die /
der
Blinde
📖 What does "Blinde" mean?
The word Blinde is a nominalized adjective (an adjective used as a noun) referring to a person who cannot see. Its article changes depending on the gender of the person:
- der Blinde: Refers to a male blind person.
- die Blinde: Refers to a female blind person.
It is often used in the plural: die Blinden (referring to blind people in general or a group of them).
⚠️ Note on Politeness: Although grammatically correct, some people find the direct designation as "der/die Blinde" to be stigmatizing. Alternatives like "blinder Mann" (blind man), "blinde Frau" (blind woman), or "Mensch mit Sehbehinderung" (person with visual impairment) are often preferred, especially in direct conversation.
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 of Der/Die Blinde in Detail
"Blinde" as a noun follows the declension of nominalized adjectives. The declension depends on whether it's preceded by a definite article (der/die/das), an indefinite article (ein/eine), or no article (weak, mixed, strong declension).
Declension after definite article (weak declension)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Blinde |
| Genitive | des Blinden |
| Dative | dem Blinden |
| Accusative | den Blinden |
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Blinde |
| Genitive | der Blinden |
| Dative | der Blinden |
| Accusative | die Blinde |
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Blinden |
| Genitive | der Blinden |
| Dative | den Blinden |
| Accusative | die Blinden |
Declension after indefinite article (mixed declension)
- Nominative: ein Blinder, eine Blinde
- Genitive: eines Blinden, einer Blinden
- etc.
Declension without article (strong declension)
- Nominative Plural: Blinde
- Genitive Plural: Blinder
- etc.
Example Sentences
- Der Blinde tastete sich vorsichtig am Geländer entlang. (The blind man carefully felt his way along the railing.)
- Die Frau half der Blinden über die Straße. (The woman helped the blind woman across the street.)
- Ein Blindenhund unterstützt viele Blinde im Alltag. (A guide dog supports many blind people in everyday life.)
- Blinde Menschen entwickeln oft einen ausgeprägten Tastsinn. (Blind people often develop a keen sense of touch.)
- Sie sprach mit einem Blinden über seine Erfahrungen. (She spoke with a blind man about his experiences.)
🗣️ Usage in Context
"Der Blinde" and "die Blinde" are used to specifically refer to a male or female person, respectively, who is blind. In the plural, "die Blinden", it refers to a group or blind people in general.
- Context: Often found in reports, narratives, or general discussions about disabilities or assistive devices (e.g., Blindenstock - white cane, Blindenhund - guide dog, Blindenschrift - Braille).
- Formal vs. Informal Language: In more formal or sensitive contexts, circumlocutions like "Person mit Sehbehinderung" (person with visual impairment) or "sehbehinderter Mensch" (visually impaired person) are often preferred to avoid reducing the person to their disability.
- Distinction: "Blind" is the adjective (e.g., "ein blinder Mann" - a blind man). "Blinde" is the nominalized adjective (noun).
🚨 Pay attention to the context and the potential impact of your word choice. Sometimes a circumlocution is the better option.
🧠 Mnemonics
Remembering the Article: Think of stereotypical roles (even if cliché): Der Mann (the man) is blind (der Blinde), die Frau (the woman) is blind (die Blinde). The articles match the natural gender.
Remembering the Meaning: The word "Blinde" sounds very similar to the English adjective "blind". Imagine someone shutting their eyes tightly, making them "blind" - they become ein/eine Blinde(r).
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Sehbehinderte(r): (Visually impaired person) Often used as a more neutral alternative.
- Nichtsehende(r): (Non-seeing person) Another term often considered respectful.
- Colloquial/outdated/potentially derogatory: Blindgänger (lit. dud bomb, rarely used for person) - Do not use!
Antonyms (Opposite):
- Sehende(r): (Sighted person) Person with vision.
Similar but Misleading Words:
- Blende (die): Aperture (camera), screen, or blind (window covering). Unrelated to blindness.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum tragen Blinde keine Fallschirme?
Weil es den Hund so erschreckt!
(Why don't blind people wear parachutes? Because it scares the dog so much!)
(Note: This joke plays on the stereotype of the guide dog and is not intended to be offensive.)
✍️ Poem about Perception
Der Blinde fühlt den Wind im Haar,
hört Stimmen, fern und nah.
Die Blinde tastet, fühlt und spürt,
was uns das Aug' oft nur verführt.
Die Welt in Formen, Klang und Duft,
erlebt in warmer Sommerluft.
Ein inneres Licht, das hell erstrahlt,
wo äuß're Sicht manchmal versagt.
(The blind man feels the wind in his hair,
hears voices, distant and near.
The blind woman touches, feels, and senses,
what the eye often only tempts us.)
(The world in shapes, sound, and scent,
experienced in warm summer air.
An inner light that shines so bright,
where outer sight sometimes fails.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe Augen, kann doch nicht sehen.
Ich folge Befehlen, kann doch nicht gehen.
Ich helfe dem Blinden auf seinem Pfad.
Wer oder was bin ich, sag's auf der Stell'?
(I have eyes, but cannot see.
I follow commands, but cannot walk.
I help the blind person on their path.
Who or what am I, tell me right now?)
Solution: Der Blindenstock (the white cane) or der Blindenhund (the guide dog).
🧩 Other Information
- Etymology: The word derives from the Old High German adjective "blint", meaning "dark, clouded, without sight".
- Word Compounds: "Blinde" is part of many compound words, e.g., Blindenschrift (Braille), Blindenhund (guide dog), Blindenstock (white cane), Blindenwerkstatt (workshop for the blind).
- Plural form: The plural is always "die Blinden", regardless of the gender of the individuals in the group.
📝 Summary: is it der or die Blinde?
The word "Blinde" refers to a person without sight. It is der Blinde for a male person and die Blinde for a female person. The plural is die Blinden.