der
Wachmann
👮 What does 'der Wachmann' mean?
A Wachmann (plural: Wachmänner) is a male person whose professional duty is to guard, protect, and secure buildings, grounds, objects, or people. He conducts patrols, monitors security systems, and intervenes in case of danger or irregularities.
The female form is die Wachfrau.
⚠️ Although the term Wachmann is traditionally used, many people today prefer more gender-neutral terms like Sicherheitskraft (security force/personnel) or Wachpersonal (guard personnel).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
📊 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Wachmann
The word "Wachmann" is a masculine noun. It follows the weak N-declension in the plural and in most singular cases, except for the nominative singular.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Wachmann |
| Genitive | des | Wachmanns / Wachmannes |
| Dative | dem | Wachmann / Wachmanne |
| Accusative | den | Wachmann |
Declension Plural
The plural formed according to the N-declension (Wachmannen) is rare; the more common form is Wachmänner.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wachmänner |
| Genitive | der | Wachmänner |
| Dative | den | Wachmännern |
| Accusative | die | Wachmänner |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Wachmann kontrolliert die Ausweise am Eingang.
(The security guard checks the IDs at the entrance.) - Ich habe den Wachmann nach dem Weg gefragt.
(I asked the security guard for directions.) - Die Sicherheit des Gebäudes liegt in der Verantwortung des Wachmanns.
(The security of the building is the responsibility of the security guard.) - Nachts patrouillieren mehrere Wachmänner auf dem Gelände.
(Several security guards patrol the grounds at night.)
🤔 When to use 'Wachmann'?
The term der Wachmann is used to describe a male person professionally responsible for security and guarding. Typical locations include:
- Company premises (Firmengelände)
- Construction sites (Baustellen)
- Museums (Museen)
- Events (Veranstaltungen)
- Cash transports (Geldtransporte)
- Reception areas (Empfangsbereiche)
In everyday language, Sicherheitsmann (security man) or Security (borrowed from English) are also common. As mentioned, for gender neutrality, Sicherheitskraft (security personnel) or Wachpersonal (guard personnel) are often preferred when gender is irrelevant or a group is meant.
The term Wachmann can sometimes sound a bit dated, but it is still widely used and understood.
💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the Article
Imagine: Der strong Mann (man) who keeps Wache (watch). The word ends in "-mann", which is almost always masculine in German, thus taking the article "der".
Remembering the Meaning
Think of "wachen" (to watch/guard) and "Mann" (man). A man who watches and guards – that's der Wachmann.
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Der Sicherheitsmann: Very similar, often used interchangeably.
- Der Wächter: More general, can also refer to non-professional guarding.
- Die Sicherheitskraft: Gender-neutral, modern term.
- Das Wachpersonal: Collective term, gender-neutral.
- Der Pförtner: Often similar duties, but focus on gatekeeping/access control at a gate (Pforte).
Antonyms (Opposing Roles)
- Der Eindringling: Intruder.
- Der Dieb: Thief.
- Der Angreifer: Attacker.
- Der Störer: Disturber, troublemaker.
🚨 Beware of Confusion: A Polizist (police officer) is a state official with broader powers, not a private Wachmann.
😄 A Little Chuckle
Warum tragen Wachmänner nachts immer eine Taschenlampe?
Damit sie sehen können, wovor sie Angst haben sollen! 😉
(Why do security guards always carry a flashlight at night? - So they can see what they're supposed to be afraid of!)
📜 Poem about the Wachmann
Der Wachmann in der dunklen Nacht,
(The security guard in the dark night,)
hält aufmerksam und sicher Wacht.
(Keeps watch attentively and securely.)
Sein Blick geht prüfend durch den Raum,
(His gaze scans scrutinizingly through the room,)
er schützt den Ort, den stillen Traum.
(He protects the place, the silent dream.)
Mit ernstem Schritt und festem Stand,
(With serious step and firm stance,)
hält er die Schlüssel in der Hand.
(He holds the keys in his hand.)
Ein stiller Held, oft ungesehn,
(A silent hero, often unseen,)
lässt uns beruhigt schlafen gehn.
❓ Who am I? A Riddle
Ich trage Uniform, doch bin kein Soldat.
(I wear a uniform, but am not a soldier.)
Ich schütze Werte, früh und spat.
(I protect valuables, early and late.)
Ich gehe Runden, schaue genau,
(I walk rounds, look closely,)
wer unbefugt betritt den Bau.
(Who enters the building without permission.)
Ich sorge für Ruhe und Sicherheit,
(I ensure peace and security,)
zu jeder Tages- und Nachtzeit.
(At any time of day or night.)
Wer bin ich? (Who am I?)
(Solution: Der Wachmann / The security guard)
🧩 Further Information
Word Composition
The word "Wachmann" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:
- wach-: Stem of the verb "wachen" (to watch, to guard)
- -mann: Noun "Mann" (man)
It literally describes a man who keeps watch.
Professional Field
The profession of a Wachmann belongs to the private security industry (privates Sicherheitsgewerbe). Training and authority are regulated by law (in Germany, for example, by the Gewerbeordnung §34a - Trade Regulation Act).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wachmann?
The noun "Wachmann" is masculine. The correct article is der: der Wachmann. The plural is die Wachmänner.