural Associations: Scots are often associated with kilts (Schottenröcke), bagpipes (Dudelsäcke), whisky, the Highlands, and a certain thriftiness (often depicted stereotypically).
• N-Declension: 'Der Schotte' shares its n-declension status with other masculine nouns referring to living beings and ending in '-e' (e.g., der Junge - the boy, der Kollege - the colleague, der Löwe - the lion).