die
Abendkasse
🎟️ What Exactly is 'die Abendkasse'?
The German word die Abendkasse refers to the evening box office. This is the place (usually a counter or booth) at a venue (like a theatre, cinema, concert hall) where tickets are sold directly before the start of an event on the same evening.
Unlike 'der Vorverkauf' (advance booking), where tickets are purchased beforehand, die Abendkasse offers a chance to get tickets spontaneously or last-minute, provided the event isn't sold out ('ausverkauft').
The term is composed of 'Abend' (evening) and 'Kasse' (cash register, checkout, or here: box office). It typically opens a certain time (e.g., one hour) before the event begins.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Abendkasse
The noun 'Abendkasse' is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Abendkasse |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Abendkasse |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Abendkasse |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Abendkasse |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Abendkassen |
| Genitive | der | Abendkassen |
| Dative | den | Abendkassen |
| Accusative | die | Abendkassen |
💡 Example Sentences
- Gibt es noch Karten an der Abendkasse?
(Are there still tickets at the evening box office?) - Die Abendkasse öffnet um 19 Uhr.
(The evening box office opens at 7 PM.) - Wir haben unser Glück an der Abendkasse versucht und die letzten beiden Tickets bekommen.
(We tried our luck at the evening box office and got the last two tickets.) - Der Preis an der Abendkasse ist manchmal höher als im Vorverkauf.
(The price at the evening box office is sometimes higher than in advance booking.)
🎭 When to Use 'Abendkasse'?
The term die Abendkasse is mainly used in the context of events that take place in the evening, such as:
- Theatre performances (Theateraufführungen)
- Concerts (Konzerte)
- Operas (Opern)
- Cinema screenings (Kinovorstellungen)
- Readings (Lesungen)
- Sometimes also parties or club events
It's the opposite of der Vorverkauf (VVK), which means advance booking/presale. If an event is 'ausverkauft' (sold out), it usually means no more tickets are available, not even at the Abendkasse. Sometimes, a small number of tickets are specifically held back for the Abendkasse.
For events happening during the day, the term die Tageskasse (day box office) is more common.
⚠️ Attention: Not every event has an Abendkasse. For some events, tickets might only be available through Vorverkauf.
🧠 Mnemonics for Abendkasse
Article Mnemonic: Remember that 'Kasse' (cash register/box office) is generally feminine in German. Think of 'die' Queen paying at 'die Kasse'. So, it's die Abendkasse.
Meaning Mnemonic: Picture yourself in the Abend (evening) needing a ticket. Where do you go? To the Kasse (box office)! Combine them: Abendkasse = evening box office.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Theaterkasse / Kinokasse / Konzertkasse: More specific depending on the venue type. Often used synonymously when referring to ticket sales on the event evening.
- Tageskasse: (Day box office) Used for daytime events or when the counter opens during the day for evening sales.
- Restkartenverkauf: (Sale of remaining tickets) Emphasizes that only a few leftover tickets are being sold.
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Vorverkauf (VVK): (Advance booking / Presale) Selling tickets before the day of the event, often online or at specific outlets.
- Online-Ticketing: Buying tickets via the internet, independent of box office opening hours.
Similar Words (Caution - Could be Misleading):
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Mann an der Abendkasse: "Gibt es noch Karten für Pessimisten?"
Sagt der Kassierer: "Ja, aber die sind bestimmt schon weg."
Translation:
A man asks at the evening box office: "Are there still tickets for pessimists?"
The cashier replies: "Yes, but they're probably already gone."
📜 Late Hour Poem
Die Lichter locken, Musik klingt sacht,
Wer hat an Tickets nicht gedacht?
Die Hoffnung schwindet, es ist schon spät,
Doch schau, die Abendkasse steht!
Ein letztes Kärtchen, welch ein Glück,
Zum Schauspiel nun, zurück, zurück!
Translation:
The lights entice, music sounds soft,
Who hasn't thought about tickets oft?
Hope dwindles, it's already late,
But look, the Abendkasse awaits its fate!
A final ticket, what great luck,
To the show now, back, back, back!
❓ Riddle Time
Ich öffne meist, wenn die Sonne sinkt,
Und mancher schnell noch zu mir flinkt.
Ich biete Papiere für Freud' und Spaß,
Für Konzert, Theater oder was?
Wer spät kommt, hofft bei mir auf Glück,
Für das letzte, begehrte Stück.
Wer oder was bin ich?
(Who or what am I?)
Answer: Die Abendkasse (The evening box office)
Translation of the riddle:
I usually open when the sun sinks low,
And many quickly to me go.
I offer papers for joy and fun,
For concert, theatre, or anyone?
Those who come late hope for luck with me,
For the last, coveted entry key.
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition
The word 'Abendkasse' is a compound noun, made up of:
- Der Abend: Meaning 'the evening'. Refers to the time of day when the box office opens for the event or when the event takes place.
- Die Kasse: Meaning 'the cash register', 'checkout', or 'box office'. Refers to the place where money is exchanged, specifically here for event tickets.
Trivia
Prices at the Abendkasse can sometimes be slightly higher than for Vorverkauf (advance booking). This is often called an 'Abendkassenzuschlag' (evening box office surcharge) and might cover additional costs or incentivize buying tickets in advance.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Abendkasse?
The word "Abendkasse" is feminine. The correct article is die Abendkasse. It refers to the box office that opens shortly before an evening event to sell last-minute tickets.