die  Bäuerin

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbɔʏʁɪn/

👩‍🌾 What does 'die Bäuerin' mean?

The word Bäuerin (plural: die Bäuerinnen) is the feminine form of the German word 'der Bauer' (farmer). It refers to a woman who works in agriculture, runs, or owns a farm.

• Main meaning: A woman who is professionally involved in farming.
• Context: Often associated with traditional farming, but also commonly used for women in modern agriculture.

It's a specifically feminine noun, so it always takes the definite article 'die'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of 'die Bäuerin' in Detail

The noun 'Bäuerin' is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Die Bäuerin füttert am frühen Morgen die Hühner. (The farmer (f.) feeds the chickens early in the morning.)
2. Wir kaufen unser Gemüse direkt bei der Bäuerin vom Nachbarhof. (We buy our vegetables directly from the farmer (f.) at the neighboring farm.)
3. Die Arbeit einer Bäuerin ist oft körperlich anstrengend. (The work of a farmer (f.) is often physically demanding.)
4. Viele Bäuerinnen engagieren sich heute auch im Naturschutz. (Many farmers (f.) are also involved in nature conservation today.)

✅ Usage and Context

The term 'Bäuerin' is used to refer to a woman working in agriculture. It can be used for women running a traditional family farm as well as for those in larger agricultural businesses, although the more neutral term 'Landwirtin' (female agriculturalist/farmer) is sometimes preferred in the latter context.

• Typical Usage: Describing the profession or activity of a woman in a rural setting.
• Differentiation: 'Landwirtin' often sounds more modern or emphasizes the professional, trained aspect of the job. 'Bäuerin' can sometimes have a slightly more traditional or down-to-earth connotation, but it is by no means derogatory.
• Regional Differences: The preference between 'Bäuerin' and 'Landwirtin' might vary regionally.

⚠️ Remember that 'Bäuerin' is always feminine. The masculine form is 'der Bauer'.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article 'die':

Think: The article for most female persons/professions ending in '-in' is die. Die Frau -> die Bäuerin. It fits the pattern!

Remembering the Meaning:

Imagine a female farmer ('Bäuerin') 'powering' through her work on the 'Bauer'nhof (farm). The '-in' ending signals she's female.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Potential for Confusion:

• Bauersfrau / Ehefrau des Bauern: Traditionally refers more to the wife of a farmer, whose role might differ from that of an independent 'Bäuerin'. However, the lines are often blurred.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Städter die Bäuerin: "Sagen Sie mal, legt Ihre Henne auch sonntags Eier?"
Antwortet die Bäuerin: "Natürlich! Glauben Sie vielleicht, die hat einen Tarifvertrag?"

English Translation: A city dweller asks the farmer (f.): "Tell me, does your hen lay eggs on Sundays too?"
The farmer (f.) replies: "Of course! Do you think she has a union contract?"

✍️ Poem about the 'Bäuerin'

German:
Früh am Morgen, wenn Tau noch liegt,
die Bäuerin schon die Felder pflügt.
Mit starker Hand und klugem Sinn,
bringt sie die Ernte Jahr für Jahr drin.
Sie kennt den Boden, Wind und Wetter,
ist für die Tiere eine Retter.
Stolz und fleißig, Tag für Tag,
die Bäuerin, die ich schätzen mag.

English Translation:
Early morning, when dew still lies,
the Bäuerin already ploughs the fields.
With a strong hand and clever mind,
she brings the harvest in, year by year.
She knows the soil, wind, and weather,
is a savior for the animals.
Proud and diligent, day by day,
the Bäuerin, whom I appreciate.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich steh' oft früh auf, noch vor dem Hahn,
arbeite draußen, hab viel zu plan'.
Ich kenn' mich aus mit Vieh und Feld,
bin eine Frau in dieser Welt.
Mein Mann, der ist der Bauer genannt,
wer bin ich, hier auf diesem Land?

Lösung: die Bäuerin

English Translation:
I often get up early, before the rooster crows,
work outside, have much to plan.
I know about cattle and fields,
I am a woman in this world.
My husband is called the 'Bauer',
who am I, here in this land?

Solution: die Bäuerin (the female farmer)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Bäuerin' is derived (a process called 'Movierung' in German linguistics) from the masculine noun 'Bauer' by adding the suffix '-in', which is typical for feminine job titles or personal designations in German. The umlaut 'äu' results from adding the suffix (Bauer -> Bäu(er)in).

Cultural Significance:

The figure of the female farmer ('Bäuerin') plays an important role in many cultures, often associated with ideas of fertility, hard work, and closeness to nature. In Germany, the image has evolved from the purely traditional 'Bäuerin' to the modern 'Landwirtin'.