der  Tänzer

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtɛnʦɐ/

🕺 What does "der Tänzer" mean?

Der Tänzer refers to a male person who dances, either professionally (e.g., Balletttänzer - ballet dancer, Turniertänzer - competition dancer) or as a hobby. The word derives from the verb "tanzen" (to dance).

• Meaning 1: Male person who dances.

🚨 Important: The female form is die Tänzerin (female dancer).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Tänzer" in Detail

"Tänzer" is a masculine noun. It follows the N-declension pattern in the plural (and sometimes weakly in the singular, though mostly strong declension is used).

Example Sentences

1. Der Tänzer bewegte sich elegant über die Bühne. (The dancer moved elegantly across the stage.)
2. Wir bewunderten die Sprünge des Tänzers. (We admired the dancer's jumps.)
3. Die Choreografin gab dem Tänzer Anweisungen. (The choreographer gave instructions to the dancer.)
4. Das Publikum applaudierte dem berühmten Tänzer. (The audience applauded the famous dancer.)
5. Viele Tänzer trainieren täglich mehrere Stunden. (Many dancers train several hours daily.)
6. Die Kostüme der Tänzer waren farbenfroh. (The dancers' costumes were colorful.)
7. Der Trainer arbeitet eng mit den Tänzern zusammen. (The coach works closely with the dancers.)

💃 How to use "Tänzer"?

The term "Tänzer" is used to describe a male person who moves rhythmically to music. This can occur in various contexts:

• Professionally: Balletttänzer (ballet dancer), Solotänzer (solo dancer), Standardtänzer (ballroom dancer), Lateintänzer (Latin dancer), zeitgenössischer Tänzer (contemporary dancer).
• Hobby/Leisure: Someone who enjoys dancing in clubs, at parties, or in dance classes (Tanzkursen).
• Figuratively: Sometimes used metaphorically, but rarely.

Compared to just saying "jemand, der tanzt" (someone who dances), "Tänzer" is more specific and often implies a certain level of skill or regularity.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Tänzer"

1. Remembering the Article: Think: DER MAN dances. The Tänzer is male, so it's "der".

2. Remembering the Meaning: The word contains "tanz" (dance). A Tänz-ER sounds like someonE Really likes to dance. He's a dancer. 😉

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with "Tanzbär" (often derogatory for someone dancing clumsily, or literally a dancing bear).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nicht am Tanzwettbewerb teil?

Weil sie keinen Body haben! 😉🕺💀

(Why don't skeletons take part in the dance competition? Because they have no body! [Pun on 'nobody' and 'no body'])

📜 Poem about a Dancer

Der Tänzer

Im Lichtschein schwebt der Tänzer leicht,
Sein Körper spricht, wo Wort nicht reicht.
Musik ihn führt, ein leiser Hauch,
Er tanzt die Freude, Schmerz auch.
Ein Augenblick, der schnell vergeht,
Wo Kunst in Bewegung lebt.

(Translation: The Dancer)

In the spotlight floats the dancer light,
His body speaks where words take flight.
Music guides him, a gentle sigh,
He dances joy, and pain thereby.
A moment fleeting, quickly past,
Where art in motion's ever cast.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bewege mich zur Melodie,
Mal schnell, mal langsam, spät und früh.
Mal allein, mal mit Partnerin geschwind,
Auf der Bühne oder im Discolicht geschwind.
Mein Körper ist mein Instrument,
Manch einer mich beim Ballett erkennt.

Wer bin ich (in männlicher Form)?

(I move to the melody,
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, late and early.
Sometimes alone, sometimes swiftly with a female partner,
On stage or swift in the disco light.
My body is my instrument,
Some recognize me in the ballet.)

Who am I (in male form)?

Solution: Der Tänzer (The male dancer)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Tänzer" is derived from the verb "tanzen" (to dance) using the suffix "-er", which typically denotes a person performing the action (agent).

• tanzen (verb) + -er (suffix) → der Tänzer (noun, masculine)

Famous Dancers (Bekannte Tänzer):

History knows many famous male dancers like Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, or Fred Astaire, who significantly shaped the art form.