der  Zylinder

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tsʏˈlɪndɐ/

📚 What exactly is a Zylinder?

The German word der Zylinder has several meanings, often related by a similar shape. Here are the main ones:

• Geometric Shape 📐: A solid geometrical figure with straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross section. Think of a tin can!
• Engine Part ⚙️: The chamber in an internal combustion engine where the piston moves up and down. More cylinders often mean more power.
• Hat Shape (Top Hat) 🎩: A tall, stiff hat with a cylindrical crown and a brim, traditionally worn with very formal attire.
• Lock Cylinder 🔑: The part of a lock where the key is inserted.

🚨 Important: Although the meanings differ, the article is always der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: Der Zylinder

Der Zylinder is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Im Mathematikunterricht berechnen wir das Volumen des Zylinders. (In math class, we calculate the volume of the cylinder.)
2. Der Zylinder meines alten Autos muss repariert werden. (The cylinder of my old car needs to be repaired.)
3. Zu seiner Hochzeit trug er einen eleganten Zylinder. (He wore an elegant top hat to his wedding.)
4. Die neuen Motoren haben oft weniger Zylinder als früher. (New engines often have fewer cylinders than before.)
5. Wir gaben den Zylindern im Labor neue Nummern. (We gave the cylinders in the lab new numbers.)

💡 How to Use "Zylinder"?

Usage varies slightly depending on the context:

• Math/Geometry: Here, Zylinder is a clearly defined shape. You talk about das Volumen des Zylinders (the volume of the cylinder), die Mantelfläche eines Zylinders (the lateral surface area of a cylinder), etc.
• Technology/Engines: People often refer to the die Anzahl der Zylinder (number of cylinders - e.g., Vierzylinder 'four-cylinder', Sechszylinder 'six-cylinder') or der Hubraum pro Zylinder (displacement per cylinder). Gaszylinder (gas cylinder) or Hydraulikzylinder (hydraulic cylinder) are also common.
• Fashion/Hats: Here, Zylinder specifically means the top hat. You say einen Zylinder tragen (to wear a top hat) or Frack und Zylinder (tailcoat and top hat).
• Locks: You talk about the Schließzylinder (lock cylinder) or Profilzylinder (profile cylinder).

Although the word die Walze (roller) is similar, der Zylinder is typically used for precise geometric or technical objects, while die Walze is often more massive (e.g., Straßenwalze 'road roller', Teigwalze 'rolling pin').

🧠 Mnemonics for Zylinder

For the article (der): Think of DER Motor (engine), DER Hut (hat), DER Körper (body, geometrically) - many masculine concepts fit the meanings of ZylinDER.

For the meanings: Imagine a magician wearing a tall Zylinder (🎩 top hat). From the hat, he pulls out a small engine Zylinder (⚙️ part) and a geometric Zylinder (📐 shape). Everything is a Zylinder!

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms (similar words):

• For the shape: die Walze (roller), die Rolle (roll) (depending on context)
• For the engine part: der Kolbenraum (piston chamber - not exactly synonymous, but related)
• For the hat: der Chapeau Claque (collapsible top hat), der hohe Hut (tall hat)

Antonyms (opposites):

A direct antonym is difficult. Depending on the context, you could contrast:

• For the shape: die Kugel (sphere), der Würfel (cube) (other geometric solids)
• For the hat: die Mütze (cap), der Schlapphut (floppy hat) (other, less formal headwear)

Similar but different words:

• Die Zisterne: A cistern (often an underground water tank). Sounds similar, but means something completely different.

😂 A Little Zylinder Joke

Fragt der Mathematiklehrer: "Wer kann mir ein Beispiel für einen Zylinder nennen?" Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Eine leere Klopapierrolle, Herr Lehrer!" Lehrer: "Sehr gut, Fritzchen, aber bitte etwas weniger anschaulich nächstes Mal!"

The math teacher asks: "Who can give me an example of a cylinder?" Little Fritz raises his hand: "An empty toilet paper roll, Sir!" Teacher: "Very good, Fritz, but a little less graphic next time, please!"

📜 Poem about the Zylinder

Ob hoch als Hut auf feinem Haupt,
Ob als Motorteil, das Kraft raubt
Oder gibt, mit Kolben hin und her,
Der Zylinder, er kann noch mehr.
In Mathe rund, mit Höhe, klar,
Ist seine Form uns wohlbekannt, fürwahr.

Whether high as hat on a fine head,
Or as engine part, where power's shed
Or gained, with piston to and fro,
The Zylinder, there's more to know.
In math it's round, with height so clear,
Its shape is well-known to us here, it's true.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe zwei Kreise, doch keine Augen zum Sehen. Ich kann Teil eines Motors sein oder auf Köpfen stehen. In der Geometrie bin ich eine bekannte Gestalt. Was bin ich, mal rund, mal hoch, mal alt?
...
Der Zylinder

I have two circles, but no eyes to see. I can be part of an engine or sit atop a head with glee. In geometry, I am a well-known form. What am I, sometimes round, sometimes tall, sometimes worn?
...
The Cylinder (der Zylinder)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin: The word "Zylinder" comes from the Greek word kýlindros (κύλινδρος), meaning "roller". It entered German via Latin (cylindrus).

Compound Words: Zylinder is part of many compound nouns, e.g.:

• Motorzylinder (engine cylinder)
• Schließzylinder (lock cylinder)
• Hydraulikzylinder (hydraulic cylinder)
• Gaszylinder (gas cylinder)
• Zylinderhut (top hat, literally 'cylinder hat')