die  Bronzemedaille

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʁɔnʦəməˌdaɪ̯lə/

🥉 What Exactly is a Bronzemedaille?

The German word die Bronzemedaille refers to a bronze medal. It's an award, usually shaped like a medal, typically given to the third-place finisher in a competition, especially in sports (like the Olympics). Traditionally, it's made of bronze or is bronze-colored.

The word is feminine in German, so the article is always die: die Bronzemedaille.

• Meaning: Award for third place.
• Material (often): Bronze or bronze-colored metal.

🚨 There's only this one meaning and the corresponding article 'die'. Confusion is unlikely.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar Check: Die Bronzemedaille

The noun "Bronzemedaille" is feminine. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Die Athletin freute sich riesig über die Bronzemedaille.
   (The athlete was overjoyed about the bronze medal. - Accusative Singular)
2. Der Wert der Bronzemedaille ist oft eher symbolisch.
   (The value of the bronze medal is often rather symbolic. - Genitive Singular)
3. Nach dem Rennen wurde ihm die Bronzemedaille überreicht.
   (After the race, he was presented with the bronze medal. - Dative Singular implied for 'ihm', Nominative for 'die Bronzemedaille' in passive voice, but context implies it's the object being given)
4. Im Museum sind viele alte Bronzemedaillen ausgestellt.
   (Many old bronze medals are exhibited in the museum. - Nominative Plural)

🗣️ How to Use 'Bronzemedaille'?

The term "Bronzemedaille" is used almost exclusively in the context of competitions where rankings are awarded.

• Sports: Most commonly in the Olympic Games, world championships, European championships, and other sports competitions. Example: Er gewann die Bronzemedaille im 100-Meter-Lauf. (He won the bronze medal in the 100-meter dash.)
• Other Competitions: Also possible in science olympiads, art competitions, or similar events, although other terms for prizes are often used there.
• Symbolically: Sometimes the term is used metaphorically for an achievement that is good but not the best or second best (e.g., "Im Firmenranking gab es dieses Jahr nur die Bronzemedaille für uns." - "In the company ranking, we only got the bronze medal this year.").

Compared to Goldmedaille (gold medal, first place) and Silbermedaille (silver medal, second place), the Bronzemedaille clearly denotes the third rank.

🧠 Mnemonics for Bronzemedaille

Article 'die': Think of the ending of Medaille. Many feminine nouns in German end in -e. Imagine die Queen presenting die Medaille – a feminine figure for a feminine noun.

Meaning (3rd Place): Think of the ranking of precious metals by value: Gold (1st), Silver (2nd), Bronze (3rd). Bronze is the "third" metal in this lineup, just like the place the medal represents.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms

⚠️ Similar Terms

• Ehrenurkunde: (Certificate of honor) - An award on paper, often given in addition to or instead of a medal.
• Pokal: (Cup, trophy) - Another type of trophy, often for the winner or top teams.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Trainer den Athleten nach dem Wettkampf: "Und, wie lief's? Gold? Silber?" Antwortet der Athlet stolz: "Bronze!" Trainer: "Super! Und wie viele Teilnehmer gab es insgesamt?" Athlet: "Drei."

English Translation: The coach asks the athlete after the competition: "So, how did it go? Gold? Silver?" The athlete proudly replies: "Bronze!" Coach: "Great! And how many participants were there in total?" Athlete: "Three."

📜 A Short Poem about the Medal

German:
Nicht Gold, nicht Silber glänzt so hell,
Doch Stolz erfüllt die Brust ganz schnell.
Der dritte Platz, hart war der Streit,
Die Bronzemedaille liegt bereit.
Ein Zeichen für den Kampf, den Mut,
Auch Bronze tut der Seele gut!

English Translation:
Not gold, not silver shines so bright,
Yet pride fills up the chest quite tight.
The third place won, hard was the fight,
The bronze medal lies ready, right.
A sign of struggle, courage shown,
Even bronze makes spirits feel well-known!

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich hänge oft am Band um einen Hals,
bin Lohn für Mühe, Schweiß und Schmalz.
Gold und Silber sind mir überlegen,
doch freut man sich auch meinetwegen.
Den dritten Platz markier' ich stolz und fest.
Wer bin ich wohl bei jedem Test?

English Translation:
I often hang on a ribbon around a neck,
I'm the reward for effort, sweat, and trek.
Gold and silver are superior to me,
But people are happy when they get me, you see.
I mark the third place, proud and sound.
Who am I, in every contest found?

Solution: die Bronzemedaille (the bronze medal)

🧩 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition

The word "Bronzemedaille" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Bronze: The metal or the color.
• Medaille: The medal, an award shaped like a coin or plaque.

Trivia

At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, winners received a silver medal and runners-up received a bronze medal. Gold medals for first place were only introduced later.