die
Ausgangssperre
📜 What does "die Ausgangssperre" mean?
Die Ausgangssperre (noun, feminine) means curfew. It refers to an officially ordered prohibition against leaving one's house or apartment during specific times. This prohibition is usually imposed for reasons of public safety, order, or health.
It's a measure that significantly restricts public life and is often used in crisis situations such as pandemics, riots, or after natural disasters.
🚨 Important: An Ausgangssperre is not the same as a Kontaktsperre (contact ban, limiting meetings) or Quarantäne (quarantine, isolation due to suspected illness).
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 Ausgangssperre
The word "Ausgangssperre" is a feminine noun. The article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ausgangssperre |
| Genitive | der | Ausgangssperre |
| Dative | der | Ausgangssperre |
| Accusative | die | Ausgangssperre |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ausgangssperren |
| Genitive | der | Ausgangssperren |
| Dative | den | Ausgangssperren |
| Accusative | die | Ausgangssperren |
📝 Example Sentences
- Wegen der hohen Infektionszahlen wurde eine nächtliche Ausgangssperre verhängt.
(Due to the high infection rates, a nightly curfew was imposed.) - Die Einhaltung der Ausgangssperre wird von der Polizei kontrolliert.
(Compliance with the curfew is monitored by the police.) - Viele Bürgerinnen und Bürger hielten sich an die Ausgangssperre.
(Many citizens adhered to the curfew.) - Während der Ausgangssperren in den letzten Monaten blieben die Straßen leer.
(During the curfews in recent months, the streets remained empty.)
🗣️ How is "Ausgangssperre" used?
The term Ausgangssperre is mainly used in official and media language when reporting on government measures.
- Contexts: Pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), political unrest, wars, natural disasters, sometimes also youth protection (local curfews for minors).
- Formality: Rather formal. In everyday conversation, people might say "dürfen nicht raus" (are not allowed out) or "müssen zuhause bleiben" (have to stay home), but the official term is "Ausgangssperre".
- Distinction: A Sperrstunde usually only refers to the closing time of pubs and restaurants, not a general prohibition on going out. An Ausgehverbot (ban on going out) is a very similar term, often used synonymously.
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic: Think of "die door" (even though Tür is feminine, associate it with the idea of a locked door) which is shut during an Ausgangssperre. "Die" is the feminine article.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Ausgang gesperrt!" sounds like "Exit is barred!" or "Exit is blocked!" - This directly relates to the meaning: the exit is blocked, you can't go out. That's a curfew (Ausgangssperre).
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Ausgehverbot: (ban on going out) Very similar, often used interchangeably.
- Ausgangsbeschränkung: (restriction on going out) Can be slightly less strict than a full Sperre, but often synonymous.
- ⚠️ Sperrstunde: (closing time) Usually only applies to establishments like bars/restaurants, not people's movement!
Antonyms (opposites):
- Bewegungsfreiheit: (freedom of movement)
- Freizügigkeit: (freedom of movement, right to reside anywhere)
- Keine Beschränkungen / Normalzustand: (no restrictions / normal state)
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der eine Nachbar den anderen während der Ausgangssperre: "Na, schon Pläne für heute Abend?"
Sagt der andere: "Ja, ich schwanke noch zwischen Wohnzimmer und Balkon!"
Translation: One neighbor asks the other during the curfew: "So, got any plans for tonight?"
The other replies: "Yeah, I'm still deciding between the living room and the balcony!"
✍️ Poem about the Curfew
Die Straßen leer, die Stadt ganz still,
Gehorchend einem strengen Will'.
Die Ausgangssperre hält uns fest,
Ein jeder bleibt in seinem Nest.
Die Tür verschlossen, Licht nur fahl,
Wann endet diese stumme Qual?
Translation:
The streets are empty, the city so still,
Obeying a stringent will.
The curfew holds us tight,
Everyone stays in their nest tonight.
The door is locked, the light faint and low,
When will this silent torment go?
❓ Riddle
Ich bin ein Befehl, kein leiser Wunsch,
Halte dich drinnen, fern vom Punsch.
Die Tür bleibt zu zu später Stund',
Aus Sicherheit, Gesundheit, gutem Grund.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am an order, not a quiet wish,
Keep you inside, far from the punch dish.
The door stays shut when the hour is late,
For safety, health, a reasoned fate.
What am I?
(Solution: die Ausgangssperre / the curfew)
🧩 Word Components
The word "Ausgangssperre" is a compound noun, made up of:
Together, they mean: A ban on going out, a blockade of the exit.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ausgangssperre?
The noun "Ausgangssperre" is feminine. The correct article is die. Therefore, you say: die Ausgangssperre.