der  Thron

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁoːn/

👑 What does "der Thron" mean?

Der Thron (noun, masculine) primarily refers to an artistically designed, often elevated seat for a ruler (König, Kaiser, Papst, etc.) or a high-ranking personality, serving as a symbol of power, dignity, and rule (Macht, Würde und Herrschaft).

There is only this one article for the word Thron in this meaning. It is always masculine.

• Main meaning: Ruler's seat, symbol of power.
• Figurative meaning: Can also stand for the rule or position of power itself (e.g., "um den Thron kämpfen" - to fight for the throne).

⚠️ Be aware that there are no other articles or meanings that commonly cause confusion. It's clearly der Thron.

🧐 Grammar of "der Thron" in Detail

The noun "Thron" is masculine. The article is "der". Here are the declension tables:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der König saß auf seinem goldenen Thron. (The king sat on his golden throne.)
2. Der Kampf um den Thron dauerte viele Jahre. (The fight for the throne lasted many years.)
3. Die Königin bestieg nach dem Tod ihres Vaters den Thron. (The queen ascended the throne after her father's death.)
4. Im Schlossmuseum kann man alte Throne bewundern. (In the castle museum, one can admire old thrones.)

🗣️ How to use "der Thron"?

"Der Thron" is mostly used in the context of monarchies, history, and power.

• Literally: Describing the physical piece of furniture ("Der Thron war mit Samt bezogen." - The throne was covered in velvet.).
• Figuratively/Symbolically: Describing the rule or position of power ("Er strebte nach dem Thron." - He aspired to the throne., "Die Thronfolge war umstritten." - The succession to the throne was disputed.).
• Idioms: Sometimes used humorously or in idioms, e.g., "vom Thron stoßen" (to dethrone someone).

Compared to "Stuhl" (chair) or "Sessel" (armchair), "Thron" always implies high social status, power, and often grandeur.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Thron"

Article Mnemonic: Think of a strong male ruleR. RuleR ends in R, like deR. DER ruler sits on DEM Thron.

Meaning Mnemonic: A throne is often made of stone (or looks like it) and makes the ruler feel less alone at the top. The 'one' sound connects to the seat of power.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• die Drohne: (Drone) Unmanned aerial vehicle or male bee. Sounds similar but is unrelated. 🚨 Potential for confusion!

😂 A little joke

Warum nimmt der König seinen Thron mit ins Badezimmer?

(Why does the king take his throne into the bathroom?)

Damit er weiß, wohin er sich setzen soll, wenn er Regierungsgeschäfte erledigen muss!

(So he knows where to sit when he has to conduct affairs of state!)

📜 Poem about the Throne

Aus Gold und Samt, so stolz und hehr,
der Thron, er thront, erhaben schwer.
Symbol der Macht, seit alter Zeit,
Von Königshand zu Herrlichkeit.
Wer auf ihm sitzt, trägt große Last,
Und herrscht im Reich, oft ohne Rast.

(Of gold and velvet, proud and grand,
The throne, it sits, sublime and planned.
A symbol of power, since ancient days,
By royal hand to glorious haze.
Who sits thereon bears heavy weight,
And rules the realm, often till late.)

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Sitz, doch nicht für jeden Mann,
Nur wer regiert, der sitzen kann.
Ich steh' für Macht, oft prunkvoll sehr,
Sag, wer bin ich? Rat' nicht umher!

(I am a seat, but not for every man,
Only the one who rules, sit can.
I stand for power, often grand and tall,
Tell me, who am I? Guess now, stand tall!)

Solution: Der Thron (The throne)

✨ Other Information

Etymology: The word "Thron" comes from the Greek word thrónos (θρόνος), meaning "seat, chair, high seat". It entered German via the Latin thronus.

Compounds: Common compounds include, e.g., Thronfolger (heir to the throne), Thronsaal (throne room), thronen (to sit enthroned), entthronen (to dethrone).