der  Zapfenstreich

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈt͡sapfn̩ˌʃtʁaɪç/

🥁 What Exactly is der Zapfenstreich?

Der Zapfenstreich is a German word, primarily with military connotations. It refers to:

• A military signal for curfew/lights out: Historically, it signaled the closing of taverns (literally a strike - Streich - on the tap - Zapfen - of the barrel) and the time for soldiers to return to their barracks for the night (Nachtruhe). It marked the end of serving drinks.
• A solemn military ceremony: The "Großer Zapfenstreich" (Grand Tattoo) is the highest ceremonial act of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), performed on special occasions (e.g., honoring dignitaries, farewells for high-ranking officials). It involves specific musical pieces (marches, signals, a prayer, the national anthem) and a military formation.
• Figuratively (less common): The end of something, putting a stop to it, often meaning "That's it!" or "Curfew!". Example: "Um 22 Uhr ist hier Zapfenstreich!" ("Curfew is at 10 p.m. here!" or "It's lights out at 10 p.m.!").

⚠️ Remember, the article is always der Zapfenstreich. Mistakes are unlikely here.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Corner: Declining der Zapfenstreich 🧐

The noun Zapfenstreich is masculine (maskulin). Its declension follows the standard pattern for masculine nouns.

Examples in Use:

• Der Große Zapfenstreich ist eine beeindruckende Zeremonie. (The Grand Tattoo is an impressive ceremony. - Nominative Singular)
• Die Klänge des Zapfenstreichs hallten über den Platz. (The sounds of the tattoo echoed across the square. - Genitive Singular)
• Die Soldaten folgten dem Zapfenstreich und gingen zur Ruhe. (The soldiers obeyed the curfew signal and went to rest. - Dative Singular - historical context)
• Man spielt den Zapfenstreich nur zu besonderen Anlässen. (One performs the tattoo only on special occasions. - Accusative Singular)
• Früher gab es tägliche Zapfenstreiche als Signal zur Nachtruhe. (In the past, there were daily curfew signals (tattoos) as a sign for lights out. - Nominative Plural)

When and How to Use Zapfenstreich? 🎺

The term Zapfenstreich is mainly used in two contexts:

• Military Context: Here, it refers either to the historical signal for lights out or, much more commonly today, to the solemn ceremony known as the "Großer Zapfenstreich". This ceremony is an expression of the highest honor within the German military.
• Figurative Context: Less frequently, it's used colloquially to signal an end or a deadline, often with an authoritative tone. For example, parents might say to their children: "Um neun ist Zapfenstreich, dann geht ihr ins Bett!" ("It's lights out at nine, then you go to bed!")

Distinguishing from other terms:

• Tattoo: In English, "Tattoo" corresponds to Zapfenstreich as a military musical performance, but lacks the connotation of 'striking the tap'.
• Nachtruhe: Generally means 'night's rest' or 'quiet hours at night', whereas Zapfenstreich was/is the signal for it.
• Feierabend: Refers to the end of the workday, not necessarily with a military or ceremonial character.

Remembering der Zapfenstreich 🧠

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der' Commander giving 'der' order, or 'der' strong Streich (strike). Actions like commanding or striking can be associated with the masculine article der in memory aids. It's THE (masculine) signal to end the day.

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture a soldier taking a stick and giving the beer tap (Zapfen) a sharp strike (Streich) – Tap-Strike! – signaling "Last call! Time for bed!". This image helps connect the word's origin to its meaning (end signal/ceremony).

Similar and Opposite Terms ↔️

Watch out: Don't confuse it with Streich meaning 'prank' or 'matchstick' (Streichholz), or Zapfen meaning 'pine cone' (Tannenzapfen) or a technical 'pin/pivot'.

A Little Joke 😄

General: "Kennen Sie den Zapfenstreich?"
Rekrut: "Persönlich nicht, Herr General. Aber seine Musik gefällt mir!"

Translation:
General: "Do you know the Zapfenstreich (Tattoo)?"
Recruit: "Not personally, Sir. But I like his music!" (A pun, treating 'Zapfenstreich' like a person's name).

A Short Poem about der Zapfenstreich 📜

Wenn Trommel wirbelt, Flöte klingt,
Ein alter Ruf durch Stille dringt.
Der Zapfenstreich, bei Fackelschein,
Lässt Ehrung feierlich erstrahl'n.
Ein Zeichen einst für Ruh' und Nacht,
Nun Zeremonie voll ernster Pracht.

Translation:
When drum rolls sound and flute does sing,
An ancient call through silence rings.
Der Zapfenstreich, by torchlight shown,
Lets honor solemnly be known.
A sign once meant for rest and night,
Now ceremony, serious might.

Riddle Time 🤔

Ich bin ein Schlag auf Holz und doch Musik,
Beende den Tag, bring' Ruhe ins Glied zurück.
Mal Signal, mal höchste Ehrung im Land,
Mit Marsch und Choral zieh ich durchs Abendland.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a strike on wood, and yet I'm music,
I end the day, bring soldiers calm and quick.
Sometimes a signal, sometimes highest honor in the land,
With march and hymn, I travel through the evening sand.

What am I? (Answer: der Zapfenstreich)

Etymology and Trivia 🤓

Word Composition:

The word Zapfenstreich is composed of:

• Zapfen: Refers to the tap of a beer or wine cask.
• Streich: Means 'strike' or 'blow' here.

The original meaning derives from the custom where a military officer would go through the taverns in the evening and strike the taps of the casks with a stick (or sword) to signal the end of beer service for the soldiers and urge them to return to their barracks.

Trivia:

• The "Großer Zapfenstreich" is often performed for the farewell ceremonies of German Presidents (Bundespräsident), Chancellors (Bundeskanzler), or high-ranking generals.
• The musical sequence is strictly defined and includes traditional marches, signals, as well as the "Prayer" (often the hymn "Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe" - I pray to the power of love) and the national anthem.