die  Demonstration

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/demɔnˈstʁaːt͡si̯oːn/

🧐 What does "die Demonstration" mean?

The German word die Demonstration has several meanings:

• Public expression of opinion/Protest: The most common meaning is a public gathering of people expressing their opinion on a specific political or social issue, often through a march or rally. Synonyms for this are der Protest or die Kundgebung.
• Presentation/Explanation: It can also mean a presentation or showing where something is explained, demonstrated, or proven. For example, the demonstration of a new product or a scientific experiment. Here, it's similar to die Vorführung (presentation) or die Darlegung (explanation).
• Proof/Showing: Less commonly, it can mean the act of showing or proving something, e.g., a demonstration of strength (eine Demonstration von Stärke) or knowledge.

🚨 Important: The word is always feminine (die Demonstration), which is typical for nouns ending in -tion in German.

📝 Grammar in Detail: Die Demonstration

"Demonstration" is a feminine noun. The suffix "-tion" almost always indicates the feminine gender (die) in German.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. (Protest) Tausende nahmen an der Demonstration für Klimaschutz teil.
   (Thousands took part in the demonstration for climate protection.)
2. (Presentation) Der Verkäufer gab eine überzeugende Demonstration der neuen Software.
   (The salesperson gave a convincing demonstration of the new software.)
3. (Proof/Showing) Seine schnelle Lösung des Problems war eine klare Demonstration seiner Fähigkeiten.
   (His quick solution to the problem was a clear demonstration of his abilities.)

🗣️ How to use "die Demonstration"?

Context is key to understanding the meaning of die Demonstration:

• In a political/social context: Here, it almost always means a protest event. You talk about "an einer Demonstration teilnehmen" (to take part in a demonstration), "eine Demonstration organisieren" (to organize a demonstration), or "gegen etwas demonstrieren" (to protest against something). Synonyms like die Kundgebung (rally) or der Protestmarsch (protest march) are common.
• In a technical/scientific context: This refers to showing or explaining something. One gives a "Demonstration eines Geräts" (demonstration of a device), a "wissenschaftliche Demonstration" (scientific demonstration), or a "Produkt-Demonstration" (product demonstration). Die Vorführung (presentation, demo) is a good synonym here.
• In an everyday/abstract context: Here, it means showing or proving, e.g., a "Demonstration von Mut" (demonstration of courage) or a "Demonstration von Wissen" (demonstration of knowledge). Der Beweis (proof) or das Zeichen (sign) can fit here.

⚠️ There's little risk of confusion, as the context usually clarifies the meaning. However, the most frequent association is the political demonstration.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Demonstration"

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Der Demonstrant / die Demonstrantin: Person who participates in a demonstration (protest).
• Demonstrativpronomen: (Grammar) Demonstrative pronouns like 'dieser' (this), 'jener' (that). Not related to protests, but related to 'showing'.

😂 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum nehmen Schnecken nie an Demonstrationen teil?

Antwort: Weil sie Angst haben, dass es zu schnell geht und sie nicht hinterherkommen!

Translation:

Question: Why do snails never take part in demonstrations?

Answer: Because they're afraid it will go too fast and they won't keep up!

📜 Poem about Demonstration

Auf Plätzen laut, die Menge schreit,
Für Recht und Ziel, zu jeder Zeit.
Die Demonstration, ein starkes Wort,
Trägt Wünsche fort, an manchen Ort.

Mal zeigt sie Technik, klar und neu,
Mal den Protest, der Macht nicht scheu.
Ein Zeigen nur, was wichtig ist,
Ob Fortschritt oder Widerstandslist'.

Translation:

In squares aloud, the crowd does cry,
For rights and goals, beneath the sky.
The demonstration, a word of might,
Carries desires, shining bright.

Sometimes shows tech, clear and new,
Sometimes protest, power to eschew.
Just showing what is deemed the best,
Whether progress or resistance' test.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann laut sein auf der Straß',
mit Schildern, Tröten, ohne Maß.
Ich kann auch leise zeigen dir,
wie etwas klappt, das glaub es mir.
Ich ende auf '-tion', bin feminin.
Sag schnell, wer oder was ich bin?

Lösung: die Demonstration

Translation:

I can be loud upon the street,
With signs and horns, a noisy feat.
I can also quietly show to you,
How something works, believe me, it's true.
I end in '-tion', and feminine I reside.
Tell me quickly, what am I, deep inside?

Solution: die Demonstration

➕ Other Information

• Etymology: The word comes from the Latin verb demonstrare, meaning "to show", "to point out", or "to prove".
• Compounds: Common compound words include das Demonstrationsrecht (the right to demonstrate), der Demonstrationszug (the procession during a protest), or das Demonstrationsobjekt (an object being demonstrated or presented).