die
Einkaufstour
🛍️ What does 'die Einkaufstour' mean?
Die Einkaufstour (feminine noun) describes a longer, often planned activity where someone visits multiple shops to buy things. This can be a targeted shopping trip (e.g., for a party) or a leisurely stroll through various stores (Shopping). Unlike a simple Einkauf (which is usually more focused and shorter), an Einkaufstour often implies more time spent, a longer distance covered, or visiting several places. It translates closely to a 'shopping trip' or 'shopping spree'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ur/-ür → mostly feminine.
Caution: -eur nouns are usually masculine (e.g. der Ingenieur).
📊 Grammar Dive: Declining 'die Einkaufstour'
The word "Einkaufstour" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Einkaufstour |
| Genitive | der | Einkaufstour |
| Dative | der | Einkaufstour |
| Accusative | die | Einkaufstour |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Einkaufstouren |
| Genitive | der | Einkaufstouren |
| Dative | den | Einkaufstouren |
| Accusative | die | Einkaufstouren |
Example Sentences
- Am Samstag machen wir eine große Einkaufstour durch die Innenstadt.
(On Saturday, we're going on a big shopping trip through the city center.) - Nach der langen Einkaufstour waren ihre Füße müde.
(Her feet were tired after the long shopping trip.) - Planst du für die Hochzeit eine spezielle Einkaufstour?
(Are you planning a special shopping trip for the wedding?)
🚶♀️ Using 'Einkaufstour' Correctly
The term Einkaufstour is used when shopping is seen as an activity or outing that goes beyond daily needs or involves multiple stops.
- Context: Leisure time, planning parties, holidays (shopping abroad), fashion shopping, bulk buying.
- Distinction: An Einkauf is often just a trip to the supermarket. An Einkaufstour sounds more like fun, effort, or a larger undertaking. Sometimes it's used slightly ironically if a supposedly short shopping trip takes unexpectedly long.
- Typical Verbs: eine Einkaufstour machen (to do/go on a shopping trip), auf Einkaufstour gehen/sein (to go/be on a shopping trip), eine Einkaufstour planen (to plan a shopping trip).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Einkaufstour'
Article Mnemonic: The word ends in "-tour". German words ending in "-ur" are almost always feminine (die Kultur, die Natur, die Zensur). Think: "Die Tour de France is a long tour, just like die Einkaufstour."
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine going on a "Tour" (a trip, a journey) with the purpose of "Einkauf" (shopping). A shopping journey = Einkaufstour.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Einkaufsbummel: Emphasizes leisurely strolling while shopping.
- Shoppingrunde / Shoppingtour: More modern terms, often used for fashion/leisure items. (Tour/Runde = round/trip).
- Besorgungstour: A trip to run errands or get specific things, sounds a bit more functional. (Besorgung = errand/procurement).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Online-Bestellung: Online order - shopping from home, no 'tour'.
- Schnelleinkauf: Quick shop - short, targeted purchase.
- Stubenhocken / Zu Hause bleiben: Staying at home / being a homebody - the opposite of going out.
- Konsumverzicht: Consumer restraint / abstinence from consumption.
⚠️ Similar Words (Caution!):
- Kauftour: Less common, but synonymous. ('Kauf' = purchase).
- Sauftour: Has a completely different meaning! Refers to a pub crawl or binge drinking trip. ('Saufen' = to booze/drink heavily). 🚨
😂 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette keine Einkaufstouren mit?
Sie haben keinen Körper, um die Taschen zu tragen! 😉
(Why don't skeletons go on shopping trips?
They have no body to carry the bags!)
📜 A Poem about the 'Einkaufstour'
Mit Listen lang und großem Plan,
fängt die Einkaufstour heut' an.
Durch Läden, Gassen, hell und bunt,
macht Shopping erst die Kasse rund.
Von hier nach dort, die Zeit verrinnt,
bis man das letzte Schnäppchen find't.
Die Taschen voll, die Füße schwer,
doch glücklich ist man – bitte sehr!
(With lists so long and a grand plan,
the shopping trip today began.
Through shops and alleys, bright and gay,
shopping makes the tills okay.
From here to there, time slips away,
till the last bargain makes your day.
Bags are full, feet may be sore,
but happy you are – what's more!)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich führe dich von Shop zu Shop,
mal im Galopp, mal eher top.
Mit Tüten kehrst du heim zurück,
mal mit Pech, mal mit viel Glück.
Bin ich vorbei, ist oft das Geld,
für eine Weile kaltgestellt.
Was bin ich?
(Die Einkaufstour)
(I lead you from shop to shop,
sometimes quickly, sometimes top.
With bags you return home,
sometimes unlucky, sometimes hitting the foam.
When I'm over, often the money,
is put on hold for a while, honey.)
What am I?
(Answer: die Einkaufstour / a shopping trip)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Einkaufstour" is a compound noun, formed from:
- Einkauf (der): The act of buying, or the goods purchased.
- Tour (die): A tour, trip, circuit, or journey.
Together, it literally describes a "tour for the purpose of shopping".
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Einkaufstour?
The German word "Einkaufstour" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die. You say: die Einkaufstour. The genitive and dative singular form is der Einkaufstour, and the plural is die Einkaufstouren.
