der  Turm

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʊʁm/

🗼 What does "der Turm" mean?

The German word der Turm primarily refers to two things:

• A tall, narrow structure or building: Often part of a larger complex (like a Burg (castle) or Kirche (church)) or freestanding (like a Fernsehturm (TV tower) or Wachturm (watchtower)). Towers can serve various functions: observation, defense, housing, holding bells, broadcasting/receiving signals, etc. Examples: der Eiffelturm, der Kirchturm, der Wachturm, der Funkturm.
• A chess piece (rook): One of the most powerful pieces, capable of moving horizontally and vertically across any number of unoccupied squares.

It exclusively uses the masculine article der. ⚠️ There are no alternative articles for this word.

🧐 Grammar of "der Turm" in Detail

"Turm" is a masculine noun. It always takes the article der.

Example Sentences:

1. Der alte Turm der Burg bietet eine tolle Aussicht. (The old tower of the castle offers a great view.)
2. Wir besichtigten den schiefen Turm von Pisa. (We visited the leaning tower of Pisa.)
3. Im Schachspiel opferte er seinen Turm. (In the chess game, he sacrificed his rook.)
4. Die Spitzen der Türme ragten in den Himmel. (The spires of the towers reached into the sky.)
5. Die Geschichte dieses Turmes ist faszinierend. (The history of this tower is fascinating.)

🗣️ How to use "der Turm"?

"Der Turm" is used quite directly when referring to a tall building or the chess piece.

• In the context of architecture and landscape: When discussing cities, castles (Burgen), churches (Kirchen), or modern structures, "der Turm" is a common word. (e.g., "Der Fernsehturm überragt die Stadt." - The TV tower overlooks the city.)
• In chess: Clearly denotes the specific piece (rook). (e.g., "Mein Turm steht auf h8." - My rook is on h8.)
• Figurative meanings: Less common, but possible, e.g., "Elfenbeinturm" (ivory tower) for a detached, out-of-touch position.

You often differentiate which type of tower is meant through context or compound words (Komposita): Kirchturm (church tower), Wachturm (watchtower), Funkturm (radio tower), Schachturm (rook/chess tower), Elfenbeinturm (ivory tower).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Turm"

For the article: Think of something typically masculine, tall and strong, like Der Mann (the man) who builds der Turm (the tower). Or associate the 'R' in deR with the 'R' in TuRm.

For the meaning: Imagine a tall Turret (similar sound and shape) reaching mightily into the sky. (TUR-M)

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "der Turm"

Potential Confusion:

Be careful not to confuse "Turm" with "das Tor" (gate, goal), although both are often associated with castles. Remember: der Turm (tower), das Tor (gate).

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Tourist den Burgführer: "Entschuldigen Sie, warum ist dieser Turm hier eigentlich schief?" Antwortet der Burgführer: "Keine Ahnung, er wurde nie gerade gefragt!"

English Translation: A tourist asks the castle guide: "Excuse me, why is this tower here crooked (schief)?" The guide replies: "No idea, it was never asked straight (gerade gefragt)!" (Pun: 'schief sein' can mean 'to be crooked/leaning' and 'gerade fragen' means 'to ask directly/straight'.)

📜 Poem about the Tower

German:
Ein Turm, so hoch, zum Himmel strebt,
Aus Stein gebaut, hat viel erlebt.
Er wacht bei Tag, er wacht bei Nacht,
Hat über Stadt und Land gewacht.
Mal dient er als Verteidigungswall,
Mal läutet seine Glocke mit Schall.
Im Schach zieht er gerade Bahnen,
Man muss mit seiner Stärke planen.

English Translation:
A tower, so high, towards heaven strives,
Built of stone, has seen many lives.
It watches by day, it watches by night,
Has guarded over city and land with might.
Sometimes it serves as a defensive wall,
Sometimes its bell rings out with a call.
In chess, it moves in straight lines true,
One must plan with its strength in view.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich steh' allein oder an Mauern dran,
Bin hoch gebaut, schau himmelan.
Mal trag' ich Glocken, mal 'ne Zinne,
Im Schach beweg' ich mich in grader Linie.

Was bin ich? ... Der Turm

English Translation:
I stand alone or attached to walls,
I'm built up high, heed heavens' calls.
Sometimes I carry bells, sometimes a battlement,
In chess, I move on a straight line sent.

What am I? ... The tower (der Turm)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen / Komposita): "Turm" forms part of many German words describing specific types of towers:

• Kirchturm: Church tower/spire
• Leuchtturm: Lighthouse
• Wasserturm: Water tower
• Fernsehturm: TV tower
• Elfenbeinturm: Ivory tower (metaphor for being out of touch)
• Turmuhr: Tower clock
• Turmspringer: High diver (athlete diving from a tower)

Famous Towers: Eiffelturm (Paris), Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj Khalifa (Dubai, tallest building with tower-like structure), CN Tower (Toronto).