der
Tadel
🧐 What exactly does "der Tadel" mean?
Der Tadel is a noun and signifies a reprimand, rebuke, disapproval, or a form of criticism. It refers to a negative assessment of an action, behavior, or performance. A Tadel is often more formal than simple Kritik (criticism) and can have official consequences in certain contexts (e.g., school, military, workplace).
Since the word only takes the article "der", it's grammatically unambiguously masculine. There are no different meanings associated with different articles.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
📐 Grammar Corner: Declension of "der Tadel"
"Tadel" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension in singular and plural:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Tadel |
| Genitive | des | Tadels |
| Dative | dem | Tadel |
| Accusative | den | Tadel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Tadel |
| Genitive | der | Tadel |
| Dative | den | Tadeln |
| Accusative | die | Tadel |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Schüler erhielt einen Tadel für sein schlechtes Benehmen.
(The student received a reprimand for his bad behavior.) - Die Chefin erteilte dem Mitarbeiter einen strengen Tadel wegen der verpassten Deadline.
(The boss gave the employee a stern rebuke because of the missed deadline.) - Ein Tadel kann manchmal motivierender sein als keine Rückmeldung.
(A reprimand can sometimes be more motivating than no feedback.) - Er musste sich viele Tadel anhören.
(He had to listen to many reprimands. - Plural)
🗣️ How to use "Tadel"?
Der Tadel is used to express a formal or semi-formal form of disapproval. Here are some typical contexts:
- School: A teacher might give a student a Tadel (sometimes even in writing).
- Workplace: A supervisor rebukes an employee for mistakes or inappropriate behavior.
- Military/Authorities: Here, a Tadel can be an official disciplinary measure.
- General: One can also *tadeln* (rebuke) someone in private settings, although milder terms like *Kritik* (criticism) or *Ermahnung* (admonition) are often used here.
Difference from "Kritik": While *Kritik* can also be positive or constructive, a *Tadel* is almost always negative and focuses on misconduct or poor performance. A Tadel often implies a certain authority of the person giving the reprimand.
Common phrases are: einen Tadel erteilen (to issue a reprimand), einen Tadel bekommen/erhalten (to receive a reprimand), or sich einen Tadel einfangen (to catch/get a reprimand).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Tadel"
Article Mnemonic: Imagine Der Teacher (masculine!) gives the reprimand (Tadel). The "der" in Teacher sounds like the article.
Meaning Mnemonic: When someone misbehaves, they might get told off. Think of "Tadel" sounding a bit like "tattle" – someone tattled, and now there's a Tadel (reprimand).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms: Similarities and Opposites
👍 Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Rüge: (Rebuke) Very similar, often used in formal or professional contexts.
- Verweis: (Reprimand, often written) Also formal, e.g., a school suspension (Schulverweis).
- Kritik: (Criticism) More general term, can be neutral or positive. Tadel is specifically negative.
- Missbilligung: (Disapproval) Expresses rejection, but not necessarily as a direct reprimand.
- Schelte: (Scolding) More colloquial term for a sharp telling-off.
👎 Antonyms (Opposites)
- Lob: (Praise) Positive recognition of performance or behavior.
- Anerkennung: (Recognition, appreciation) Expression of esteem.
- Belobigung: (Commendation) Formal praise.
- Ermutigung: (Encouragement) Positive reinforcement, often future-oriented.
- Zuspruch: (Comfort, encouragement) Comforting or encouraging words.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Besen einen Tadel bekommen?
Weil er immer nur rumgekehrt hat! 😉
(Why did the broom get a reprimand? Because it was always just sweeping around! - 'rumkehren' means 'to sweep around' but also 'to turn around/loiter')
📜 A Poem about the "Tadel"
Ein Fehler klein, ein Wort gesagt,
Schon hat der Chef sich sehr beklagt.
Ein Blick so streng, die Stirn in Falten,
Ein Tadel muss der Arme halten.
Er senkt den Kopf, fühlt sich ertappt,
Beim nächsten Mal wird's besser geklappt!
(A little mistake, a word was said,
The boss already complained with dread.
A look so stern, a furrowed brow,
A reprimand the poor soul must allow.
He lowers his head, feels caught in the act,
Next time, it will be better tracked!)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Lob und keine Ehr,
Man kriegt mich, tut man etwas sehr,
Das falsch war oder nicht gefiel,
Oft in der Arbeit oder im Schulgewühl.
Ich komme meist von oben herab,
Bin eine Rüge, kurz und knapp.
Was bin ich?
... Der Tadel
(I am no praise and no honour bright,
You get me when you don't do right,
Or something done displeased somehow,
At work or school, they'll give me now.
I often come from high above,
A reprimand, devoid of love.
What am I?
... Der Tadel / A reprimand)
💡 Other Information
The corresponding verb is tadeln. Example: "Der Lehrer tadelt den Schüler." (The teacher reprimands the student.)
The adjectives are tadelnswert or tadelnswürdig, meaning reprehensible or blameworthy (deserving of a Tadel).
There is also the expression "ohne Fehl und Tadel", meaning without fault or blemish, i.e., perfect.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Tadel?
The word 'Tadel' is masculine, so it's always der Tadel. It means a reprimand, rebuke, or criticism.