der  Vorhang

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfoːɐ̯haŋ/

🎭 What does 'der Vorhang' mean?

Der Vorhang primarily refers to a piece of fabric or similar material used to cover, screen, or decorate something. Most commonly, *Vorhänge* (plural) are found in front of windows (as a Fenstervorhang or Gardine - *window curtain* or *net curtain*) or on stages (as a Theatervorhang - *stage curtain*).

Figuratively, "der Vorhang" can also symbolize the end of a performance or an event (e.g., "Der Vorhang fällt für diese Ära." - *The curtain falls on this era.*).

The word always takes the masculine article der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Corner: Declining 'der Vorhang'

"Vorhang" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der Vorhang im Wohnzimmer ist blau.
   (The curtain in the living room is blue.)
2. Die Farbe des Vorhangs gefällt mir sehr gut.
   (I really like the color of the curtain.)
3. Ich stehe hinter dem Vorhang.
   (I am standing behind the curtain.)
4. Bitte zieh den Vorhang zu!
   (Please close the curtain!)
5. Die Vorhänge im Theater sind schwer und rot.
   (The curtains in the theater are heavy and red.)
6. Wir müssen die Vorhänge waschen.
   (We need to wash the curtains.)

💡 Using 'der Vorhang' in Context

Der Vorhang is used in various contexts:

• At home: As a privacy screen or blackout for windows (Fenstervorhang), sometimes also as a room divider or shower curtain (Duschvorhang).
• In the theater/cinema: Separates the stage from the auditorium. Opening ("Der Vorhang geht auf" - *The curtain rises*) signals the beginning, closing ("Der Vorhang fällt" - *The curtain falls*) signals the end of a performance.
• Figurative meaning: Often used metaphorically for the end of something or concealing secrets ("hinter den Vorhängen schauen" - *to look behind the curtains/scenes*).

Typical verbs: den Vorhang aufziehen (pull open), zuziehen (pull closed), schließen (close), öffnen (open).

Distinction: A Gardine is often lighter and more transparent than a Vorhang, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

🧠 Memory Hooks for 'der Vorhang'

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a strong man (masculine - der) installing a heavy curtain. He stands *before* (Vor-) the window and *hangs* (-hang) it. It's *der Vorhang*.

Meaning Mnemonic: A *curtain* *hangs* *before* (Vor-) something (a window, a stage). The meaning is literally in the word: Vor-hang.

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words

⚠️ Similar sounding words (Potential for confusion!):

• Das Vorhangschloss: (Padlock) A portable lock with a shackle (completely unrelated to fabric!).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Frage: Warum ist der Vorhang so gut im Verstecken spielen? Antwort: Weil er sich immer zuzieht!

English: Question: Why is the curtain so good at hide-and-seek? Answer: Because it always draws itself closed! (Pun on 'zuziehen' - to close/draw curtains & 'sich zuziehen' - to withdraw/become introverted)

📜 Poem: Der Vorhang / The Silent Guardian

Ein Vorhang hängt, so still und schwer,
verbirgt das Licht, das Fenster leer.
Mal zugezogen, mal beiseit',
begleitet er die Dunkelheit, die Helligkeit.

Auf Bühnenbrettern fällt er sacht,
beendet Spiel und laute Schlacht.
Ein Stückchen Stoff, doch voller Sinn,
ist Anfang oft und Mittendrin.

---
English Translation: The Silent Guardian
A curtain hangs, so still and heavy,
hides the light, the window empty.
Sometimes drawn closed, sometimes aside,
it accompanies the dark, the light tide.

On stage boards, it gently falls,
ending plays and loud brawls.
A piece of fabric, yet full of sense,
often the start and in suspense.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich hänge meist vor Glas,
mal schwer, mal leicht, mal blass.
Ich öffne mich dem Licht,
und schließe mich ganz dicht.
Im Theater fall' ich gern,
halt Blicke von dir fern.

Was bin ich?
(Lösung: der Vorhang)

---
English Translation:
I usually hang before glass,
sometimes heavy, light, or pale, alas.
I open myself to the light,
and close myself up tight.
In the theater, I like to fall,
keeping gazes away from you all.

What am I?
(Answer: the curtain / der Vorhang)

🧩 Other Bits and Pieces about 'Vorhang'

Word Composition: The word "Vorhang" is composed of:

• Vor- : Prefix indicating a position 'in front of' or 'before'.
• hangen (old form of *hängen* - to hang): Verb describing how it's attached.

So, a *Vorhang* literally means something that 'hangs in front'.

Common Idioms:

• "Hinter den Vorhang blicken": *To look behind the curtain* (to find out secrets, understand the background).
• "Vorhang auf!": *Curtain up!* (Signal to start a performance).
• "Der Vorhang ist gefallen": *The curtain has fallen* (Something is definitively over).

Compound nouns include: Duschvorhang (shower curtain), Theatervorhang (theater curtain), Eiserner Vorhang (Iron Curtain - historical/political term).