die
Gilde
📜 What does "die Gilde" mean?
The German word die Gilde primarily refers to two concepts:
- Historically: An association of merchants (Kaufleute) or craftsmen (Handwerker) in the Middle Ages and early modern period for mutual support, protection of common interests (economic, political, social), and regulation of training (e.g., Zünfte, craft guilds, were often part of or closely related to Gilden).
- Modern/Figurative: A group of people with shared interests, goals, or professions; a professional association (Berufsverband), an interest group (Interessengemeinschaft), or a group in online games (Gaming-Gilde).
It always implies an association or union (Zusammenschluss or Vereinigung) of like-minded or similarly positioned individuals.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📚 Grammar in Detail: Die Gilde
The noun "Gilde" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gilde |
| Genitive | der | Gilde |
| Dative | der | Gilde |
| Accusative | die | Gilde |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gilden |
| Genitive | der | Gilden |
| Dative | den | Gilden |
| Accusative | die | Gilden |
💡 Example Sentences
- Die Gilde der Bäcker traf sich regelmäßig. (The bakers' guild met regularly.)
- Er trat einer Online-Gaming-Gilde bei. (He joined an online gaming guild.)
- Die Regeln der Gilde waren streng. (The rules of the guild were strict.)
- Man musste den Gilden Tribut zollen. (One had to pay tribute to the guilds.)
🗣️ How is "Gilde" used?
The term die Gilde is often used today in a historical context when discussing the Middle Ages or the early modern period. Here, it's closely related to the term die Zunft (craft guild), although Gilden often united merchants and Zünfte craftsmen, the lines could be blurry.
In modern language, "Gilde" is more likely found in a figurative sense:
- Professional associations: Sometimes associations of specific professional groups call themselves a "Gilde" to convey tradition or exclusivity (e.g., die Gilde der Drehbuchautoren - the screenwriters' guild).
- Interest groups: Groups with shared hobbies or goals (e.g., eine Gilde von Weinkennern - a guild of wine connoisseurs).
- Gaming: Very common in online role-playing games (MMORPGs), where players form guilds (Gilden) to achieve common goals.
Distinction: A Verein (club, association) is a more general term for a group of people, often with legal statutes. A Gilde usually implies a stronger focus on profession, craft, or shared (often economic or game-related) interests.
🧠 Mnemonics for Gilde
Article aid: Think of feminine words in English like 'she' or 'the queen'. A guild was a powerful entity, like a queen ruling her domain. It's die Gilde (the 'e' at the end hints at feminine).
Meaning aid: Imagine people paying gold to be part of an exclusive group (Gilde sounds like Gold). This group works together, like a historical guild or a modern gaming guild.
↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Zunft (f.): Very similar, often specifically for craftspeople in historical context.
- Vereinigung (f.): A more general term for an association or union.
- Bund (m.): An alliance or federation, often with political or social purpose.
- Berufsverband (m.): Modern term for a professional association.
- Interessengemeinschaft (f.): Interest group.
- Clan (m.): Often used synonymously with Gilde in a gaming context.
Antonyms (opposites - context-dependent):
- Einzelkämpfer/in (m./f.): Lone wolf, someone not part of a group.
- Außenseiter/in (m./f.): Outsider.
- Konkurrenz (f.): Competition (groups or individuals working against each other).
- Individuum (n.): Individual (emphasizing the single person over the group).
⚠️ Caution: Although Zunft is often used synonymously, there are subtle historical differences. Verein is much more general than Gilde.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Schmied den anderen: "Warum sind unsere Preise so hoch?" Antwortet der andere: "Das hat die Gilde so beschlossen – wir müssen doch unseren eisernen Zusammenhalt finanzieren!"
Translation: One blacksmith asks the other: "Why are our prices so high?" The other replies: "The guild decided – we have to finance our iron solidarity!" (Pun on 'eisern' meaning 'iron' and 'strong/unwavering')
📜 A Poem about the Gilde
Im Schutze starker Mauern,
Wo Handwerk blüht und Kaufleut' lauern,
Da schließt sich fest der Kreis,
Die Gilde zahlt den hohen Preis
Für Einheit, Recht und Können,
Will fremder Macht sich nicht verrennen.
Ob Bäcker, Schmied, ob Handelsmann,
Gemeinsam zieht man an einem Strang.
Translation:
Protected by strong walls,
Where craft blooms and merchants lurk,
There the circle closes tightly,
The Guild pays the high price
For unity, rights, and skill,
Will not yield to foreign power.
Whether baker, smith, or merchant man,
Together they pull on one rope (work together).
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Bund aus alter Zeit,
Für Handwerk oder Handel bereit.
Auch Spieler online kennen mich gut,
Gemeinsam fassen wir neuen Mut.
Mein Artikel ist feminin, merk es dir fein,
Was kann ich nur sein?
Translation:
I am a union from ancient times,
Ready for craft or trade.
Online players know me well too,
Together we find new courage.
My article is feminine, remember this well,
What can I possibly be?
Solution: die Gilde
🧐 More Facts
Etymology: The word "Gilde" likely comes from the Old High German "gilda" or "gelta", which could mean "sacrificial meal", "society", or also "payment", "contribution". This points to its original function as a sworn community for protection and feasting, for which members often paid dues.
Modern Relevance: Even though historical guilds no longer exist, the principle of association for representing interests lives on in modern professional associations (Berufsverbände), chambers (Kammern), and also in gaming communities.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gilde?
The correct article for Gilde is die. So it is always die Gilde (e.g., die Gilde der Handwerker - the guild of craftsmen), Genitive: der Gilde, Plural: die Gilden.