der
Schrank
🚪 What exactly is a Schrank?
Der Schrank (noun, masculine) refers to a piece of furniture used for storing items, usually closable with doors. It's the general German word for cupboard, closet, or wardrobe. There are many types, depending on their purpose:
- Kleiderschrank: For storing clothes (wardrobe/closet).
- Küchenschrank: For storing dishes, food, etc., in the kitchen (kitchen cupboard).
- Bücherschrank: For storing books (bookcase, specifically one with doors).
- Aktenschrank: For organizing documents in the office (filing cabinet).
🚨 There's only one article for Schrank: der. It's definitively a masculine noun.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Devices → mostly masculine.
Caution: das Gerät
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Schrank
The word "Schrank" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der | Schrank |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Schrankes / Schranks |
| Dative (To whom?) | dem | Schrank / Schranke* |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den | Schrank |
* The dative ending -e (dem Schranke) is dated but sometimes still used in formal language or set phrases.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Schränke |
| Genitive | der | Schränke |
| Dative | den | Schränken |
| Accusative | die | Schränke |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Schrank im Schlafzimmer ist voll mit Kleidung. (The closet in the bedroom is full of clothes.)
- Die Tür des Schrankes quietscht ein wenig. (The door of the cupboard squeaks a little.)
- Ich stelle die Tassen in den Schrank in der Küche. (I put the cups into the cupboard in the kitchen.)
- Wir brauchen neue Schränke für das Büro. (We need new cupboards/cabinets for the office.)
💡 Everyday Usage: Der Schrank
"Der Schrank" is a very common word in German, found in many contexts, mostly related to furniture and storage.
- In the household (Im Haushalt): People talk about the Kleiderschrank (wardrobe), Wäscheschrank (linen closet), Küchenschrank (kitchen cupboard), Putzmittelschrank (cleaning supplies cupboard), etc.
- In the office (Im Büro): You'll find the Aktenschrank (filing cabinet) or the Büroschrank (office cupboard).
- Figuratively (Übertragen): Sometimes "Schrank" is used colloquially for a very muscular, broad-shouldered person ("Was für ein Schrank!" - What a hulk/unit!), but this is rather informal.
Distinction (Abgrenzung): Unlike a Schrank, a Regal (shelf/shelving unit) is usually open and has no doors. A Kommode (chest of drawers) is lower than a typical Schrank and often has drawers instead of doors. A Sideboard is also lower and more elongated.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic
Imagine Der Starke Mann (the strong man - masculine!) building den schweren Schrank (the heavy cupboard). This helps associate the masculine article 'der' with Schrank.
Meaning Mnemonic
A Schrank is like a chamber that reschränkt (restricts/confines) the space for your things to keep them tidy. Think of the English word 'shrine' (a place where things are kept) which sounds a bit like Schrank, or 'shrink' – it shrinks the clutter.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Words
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Kasten (often more general, can mean box or case, sometimes used for cupboard)
- Möbelstück (piece of furniture - very general)
- Spind (locker, usually metal, e.g., in changing rooms)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Regal (shelf, shelving unit - open storage)
- Freifläche / Leerraum (open space / empty space - no furniture)
⚠️ Watch Out for Confusion!
- Schranke (die): This means barrier or gate, like at a level crossing. Don't mix it up with the piece of furniture! It's feminine (die).
- Schränke (die): This is the plural of der Schrank (cupboards/closets).
😂 A Little Joke
Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir fünf Tiere aus Afrika."
Fritzchen: "Zwei Löwen und drei Elefanten."
Lehrer: "Und wo sind die?"
Fritzchen: "Die sind doch alle längst im Schrank!"
Translation:
Teacher: "Fritzchen, name five animals from Africa."
Fritzchen: "Two lions and three elephants."
Teacher: "And where are they?"
Fritzchen: "They've all been in the closet for ages!" (A play on the German idiom "eine Leiche im Keller haben" - to have a skeleton in the closet, humorously adapted).
✍️ A Poem about the Schrank
Der Schrank, so stark, so hoch, so breit,
Hält Kleider, Wäsche, jederzeit bereit.
Mal Holz, mal weiß, mal bunt lackiert,
In ihm wird alles gut verstaut, sortiert.
Er schließt die Tür, bewahrt den Schatz,
Ein treuer Diener an sei'm Platz.
Translation:
The cupboard, so strong, so high, so wide,
Holds clothes, linen, ready inside.
Sometimes wood, sometimes white, sometimes colorfully lacquered bright,
In it, everything is well stored, sorted right.
It closes the door, guards the treasure,
A faithful servant in its place, for pleasure.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich habe Türen, doch kein Haus.
Ich schlucke Kleider, Tassen, aus.
Ich stehe still an deiner Wand,
Mein Inhalt ist dir wohlbekannt.
Wer bin ich?
(Who am I?)
Lösung / Answer: Der Schrank (The cupboard/closet)
Translation:
I have doors, but no house.
I swallow clothes, cups, everything.
I stand still against your wall,
My contents are well known to you all.
🧩 Other Information
Word Origin (Wortherkunft)
The word "Schrank" is etymologically related to "schränken" and "verschränken", which originally meant a kind of lattice or enclosure. So, the Schrank was initially an enclosed, barred space or container.
Typical Compound Words (Typische Wortzusammensetzungen)
The word "Schrank" forms part of many compound nouns in German:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Schrank?
The German word Schrank is masculine. The correct article is always der: der Schrank. The plural form is die Schränke.