die  Deklaration

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/deklaʁaˈt͡si̯oːn/

📜 What does "die Deklaration" mean?

The word die Deklaration (feminine noun) has several meanings, often revolving around a formal statement or declaration:

• Official statement/proclamation: A formal, often public announcement or statement, e.g., a political stance or a Unabhängigkeitserklärung (declaration of independence).
• Customs declaration: The declaration of goods at customs for import or export purposes. The value and type of goods are declared (deklariert).
• Programming: In computer science, the introduction of a variable, constant, or function, where its name and data type are specified.

🚨 While similar, Erklärung is often more general, whereas Deklaration usually has a more official or specific character (e.g., legal, customs-related, technical).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Deklaration

The noun "Deklaration" is feminine. The article is die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Regierung veröffentlichte eine Deklaration zur aktuellen Wirtschaftslage.
   (The government published a declaration on the current economic situation.)
2. Bei der Einreise müssen Sie eine Zolldeklaration ausfüllen.
   (Upon entry, you must fill out a customs declaration.)
3. Die Deklaration der Variablen muss vor ihrer Verwendung erfolgen.
   (The declaration of the variable must occur before its use.)

🗣️ How is "die Deklaration" used?

The use of die Deklaration strongly depends on the context:

• Law & Politics: Here it often refers to solemn or legally binding statements (e.g., Menschenrechtsdeklaration - Declaration of Human Rights, Kriegserklärung - declaration of war, although Erklärung is more common here, Deklaration fits the act itself).
• Business & Administration (Customs): In international trade, the Zolldeklaration (customs declaration) is essential.
• Computer Science: A fundamental term when writing code. One speaks of Variablendeklaration (variable declaration) or Funktionsdeklaration (function declaration).

In general conversation, the word "Erklärung" (explanation, statement) is more commonly used. "Deklaration" sounds more formal and specific.

🧠 Mnemonics for Deklaration

For the article "die": Imagine a queen (who is always die Queen in German gender terms for royalty) making a formal Deklaration – a very 'feminine' and official act.

For the meaning: Think of "declare". A Deklaration makes something clear (klar) or declares it – whether in politics, at customs, or in code. The sound is very similar!

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful with Proklamation: Similar, but often even more solemn or authoritative than Deklaration. (proclamation)

😂 A Little Joke

Warum musste der Programmierer seine Liebe deklarieren?
Damit der Compiler wusste, von welchem Typ sie ist! ❤️

Why did the programmer have to declare his love?
So the compiler knew what type she was! ❤️

✒️ Poem about Deklaration

Am Zoll, ganz klar,
liegt sie bereit, wunderbar.
Die Deklaration, fein geschrieben,
hat Warenwert und Art beschrieben.
Auch im Code, Zeil' für Zeil',
braucht's sie, sonst gibt's kein Heil.
Ein Name, Typ, fest definiert,
damit das Programm funktioniert.

At customs, quite clear,
it lies ready, wonderfully near.
The Deklaration, finely penned,
described goods' value and their trend.
In code too, line by line so neat,
it's needed, or face defeat.
A name, a type, defined with care,
so that the program runs right there.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Wort, formal und schick,
mal Politik, mal Zollgeschick.
Im Code sag ich: "Dies ist der Typ!"
Mal bin ich Pflicht, mal nur ein Tipp.

Was bin ich?

I am a word, formal and chic,
Sometimes politics, sometimes a customs trick.
In code I say: "This is the type!"
Sometimes I'm required, sometimes just a hype.

What am I?

Solution: die Deklaration

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Deklaration" comes from the Latin declaratio, meaning "explanation" or "revelation". It derives from the verb declarare ("to make clear", "to announce").

Compounds: Common compounds include Zolldeklaration (customs declaration), Steuerdeklaration (tax declaration), Unabhängigkeitsdeklaration (declaration of independence), Variablendeklaration (variable declaration).