der  Wintersport

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɪntɐʃpɔʁt/

⛷️ What exactly is 'der Wintersport'?

Der Wintersport (masculine) is a collective term for sports typically practiced in winter, usually on snow or ice. Examples include Skifahren (skiing), Snowboarden (snowboarding), Eislaufen (ice skating), Rodeln (sledding), and Eishockey (ice hockey).

It's a compound noun formed from Winter (winter) and Sport (sport). Since der Sport is masculine, der Wintersport is also masculine.

🧐 Grammar: 'Der Wintersport' in Detail

The noun 'Wintersport' is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Im Urlaub fahren wir oft zum Wintersport in die Alpen.
  (On vacation, we often go to the Alps for winter sports.)
• Skifahren ist mein liebster Wintersport.
  (Skiing is my favorite winter sport.)
• Die Ausrüstung für den Wintersport kann teuer sein.
  (The equipment for winter sports can be expensive.)
• Viele Regionen leben vom Tourismus durch den Wintersport.
  (Many regions live off tourism generated by winter sports.)

💡 Everyday Usage

'Der Wintersport' is used as an umbrella term for all sporting activities that take place in winter. It's often used when talking about holiday planning, hobbies, or major sporting events (like the Winter Olympics).

It's a general term. If you mean a specific activity, you usually name it directly (e.g., Skifahren, Eislaufen).

⚠️ Don't confuse it with Wintersportler (the athlete) or Wintersportgebiet (the resort/area).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article: Remember der Sport. Since 'Wintersport' ends with '-sport', it takes the masculine article 'der'. Think: "*Der* dude loves *Sport*."

Meaning: Very simple: It's the Sport you do in Winter! ❄️ + 🏆 = Wintersport.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nicht am Wintersport teil?
Weil sie nicht das richtige Rippen-Fell dafür haben! 😉

(Why don't skeletons participate in winter sports?
Because they don't have the right 'rib-skin' (Rippenfell sounds like the brand 'Wellensteyn', known for jackets, and Rippen means ribs)!)

❄️ Poem about 'Wintersport'

Der Schnee fällt leis', die Luft ist klar,
Der Wintersport ist wunderbar.
Auf Skiern schnell den Hang hinab,
Beim Rodeln geht es flott im Trab.
Auf Eis die Pirouette dreht,
Bis spät der kalte Wind noch weht.
Ein Sport für Mut, für Kraft und Schwung,
Hält Herz und Seele frisch und jung.

(The snow falls softly, the air is clear,
Winter sport is wonderful here.
On skis quickly down the slope,
Sledding swiftly, full of hope.
On ice, the pirouette spins round,
Until late the cold wind sounds.
A sport for courage, strength, and zest,
Keeps heart and soul young and blessed.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich brauch' die Kälte, Schnee und Eis,
Mach' Spaß auf Kufen, Brett und heiß.
Ob Abfahrt, Sprung, ob Langlaufspur,
Ich bin Bewegung in Natur.

Was bin ich?

(I need the cold, snow, and ice,
Make fun on skates, boards, and entice.
Whether downhill, jump, or cross-country trail,
I am movement in nature without fail.

What am I?)
(Answer: Der Wintersport)

🧩 Word Building Blocks & Trivia

Word Composition: The word 'Wintersport' is a determinative compound noun. It consists of:

• Winter (determinant): Specifies the season or condition.
• Sport (base word): Specifies the main category and determines the gender (der Sport -> der Wintersport).

Trivia: The Olympische Winterspiele (Winter Olympic Games) are the largest international event for Wintersport and take place every four years.