die
Feuerwehr
🚒 What does "die Feuerwehr" mean?
Die Feuerwehr (noun, feminine) refers to an organisation primarily responsible for providing assistance during fires and other emergencies such as accidents, floods, or disasters. It is responsible for firefighting (Brandbekämpfung), rescuing people (Menschenrettung) and animals (Tierrettung), and providing technical assistance (technische Hilfeleistung).
The word can refer to:
- The institution/organisation: The entire structure of the fire service in a city, municipality, or country (e.g., die Berliner Feuerwehr - the Berlin Fire Department).
- The emergency personnel/crew: The group of firefighters responding to a call or on duty (e.g., Die Feuerwehr ist schnell eingetroffen. - The fire department arrived quickly.).
- The fire station: Colloquially, it can sometimes refer to the building itself (e.g., Wir treffen uns bei der Feuerwehr. - We'll meet at the fire station.).
🚨 Important: The word "Feuerwehr" is always feminine in German. There are no other articles.
Grammar Deep Dive: Die Feuerwehr
The noun "Feuerwehr" is feminine. The definite article is always "die".
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | die | Feuerwehr | (Subject) |
| Genitiv | der | Feuerwehr | (Possessive) |
| Dativ | der | Feuerwehr | (Indirect Object) |
| Akkusativ | die | Feuerwehr | (Direct Object) |
Declension Plural
The plural "die Feuerwehren" is used when talking about multiple separate fire departments or brigades (e.g., the fire departments of different cities).
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | die | Feuerwehren | (Subject) |
| Genitiv | der | Feuerwehren | (Possessive) |
| Dativ | den | Feuerwehren | (Indirect Object) |
| Akkusativ | die | Feuerwehren | (Direct Object) |
Example Sentences 📖
- Die Feuerwehr rückte mit mehreren Fahrzeugen aus.
(The fire department responded with several vehicles.) - Das Engagement der Feuerwehr ist bewundernswert.
(The dedication of the fire department is admirable.) - Wir danken der örtlichen Feuerwehr für ihren Einsatz.
(We thank the local fire department for their service.) - Man sollte die Feuerwehr nur im Notfall rufen.
(One should only call the fire department in an emergency.) - Viele kleine Gemeinden haben eigene Feuerwehren.
(Many small communities have their own fire departments.)
Usage in Daily Life 🔥
"Die Feuerwehr" is used in many contexts, mostly related to safety and emergencies.
- Emergency Call (Notruf): In Germany, dial 112 to reach the fire department (and emergency medical services).
- Volunteer Fire Department (Freiwillige Feuerwehr - FF): A crucial part of the German fire service system, especially in rural areas. Many members serve voluntarily (ehrenamtlich).
- Professional Fire Department (Berufsfeuerwehr - BF): Found in larger cities with full-time firefighters.
- Youth Fire Brigade (Jugendfeuerwehr): Organisation for children and teenagers.
- Plant Fire Department (Werkfeuerwehr): Specialised fire department for large industrial plants.
People often talk about "zur Feuerwehr gehen" meaning either joining the service or reporting an emergency.
Comparison: While "die Polizei" deals with crime and public order, "die Feuerwehr" primarily handles fires, technical assistance, and rescues.
Memory Aids for Feuerwehr 🧠
Article Mnemonic: The word ends in "-wehr". "Die Wehr" (defence) is feminine. Remember: The defence (die Wehr) against the fire (das Feuer) is die Feuerwehr.
Meaning Mnemonic: It's composed of Feuer 🔥 (fire) and Wehr 🛡️ (defence/protection). So, the Feuerwehr is the organisation that defends or protects us from fire.
Similar and Opposite Terms ↔️
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Brandbekämpfung: (firefighting - refers more to the activity)
- Löschzug / Löschgruppe: (fire engine company / squad - refers to a specific unit within the fire department)
- Brandschutz: (fire protection - also includes preventive measures)
- Colloquially: Die Roten Autos 😉 (The Red Cars)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Brandstiftung: (arson - intentionally setting a fire)
- Brandstifter/in: (arsonist - person who commits arson)
- (There isn't a direct opposite to the organisation itself)
Similar but Different Terms:
- Feuerwehrmann / Feuerwehrfrau: (firefighter - male/female individual member)
- Rettungsdienst: (emergency medical service (EMS) - often closely linked, but primarily responsible for medical emergencies)
- Technisches Hilfswerk (THW): (Federal Agency for Technical Relief - another German disaster relief organisation, often involved in large technical incidents)
A Little Joke 😄
German: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie das Bügeleisen gestohlen?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Die Feuerwehr hat gesagt: Bei einem Brand immer das Wichtigste mitnehmen!"
English: The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you steal the iron?" The defendant answers: "The fire department said: In case of fire, always take the most important thing with you!"
Poem about the Feuerwehr 🚒
German:
Sirenen heulen durch die Nacht,
Die Feuerwehr ist aufgewacht.
Mit Helm und Schlauch, ganz unverdrossen,
Wird mutig nun das Feuer beschossen.
Sie retten Menschen, Tier und Haus,
Ein wichtiger, Applaus!
English Translation:
Sirens wail through the night,
The fire department has awoken.
With helmet and hose, quite undaunted,
The fire is now bravely fought.
They save people, animals, and homes,
An important job, applause!
Who or what am I? 🤔
German:
Ich komme schnell mit Blaulicht an,
Bekämpfe Flammen, dann und wann.
Ich rette aus Gefahr und Not,
Ob Wasser droht, ob Feuerrot.
Mit Schläuchen, Leitern und viel Mut,
Bin ich für deine Sicherheit gut.
Wer bin ich?
English Translation:
I arrive quickly with flashing blue lights,
I fight flames, now and then.
I rescue from danger and distress,
Whether water threatens, or fire's red.
With hoses, ladders, and much courage,
I am good for your safety.
Who am I?
Solution: Die Feuerwehr (The Fire Department)
Interesting Facts 💡
- Word Composition: The word "Feuerwehr" is a compound noun made from "Feuer" (das Feuer - fire) and "Wehr" (die Wehr - defence/protection).
- Emergency Number (Notrufnummer): The Europe-wide emergency number 112 is used in Germany for both the fire department and emergency medical services.
- Patron Saint: Saint Florian is traditionally considered the patron saint of firefighters.
- Colour: The typical colour of fire engines in Germany is red (RAL 3000 - Feuerrot/Fire Red), although newer designs also exist.
Summary: is it der, die or das Feuerwehr?
The German word "Feuerwehr" is always feminine. Therefore, the correct article is exclusively "die". You always say die Feuerwehr.