die  Gage

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡaːɡə/

💰 What does 'die Gage' mean?

Die Gage (noun, feminine) primarily refers to the fee, payment, or remuneration that artists (like actors, musicians, dancers) or freelancers receive for a performance, a specific service, or an engagement.

Unlike a fixed Gehalt (salary for employees) or Lohn (wage, often hourly-based for workers), the Gage is typically project-based or performance-related.

• Example: Die Schauspielerin verhandelte über ihre Gage für die neue Filmrolle. (The actress negotiated her fee for the new film role.)
• Example: Die Band erhielt eine feste Gage für den Auftritt beim Festival. (The band received a fixed fee for the performance at the festival.)

🚨 Colloquially, the term might sometimes be used more generally for payment, but its core meaning relates to artistic or freelance activities.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Corner: Declension of 'die Gage'

The word 'Gage' is a feminine noun. The article is die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Gage des Musikers war angemessen. (The musician's fee was appropriate.)
2. Wir diskutierten die Höhe der Gage. (We discussed the amount of the fee.)
3. Mit der Gage konnte er seine Miete bezahlen. (With the fee, he could pay his rent.)
4. Er forderte eine höhere Gage. (He demanded a higher fee.)
5. Die Gagen der Hauptdarsteller sind oft sehr hoch. (The fees of the main actors are often very high.)
6. Die Auszahlung der Gagen verzögerte sich. (The payment of the fees was delayed.)
7. Das Theater hat Probleme mit den Gagen. (The theater has problems with the fees.)
8. Der Produzent muss alle Gagen überweisen. (The producer must transfer all fees.)

💡 How to Use 'die Gage'

The use of 'Gage' is highly context-dependent:

• Artistic Professions: Most commonly, 'Gage' is used in connection with actors, musicians, singers, dancers, models, writers, etc. Example: Die Gage für den Auftritt wird nach der Show ausgezahlt. (The fee for the performance will be paid out after the show.)
• Freelancers: Freelancers working on a project basis (e.g., speakers, consultants) can also receive a Gage. Example: Der Keynote Speaker erhielt eine beachtliche Gage. (The keynote speaker received a considerable fee.)
• Difference from Gehalt/Lohn: It's important to distinguish 'Gage' from 'Gehalt' (fixed monthly salary for employees) and 'Lohn' (often hourly-based wage for workers). A Gage is typically for a specific performance or a limited period.
• Negotiable: Fees (Gagen) are often negotiable and can vary greatly depending on fame, experience, and the nature of the service.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Gage'

Article Mnemonic: Think of the (feminine 'die') prima donna on stage – she gets die Gage. The feminine artist helps remember the feminine article.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone is engaged for a performance and receives payment – their Gage.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: 'Gehalt' (salary) and 'Lohn' (wage) are not direct synonyms as they refer to different types of employment (see 'Usage').

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Manager den Rockstar nach dem Konzert: "Und, wie war die Stimmung im Publikum?"
Antwortet der Rockstar: "Keine Ahnung, ich hab nur auf meine Gage geschaut!"

Translation:
The manager asks the rockstar after the concert: "So, how was the mood in the audience?"
The rockstar replies: "No idea, I was just looking at my fee!"

📜 Poem about 'Gage'

Der Künstler tritt auf, im hellen Licht,
Er spielt die Rolle, erfüllt die Pflicht.
Das Publikum klatscht, der Vorhang fällt,
Was ihn nun freut, ist's Bargeld.
Nicht Lohn, nicht Gehalt, das ist doch klar,
Die Gage ist's, wunderbar!

Translation:
The artist performs, in the bright light,
Plays the role, fulfills their plight (duty).
The audience applauds, the curtain falls,
What pleases him now, is cash that calls.
Not wage, not salary, that much is clear,
The fee it is, wonderfully dear!

🧩 Who am I? A Riddle

Ich bin der Lohn für Spiel und Sang,
für manchen Auftritt, kurz und lang.
Mal fest, mal variabel, mal klein, mal groß,
Künstler erhalten mich – wie heiß ich bloß?

Lösung/Solution: die Gage

Translation:
I am the reward for play and song,
for many a gig, short and long.
Sometimes fixed, sometimes varied, small or grand,
Artists receive me – what am I called in this land?

🌐 More Facts

Word Origin: The word 'Gage' comes from French. Old French 'gage' originally meant 'pledge' or 'security'. Later, the meaning evolved to 'wage' or 'pay'. It was adopted into German in the 17th/18th century, initially for soldiers' pay (Sold), and later specifically for the payment of artists.

Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): There are several compound words with 'Gage', e.g.:

• Gagenforderung: The fee demanded by someone.
• Mindestgage: A minimum fee.
• Fixgage: A fixed, non-variable fee.