der  Zirkus

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈt͡sɪʁkʊs/

🎪 What exactly is a Zirkus?

The word der Zirkus primarily has two meanings in German:

1. The classic show: A travelling or permanent establishment with a ring (die Manege) where artists (Artisten), clowns (Clowns), and often animals (Tiere) perform tricks. It refers to the event itself as well as the company or the building/tent.
2. Figuratively: A big mess, a lot of fuss (Aufheben), noise (Lärm), or unnecessary effort (Aufwand). Often used with a negative connotation to describe chaos or exaggerated behaviour.

⚠️ Attention: The use of animals in circuses (Zirkussen) is a socially controversial topic.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Der Zirkus

The noun "Zirkus" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Note: The genitive singular can be either "des Zirkus" or "des Zirkusses". Both forms are correct.

Example Sentences

• Wir gehen am Wochenende in den Zirkus. (We are going to the circus on the weekend. - Accusative Singular, Meaning 1)
• Die Vorstellung des Zirkus war atemberaubend. (The circus's performance was breathtaking. - Genitive Singular, Meaning 1)
• Mach doch nicht so einen Zirkus wegen der kleinen Sache! (Don't make such a fuss about the small thing! - Accusative Singular, Meaning 2)
• In der Stadt gastieren gerade zwei Zirkusse. (Two circuses are currently performing in the city. - Nominative Plural, Meaning 1)

💡 How to Use "Zirkus"

Meaning 1 (Show/Venue):

• Used when talking about the classic form of entertainment: "Die Kinder lieben Clowns im Zirkus." (The children love clowns at the circus.)
• Can refer to the troupe: "Der Zirkus Krone ist sehr bekannt." (The Krone Circus is very famous.)
• Also for the tent or building: "Der Zirkus wird auf der großen Wiese aufgebaut." (The circus is being set up on the large meadow.)

Meaning 2 (Chaos/Fuss):

• Often colloquial and slightly derogatory: "Hör auf mit dem Zirkus und komm zur Sache!" (Stop the fuss and get to the point!)
• Describes unnecessary effort or noise: "Warum dieser ganze Zirkus wegen der Anmeldung?" (Why all this fuss about the registration?)
• Can also simply mean 'a lot of commotion': "Auf dem Kindergeburtstag war ein riesiger Zirkus." (There was a huge commotion at the children's birthday party.)

Compared to "Theater" (theatre) or "Konzert" (concert), "Zirkus" emphasizes the spectacular, acrobatic, and often colourful and loud aspects.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (der): Think of DER ringmaster – he is definitely male (der Mann). He is DER boss of DER Zirkus.

For the meaning: A ZIRKUS often takes place in a CIRCUS tent (circular!) and involves spectacular feats. And sometimes, it's just 'a circus' (chaos) like trying to organize something complicated.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

Potential for confusion? The word "der Zirkel" sounds similar but means 'circle' (drawing tool or group of people).

😂 A Little Circus Joke

German: Fragt der Zirkusdirektor den neuen Clown: "Können Sie auch Trompete spielen?" Sagt der Clown: "Keine Ahnung, ich hab's noch nie probiert!"

English: The circus director asks the new clown: "Can you play the trumpet?" The clown replies: "I don't know, I've never tried!"

📜 Poem: Ring Open!

German:
Im großen Zelt, der Zirkus lacht,
mit Glanz und Gloria, bei Tag und Nacht.
Der Clown, der springt, das Pferd, es tanzt,
Akrobatik wird gekonnt geschanzt.

Doch manchmal ist's auch im Büro,
ein echter Zirkus, sowieso.
Viel Lärm um nichts, ein Hin und Her,
man wünscht sich Ruhe, bitte sehr!

English:
In the big top tent, the circus laughs aloud,
With shine and glory, day and night, a crowd.
The clown, he leaps, the horse, it starts to dance,
Acrobatics shown with skillful chance.

But sometimes also in the office space,
A real circus takes its place.
Much ado 'bout naught, a to and fro,
One wishes just for quiet, please, you know!

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich hab' 'ne runde Manege, doch bin kein Planet.
Hab Clowns und Artisten, die man gerne seht.
Manchmal bin ich auch nur Lärm und Geschrei,
wenn jemand viel Aufhebens macht, bin ich dabei.

Was bin ich? (Auflösung: Der Zirkus)

English:
I have a round ring, but I'm not a planet bright.
Have clowns and artists, a welcome sight.
Sometimes I'm just noise and loud decree,
When someone makes a big fuss, they involve me.

What am I?
(Answer: The Circus / Der Zirkus)

🌐 More about the Zirkus

Etymology (Wortherkunft): The word "Zirkus" comes from the Latin word "circus", meaning 'circle', 'ring', or also 'racetrack'. Ancient Roman circuses were often large arenas for chariot races and other spectacles (e.g., the Circus Maximus).

Famous Circuses (Bekannte Zirkusse): Some well-known names in German-speaking countries include Zirkus Krone, Zirkus Roncalli, and the Swiss Zirkus Knie.