die  Darstellerin

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdaʁʃtɛlɐɪn/

🎬 What does 'die Darstellerin' mean?

Die Darstellerin is a feminine noun and refers to a woman who plays or embodies a role in a film, a play, an opera, or a similar performance. It is the female form of der Darsteller (the male performer/actor).

Essentially, a Darstellerin is an actress, performer, or interpreter (in the sense of interpreting a role).

There are no different meanings based on the article, as 'Darstellerin' is always feminine and uses the article 'die'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Darstellerin

'Die Darstellerin' is a feminine noun. The declension follows the pattern for feminine nouns ending in '-in', where the plural typically ends in '-nen'.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

• Die Darstellerin erhielt viel Applaus für ihre Leistung.
  (The actress received much applause for her performance.)
• Wir suchen noch eine passende Darstellerin für die Hauptrolle.
  (We are still looking for a suitable actress for the main role.)
• Der Preis für die beste Darstellerin ging an eine junge Newcomerin.
  (The award for the best actress went to a young newcomer.)
• Alle Darstellerinnen des Ensembles waren hervorragend.
  (All the actresses in the ensemble were excellent.)

🎭 When to use 'Darstellerin'?

The term 'Darstellerin' is used to refer to a female person active in the performing arts. This includes:

• Film and Television: Actresses in movies, series, TV plays.
• Theater: Actresses on stage in dramas, comedies, musicals, etc.
• Opera and Operetta: Female singers embodying a role.
• Performance Art: Female artists performing in art pieces.

It's a somewhat formal or general term. In everyday language, the word Schauspielerin (actress) is often preferred, especially when talking about film and theater. However, 'Darstellerin' can serve as a neutral umbrella term.

Comparison:

• Darstellerin: General term for a female person who portrays (darstellt) something (a role, character).
• Schauspielerin: More specific to theater and film, emphasizes the craft of acting (Schauspiel).
• Interpretin: Often used in a musical context (female singer) or for the interpretation of a role/work.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'die': Many feminine job titles in German end in '-in' (Lehrerin - female teacher, Ärztin - female doctor, Darstellerin) and almost always take the article 'die'. Think: The lady on stage is 'die' Darstellerin.

For the meaning: A 'Darstellerin' portrays something ('stellt etwas dar') – a role, a character, an emotion. She presents something to the audience.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Not every 'Künstlerin' (female artist) is a 'Darstellerin'. A female painter is a Künstlerin, but not a Darstellerin.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Regisseur die Darstellerin: "Können Sie auch weinen auf Kommando?"
Antwortet die Darstellerin: "Klar, nennen Sie mir einfach mein Gehalt!"

(The director asks the actress: "Can you also cry on command?"
The actress replies: "Sure, just tell me my salary!")

✍️ Poem about the Darstellerin

Im Scheinwerferlicht, so klar und rein,
steht sie da, die Darstellerin, ganz allein.
Sie lacht, sie weint, sie flüstert, schreit,
verwandelt sich für kurze Zeit.

(In the spotlight, so clear and pure,
she stands there, the actress, all alone.
She laughs, she cries, she whispers, shouts,
transforming herself for a short time.)

Mal Königin, mal Bettlerin,
die Kunst lebt tief in ihr drin.
Sie fesselt uns mit Blick und Wort,
entführt uns an 'nen andren Ort.

(Sometimes a queen, sometimes a beggar,
the art lives deep inside her.
She captivates us with gaze and word,
takes us away to another place.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich stehe oft im Rampenlicht,
verändere mein Gesicht.
Mal lachend, mal mit ernster Min',
ich bin die weibliche Figur, die man sieht – wer bin ich?

(I often stand in the spotlight,
I change my face.
Sometimes laughing, sometimes with a serious expression,
I am the female figure you see – who am I?)

... Die Darstellerin (The actress/performer)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Darstellerin' is composed of:

• The verb 'darstellen' (to portray, represent, perform).
• The suffix '-er', indicating a person performing an action (like 'Lehrer' - teacher from 'lehren' - to teach).
• The feminine suffix '-in', forming the female version.

So: dar-stellen + -er + -in → Darstellerin

Related Terms:

• Darstellung: The act of performing, the performance itself.
• Hauptdarstellerin: The leading actress.
• Nebendarstellerin: A supporting actress.
• Laiendarstellerin: An amateur actress (non-professional).