der  Spruch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃpʁʊx/

🧐 What does "der Spruch" mean?

The German word der Spruch (plural: die Sprüche) is a masculine noun with several meanings:

• Saying / Proverb: A short, often memorable phrase expressing a piece of wisdom, a rule, or a general truth. Example: "Alter schützt vor Torheit nicht" (Age doesn't protect from foolishness) is a well-known Spruch.
• Motto / Slogan: A short, concise sentence serving as a guiding principle or advertising slogan. Example: Der Spruch des Unternehmens lautet "Innovation und Qualität" (The company's slogan is "Innovation and Quality").
• Verdict / Judgment (legal): In a legal context, "der Spruch" often refers to the decision or judgment of a court or arbitration panel. Example: Der Spruch des Richters fiel eindeutig aus (The judge's verdict was clear).
• (Casual) Remark / Quip: Sometimes "Spruch" is used somewhat dismissively for a flippant or thoughtless remark. Example: Er macht immer dumme Sprüche (He always makes stupid remarks).

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning of "Spruch".

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "der Spruch" in Detail

"Der Spruch" is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. (Saying) Mein Opa kennt für jede Situation einen passenden Spruch.
   My grandpa knows a suitable saying for every situation.
2. (Motto) Auf dem T-Shirt stand ein lustiger Spruch.
   There was a funny slogan on the T-shirt.
3. (Verdict) Alle warteten gespannt auf den Spruch der Jury.
   Everyone waited anxiously for the jury's verdict.
4. (Remark) Seine frechen Sprüche kamen nicht gut an.
   His cheeky remarks were not well received.

🗣️ How is "der Spruch" used?

Depending on its meaning, "der Spruch" is used in different contexts:

• Everyday language: Here, "Spruch" mostly refers to sayings, proverbs, or casual remarks. "Kennst du den Spruch 'Was du heute kannst besorgen...'?" ("Do you know the saying 'What you can do today...'")
• Literature & Culture: Sprüche as quotes or wisdom are common.
• Advertising & Marketing: As a slogan or claim, a "Spruch" is central. "Der Werbespruch ist sehr eingängig." ("The advertising slogan is very catchy.")
• Law & Administration: Here, "Spruch" denotes an official judgment or decision. "Der Spruch des Schiedsgerichts ist bindend." ("The arbitration panel's decision is binding.")

Distinction from similar words:

• Zitat (Quote): A verbatim statement from a known person. A Spruch can be, but isn't necessarily, a Zitat.
• Urteil (Judgment): Refers more specifically to a court's decision. "Spruch" can be synonymous here but is slightly more general.
• Motto (Motto): A guiding principle, often personal or for a group. A "Spruch" can serve as a Motto.
• Witz (Joke): A humorous story or remark. A Spruch is not primarily aimed at humor, though it can be witty.

🧠 Memory Aids for "der Spruch"

For the article: Think of "DER Judge delivers the Spruch" or connect it to other masculine concepts associated with speaking firmly or judging (like der Mann, der Richter). The masculine association helps remember "der".

For the meaning: "Spruch" comes from "sprechen" (to speak). It's something spoken or written that makes a statement – whether it's wisdom (Sprichwort - proverb), a guiding idea (Motto), or a decision (Urteil - verdict). Think of the 'sprech' sound linking to 'speech'.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for "Spruch"

⚠️ Watch out for similar words:

• Sprache (Language): Refers to the entire communication system, not a single utterance.
• Anspruch (Claim/Entitlement): Means a right or demand.

😄 A Little Spruch for a Chuckle

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir einen bekannten Spruch nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Nach fest kommt ab!"

Teacher asks: "Who can tell me a well-known saying?"
Little Fritzchen raises his hand: "After tight comes loose!" (A common saying when something breaks from overtightening)

✍️ A Spruch in Verse

Ein Spruch, kurz und klar,
Ist oft mehr wert, als man meint, fürwahr.
Ob Weisheit alt, ob Slogan neu,
Ob Urteil streng, ob flapsig frei.
Der Spruch, er prägt sich ein geschwind,
Ein Wort, das Wirkung oft gewinnt.

A Spruch, short and clear,
Is often worth more than first appears, it's true.
Whether wisdom old, or slogan new,
Whether judgment strict, or flippantly askew.
Der Spruch, it quickly takes its hold,
A word whose impact oft unfolds.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich kann weise sein oder nur ein Scherz,
Steh' auf Postern oder treff' ins Herz.
Ein Richter fällt mich, kurz und knapp,
Manchmal bin ich auch nur flapsiger Klapp.

Was bin ich? Lösung: der Spruch

I can be wise or just a jest,
Stand on posters or pierce the chest.
A judge delivers me, short and fast,
Sometimes I'm just a flippant blast.

What am I?
Solution: der Spruch

💡 More about "der Spruch"

Etymology: The word "Spruch" derives from the verb "sprechen" (to speak) and has been documented since Middle High German ("spruch"). It originally meant something spoken, a speech, or a narrative, from which the current meanings developed.

Compounds: There are many compound words with "-spruch", e.g.:

• Denkspruch: A maxim or aphorism to reflect upon
• Wahlspruch: A personal motto
• Werbespruch: An advertising slogan
• Richterspruch: A judge's verdict
• Freispruch: An acquittal (a verdict finding someone not guilty)
• Widerspruch: A contradiction or objection