die
Gastwirtschaft
🍻 What does 'die Gastwirtschaft' mean?
Die Gastwirtschaft (noun, feminine) refers to an establishment where guests are served, meaning they receive food and drinks in exchange for payment. It often denotes a more traditional or simpler type of establishment, comparable to an inn, pub, or tavern (Gasthaus, Kneipe, or Wirtshaus). The focus is on serving guests (Gäste) within an economic framework (Wirtschaft can mean 'economy' or 'establishment').
In a broader sense, Gastwirtschaft can also refer to the hospitality industry as a whole, although the terms Gastronomie (gastronomy) or Gastgewerbe (hospitality trade) are more common for this.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ft/ -schaft → almost always feminine.
All -schaft nouns are feminine, but not all -ft nouns are.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Gastwirtschaft
The word 'Gastwirtschaft' is a feminine noun. Therefore, the correct article is 'die'.
Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gastwirtschaft |
| Genitive | der | Gastwirtschaft |
| Dative | der | Gastwirtschaft |
| Accusative | die | Gastwirtschaft |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gastwirtschaften |
| Genitive | der | Gastwirtschaften |
| Dative | den | Gastwirtschaften |
| Accusative | die | Gastwirtschaften |
Example Sentences
- Die alte Gastwirtschaft am Marktplatz hat eine lange Tradition.
(The old inn on the market square has a long tradition.) - Wir kehren nach der Wanderung in einer gemütlichen Gastwirtschaft ein.
(We stop at a cozy pub after the hike.) - Der Wirt führt seine Gastwirtschaft schon in dritter Generation.
(The landlord has been running his establishment for three generations.) - In dieser Region gibt es viele kleine Gastwirtschaften mit lokaler Küche.
(In this region, there are many small inns/pubs with local cuisine.)
📌 How to Use 'Gastwirtschaft'
The term die Gastwirtschaft is often used to describe traditional, often rural or serving home-style cooking, establishments that offer food and drinks. Compared to a modern Restaurant, a Gastwirtschaft often feels more rustic or simple.
- Context: Often associated with villages, small towns, hiking trails, or traditional German cuisine.
- Distinction:
- Restaurant (das): Often broader, can range from simple to upscale.
- Kneipe (die): Primarily focuses on drinks; food offerings are often smaller or simpler.
- Gasthaus/Gasthof (das): Very similar to Gastwirtschaft, often also offers accommodation.
- Wirtshaus (das): Also very similar, emphasizes the role of the Wirt (landlord/owner).
- Connotation: Often conveys coziness, tradition, down-to-earthiness.
🧠 Mnemonics for Gastwirtschaft
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Wirtin (the female innkeeper - feminine) who manages her Wirtschaft. Many nouns ending in '-schaft' are feminine ('die'). This helps remember 'die'.
Meaning Mnemonic: It's a place where a Gast (guest) is served, and the owner runs their Wirtschaft (business/establishment). Just combine Gast + Wirtschaft!
↔️ Opposites and Alternatives
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Gasthaus (das): Inn/Guesthouse - Very similar, often with lodging.
- Wirtshaus (das): Tavern/Pub - Very similar, emphasizes the host (Wirt).
- Kneipe (die): Pub/Bar - Focus more on drinks.
- Lokal (das): Establishment/Place - General term for a place to eat/drink.
- Schänke (die): Tavern/Alehouse - Rather dated term for a simple pub, often just serving drinks.
- Restaurant (das): Restaurant - More general, can also be upscale.
Antonyms (opposites):
- Privathaus (das): Private house - Not a public place for service.
- Conceptually: Self-catering, non-commercial place.
Similar but different words:
- Gastronomie (die): Gastronomy/Hospitality industry - The entire sector.
- Gastfreundschaft (die): Hospitality - The quality of being friendly to guests.
- Wirtschaft (die): Can also mean economy or sometimes a simple pub itself.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Ober in der Gastwirtschaft: "Na, wie hat Ihnen das Essen geschmeckt?"
Sagt der Gast: "Ausgezeichnet, Herr Ober, genau wie bei Muttern!"
Ober: "Ach, das freut mich aber! Was hat Ihre Frau Mutter denn gekocht?"
Gast: "Auch nichts!"
Translation:
The waiter in the pub asks: "Well, how did you like the food?"
The guest says: "Excellent, waiter, just like Mum used to make!"
Waiter: "Oh, I'm so glad! What did your mother cook then?"
Guest: "Nothing either!"
📜 A Little Poem
Am Eck, ganz schlicht,
steht ein Haus mit Licht.
Die Gastwirtschaft lädt ein,
auf Bier und auf Wein.
Der Wirt schenkt nach,
bis spät in die Nacht.
Ein Ort zum Verweilen,
um Sorgen zu teilen.
Translation:
On the corner, quite plain,
stands a house with light again.
The inn invites you near,
for wine and for beer.
The host pours more,
till late, past the door.
A place to reside,
where worries subside.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe Tische, Stühle, einen Wirt,
wo mancher gern sein Feierabendbier spürt.
Man isst dort Schnitzel, Wurst und Kraut,
ein Ort, der vielen wohlvertraut.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I have tables, chairs, a host,
where many feel their after-work beer the most.
People eat schnitzel, sausage, and kraut there,
a place familiar beyond compare.
What am I?
→ Die Gastwirtschaft (The inn/pub)
🧩 Other Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word Gastwirtschaft is a compound noun, made up of:
- Der Gast (plural: die Gäste): The guest, the person being served.
- Die Wirtschaft: Here meaning establishment, business, pub, or also the economic activity itself.
Cultural Context: Gastwirtschaften (plural) are often deeply rooted in local German culture and reflect regional traditions, both in their decor and their food and drink offerings. They represent a traditional form of hospitality.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gastwirtschaft?
The correct article for Gastwirtschaft is die. It is a feminine noun (die Gastwirtschaft, plural: die Gastwirtschaften) referring to an establishment serving guests, often with a traditional character, like a pub or inn.