der  Sex

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɛks/

🌍 What does "der Sex" mean?

The German word der Sex (masculine) has two main meanings:

• Sexual intercourse: This is the most common meaning in everyday language. It refers to the sexual act between individuals. Example: Sie hatten Sex. (They had sex. - Often used without an article here).
• Biological sex: Less commonly, and more in scientific or formal contexts, "der Sex" (or Latin "Sexus") is used to denote biological sex (male/female). Example: Die Bestimmung des Sexus beim Embryo. (The determination of the sex in the embryo. - The plural die Sexe is possible here but rare).

🚨 Attention: In everyday conversation, "Sex" almost always refers to sexual intercourse.

🧐 Grammar of "der Sex" in Detail

The noun "Sex" is masculine.

Notes:

• In the meaning "sexual intercourse", "Sex" is often treated like an uncountable noun and used without an article (e.g., Sex haben - to have sex, über Sex reden - to talk about sex).
• The genitive singular can be "des Sex" or "des Sexes". "Des Sex" is more common.
• The plural "die Sexe" is very rare and only refers to biological sexes.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Sex war gut. (The sex was good. - Referring to a specific instance)
2. Aufklärung über Sex ist wichtig für Jugendliche. (Sex education is important for teenagers. - General, without article)
3. Das Thema Sex ist in manchen Kulturen ein Tabu. (The topic of sex is taboo in some cultures. - General, without article)
4. Der biologische Sex wird bei der Geburt bestimmt. (The biological sex is determined at birth. - Meaning: gender/sex)

💡 How is "Sex" used?

The use of der Sex strongly depends on the context:

• Colloquial speech: Here, the meaning "sexual intercourse" dominates. The word can be direct and is often used without an article (Sex haben - to have sex, an Sex denken - to think about sex). Depending on the situation, it can have neutral, positive, or negative connotations.
• Medicine/Biology/Sociology: In scientific contexts, "der Sex" or "der Sexus" can refer to biological sex. However, this is less common than the word "Geschlecht" (gender/sex).
• Media/Public discourse: The topic of "Sex" is ubiquitous in the media, often in connection with relationships, health, education, or scandals.

Comparison with other words:

• Geschlechtsverkehr: More formal and technical than "Sex".
• Koitus: Medical/scientific term for sexual intercourse.
• Liebe machen (lit. 'to make love'): Euphemism, emphasizes the emotional component.
• Geschlecht: Primarily refers to biological or social gender, but can sometimes be used synonymously for "Sex" (the act), although it's ambiguous.

⚠️ Depending on the interlocutor and situation, the word "Sex" might be perceived as too direct or inappropriate.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Sex"

• For the article: Think of typically 'male' things (stereotypically) that start with 'S' in English, like 'Sir' or 'Strong'. It's a stretch, but maybe link that strength to the masculine 'der Sex'. Or think of 'der Akt' (the act).
• For the meaning: The word is internationally known and sounds almost identical in German and English. If you know the English word, you know the main meaning in German.

Remember: Der drive, der act – that leads to der Sex.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• Sekt (der): Sparkling wine. Sounds vaguely similar.
• Sechs (die Zahl): The number six.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'unwissend' und 'ignorant'?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Keine Ahnung und das ist mir auch egal!"

English: The teacher asks: "What's the difference between 'uninformed' and 'ignorant'?"
Little Fritz pipes up: "I don't know and I don't care!"

Okay, this one isn't directly about "Sex", but the topic is sensitive for jokes. Better safe than sorry! 😉

✍️ Poem about the Word

German:
Ein kurzes Wort, nur drei Buchstaben lang,
Der Sex, mal leise, mal mit lautem Klang.
Mal Akt der Liebe, tief und rein,
Mal nur ein Trieb, so soll es sein?
Ein Thema groß, oft heiß diskutiert,
Das Leben prägt, ob's passt, ob's irritiert.

English Translation:
A short word, just three letters long,
Der Sex, sometimes quiet, sometimes with a loud song.
Sometimes an act of love, deep and pure,
Sometimes just an urge, is that for sure?
A topic vast, often hotly debated,
Shaping life, whether fitting or ill-fated.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Wort, kurz und bekannt,
Bin männlich, wenn ich werd' genannt.
Ich steh' für Nähe, Lust und Akt,
Habe die Welt schon oft gepackt.
Manchmal bin ich auch nur Biologie,
Was bin ich? Sag es, irgendwie!

English:
I am a word, short and known,
I'm masculine when I am shown.
I stand for closeness, lust, and act,
Have often gripped the world, in fact.
Sometimes I'm also just biology,
What am I? Tell me, somehow, you see!

Solution: der Sex

✨ Other Information

Etymology: The word "Sex" was adopted into German from English in the 20th century. English, in turn, borrowed it from the Latin word sexus (gender, sex).

Cultural Significance: The topic of "Sex" is culturally charged and subject to social norms, taboos, and discussions. Perceptions and handling of it have changed significantly over time.

Compounds: The word is part of many compound nouns, e.g.: Sexualität (sexuality), Sexpuppe (sex doll), Sexappeal (sex appeal), Sexismus (sexism), Cybersex.