der  Trabant

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁaˈbant/

🛰️ What Exactly is a Trabant?

The German word der Trabant has several meanings:

• Astronomical Meaning: A Trabant is a celestial body that orbits a planet or another larger celestial body. The most famous example is the Moon (der Mond) as the Earth's Trabant. Artificial satellites (künstliche Satelliten) are also often called Trabanten.
• Historical/Figurative Meaning: In the past, an armed servant or bodyguard was called a Trabant. Figuratively, it can also refer to a constant companion or follower (Begleiter or Anhänger).
• Automobile: Very famously, der Trabant (often affectionately called Trabi) is a small car produced in the former GDR (DDR - Deutsche Demokratische Republik). Today, it's a cult car and a symbol of that era.

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'der Trabant' in Detail

The noun der Trabant is masculine. It follows the n-declension (n-Deklination), which means it takes the ending -en in all cases except the nominative singular.

Example Sentences

1. Astronomical: Der Mond ist der natürliche Trabant der Erde.
   (The moon is the natural satellite of the Earth.)
2. Astronomical: Viele künstliche Trabanten umkreisen unseren Planeten zur Kommunikation oder Beobachtung.
   (Many artificial satellites orbit our planet for communication or observation.)
3. Historical/Figurative: Der Fürst bewegte sich nie ohne seine bewaffneten Trabanten.
   (The prince never moved without his armed attendants.)
4. Automobile: Mein Opa fährt immer noch seinen alten Trabanten aus DDR-Zeiten.
   (My grandpa still drives his old Trabant from GDR times.)
5. Automobile: Auf dem Treffen waren viele bunte Trabanten zu sehen.
   (Many colorful Trabants could be seen at the meeting.)

When and How to Use 'Trabant'?

• In a scientific context (astronomy): When talking about moons or artificial satellites. Example: "Die Forscher entdeckten einen neuen Trabanten des Jupiter." (The researchers discovered a new moon/satellite of Jupiter.)
• In a historical context: When referring to medieval or early modern bodyguards or followers. This is quite rare in modern everyday language, except in historical texts. Example: "Die Trabanten schützten den König." (The attendants protected the king.)
• In the context of GDR history and classic cars: When talking about the specific car model. The short form "Trabi" is also very common here. Example: "Eine Fahrt im Trabanten ist ein besonderes Erlebnis." (A ride in a Trabant is a special experience.)
• Figuratively: Rarely, but possibly, to describe a dependent companion or follower, often slightly derogatory. Example: "Er umgab sich stets mit seinen ergebenen Trabanten." (He always surrounded himself with his devoted followers.)

Confusion is unlikely as the contexts are usually very clear.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Trabant'

For the article 'der': Think of 'der' as the article for many masculine roles or objects: der Mann (the man), der Mond (the moon), der Satellit (the satellite), der Begleiter (the companion), and the classic car, often driven by a man (der Fahrer). So, it's der Trabant.

For the meanings: Imagine a journey: You look up at the sky and see der Mond (Trabant 1: satellite). Then you travel back in time and see a knight with his follower (Trabant 2: companion/attendant). Finally, you drive off in a quirky old car (Trabant 3: the Trabi car).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Similar sounding/confusing words: The word is quite distinct. Confusion with other words is unlikely.

😂 A Little Joke about the Trabant

Warum hat der Trabant eine beheizbare Heckscheibe?

Damit man beim Schieben warme Hände hat! 😄

Why does the Trabant have a heated rear window?

So you have warm hands when pushing it! 😄

📜 Poem about the Trabant

Der Trabant

Am Himmel zieht er seine Bahn,
ein kleiner Punkt, sieht man ihn an.
Umkreist die Erde, still und fern,
ein künstlich Werk, ein leuchtend Stern.

Doch auch auf Straßen, alt und grau,
kennt man ihn gut, ganz genau.
Aus Pappe fast, mit leisem Knattern,
lässt er die Herzen höher flattern.
Ein Auto klein, aus Ost-Berlin,
der Trabant, fährt immerhin!

The Trabant (Translation)

In the sky, it draws its path,
a tiny dot, if you look at it.
Orbits the Earth, silent and far,
an artificial work, a shining star.

But also on streets, old and gray,
one knows it well, precisely.
Almost made of cardboard, with a soft rattle,
it makes the hearts flutter faster.
A small car, from East Berlin,
the Trabant, it drives after all!

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich kreise hoch am Himmelszelt,
hab' keine eig'ne, inn're Welt.
Ich diente einst als Wächter treu,
bin auch ein Auto, gar nicht neu.
Mit 'der' steh ich im Wörterbuch,
mal Technik, mal Geschichtsbuch.

Wer bin ich?

Lösung: der Trabant

I circle high in the firmament,
I have no inner world of my own.
I once served as a loyal guard,
I am also a car, not new at all.
With 'der' I stand in the dictionary,
sometimes technology, sometimes history book.

Who am I?

Solution: der Trabant

💡 More about the Trabant

Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Trabant" comes from Middle High German drabant, which in turn was borrowed from Czech drabant ("foot soldier, bodyguard"). So the original meaning was that of a companion or servant.

Cultural Significance of the Car: The PKW Trabant (passenger car Trabant) was more than just a car; it became a symbol of the GDR and, after reunification, a cult object (Kultobjekt). Its simple technology and characteristic appearance made it unmistakable.