die  Gitarre

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡiˈtaʁə/

🎸 What exactly is a 'Gitarre'?

Die Gitarre (noun, feminine) refers to a very common musical instrument from the family of *plucked string instruments* (*Zupfinstrumente*). It typically consists of a *body* (*Korpus*, resonance box) and a *neck* (*Hals*), across which six or more *strings* (*Saiten*) are stretched. A sound is produced by *plucking* (*zupfen*) or *strumming* (*anschlagen*) the strings.

There are different types of guitars, including:

• Acoustic guitar (*Akustische Gitarre*): Amplifies the sound mechanically through the resonance body (e.g., *classical guitar* - *Konzertgitarre*, *steel-string acoustic guitar* - *Westerngitarre*).
• Electric guitar (*Elektrische Gitarre* or *E-Gitarre*): Requires an electronic amplifier for sound production; the sound is captured via *pickups* (*Tonabnehmer*).

The word 'Gitarre' only uses the article 'die' and is always feminine. There are no other meanings associated with different articles for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

The Grammar of 'Gitarre': Cases & Co.

The noun "Gitarre" is feminine. The article is always die.

Declension of 'die Gitarre'

Here's how 'die Gitarre' changes in the different grammatical cases (Fälle):

Example Sentences

1. Sie spielt wunderschön die Gitarre.
   (She plays the guitar beautifully.)
2. Der Klang der Gitarre erfüllte den Raum.
   (The sound of the guitar filled the room.)
3. Er schenkte seiner Freundin eine Gitarre zum Geburtstag.
   (He gave his girlfriend a guitar for her birthday.)
4. Die Band braucht dringend neue Gitarren.
   (The band urgently needs new guitars.)
5. Auf den Gitarren waren viele Aufkleber.
   (There were many stickers on the guitars.)

🎶 How to Use 'Gitarre'?

The word "Gitarre" is primarily used in the context of music.

• Musical instrument: The most common use refers to the instrument itself. Example: Ich lerne, Gitarre zu spielen. (I am learning to play the guitar.)
• Music style: Sometimes used to describe music heavily featuring guitars. Example: Das ist typische Gitarrenmusik. (That's typical guitar music.)
• Part of a band/orchestra: The role within an ensemble. Example: Er spielt die Lead-Gitarre in der Band. (He plays the lead guitar in the band.)

Typical verbs: *spielen* (to play), *stimmen* (to tune), *lernen* (to learn), *kaufen* (to buy), *reparieren* (to repair), *bauen* (to build).

Typical adjectives: *akustisch* (acoustic), *elektrisch* (electric), *neu* (new), *alt* (old), *laut* (loud), *leise* (quiet), *schön* (beautiful).

Compared to "Klampfe" (very colloquial, often slightly derogatory or affectionately humorous for a simple/old guitar), "Gitarre" is the neutral and standard term.

Memory Aids for 'die Gitarre'

Remembering the article 'die'

Imagine: Dieva plays die Gitarre – the repeating 'i' sound (like 'ee' in English 'see') can help you remember 'die'. Also, many musical instruments in German are feminine (*die Geige* - violin, *die Flöte* - flute, *die Harfe* - harp...). So, associate *Gitarre* with this group.

Remembering the meaning

The word sounds very similar to the English 'guitar'. Just add the German feminine article 'die' in front: *die guitar(re)*. Think of the 'tar' in *Gitarre* like the 'tar' on a road, which can be black like some guitars.

Similar and Opposing Terms

Watch out for Confusion!

There aren't common German words that sound very similar to 'Gitarre' but have a completely different meaning, making confusion unlikely.

😄 A Little Guitar Joke

German:
Fragt der Musiklehrer: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Gitarre und einem Fisch?"
Schüler: "Keine Ahnung."
Lehrer: "Versuch mal, einen Fisch zu stimmen!"

English Translation:
The music teacher asks: "What's the difference between a guitar and a fish?"
Student: "No idea."
Teacher: "Try tuning a fish!"

(The joke plays on the double meaning of 'stimmen': 'to tune' an instrument and 'to be right/correct', although here the primary meaning 'to tune' is intended.)

A Short Poem about the Guitar

German:
Die Gitarre, sanft und klar,
Sechs Saiten klingen wunderbar.
Mal laut, mal leise, Rock, Blues, Folk,
Sie tönt für dich, fürs ganze Volk.
Ob am Lagerfeuer, hell und warm,
Hält sie die Herzen im Arm.

English Translation:
The guitar, gentle and clear,
Six strings sound wonderful here.
Sometimes loud, sometimes low, Rock, Blues, Folk,
It sounds for you, for all the folk.
Whether by the campfire, bright and warm,
It holds all hearts within its arm (charm).

A Musical Riddle

German:
Ich habe einen Hals, doch keinen Kopf,
Ich habe einen Bauch, doch keinen Zopf.
Ich habe Saiten, doch ich stricke nicht,
Bring Freude oft ans Tageslicht.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I have a neck, but have no head,
I have a body (belly), but no braid instead.
I have strings, but I don't knit,
Often bring joy to light, bit by bit.

Who am I?

Solution: die Gitarre (the guitar)

Interesting Facts about the 'Gitarre'

• Word Origin (*Herkunft des Wortes*): The word "Gitarre" came into German via Spanish guitarra from Arabic qīṯārah, which in turn goes back to the Greek kithára (an ancient plucked instrument).
• Variety (*Vielfalt*): There are countless designs and variations, from the ukulele (often perceived as a small guitar) to the 12-string guitar and bass guitars (*Bassgitarren*, usually with 4 strings).
• Materials (*Materialien*): Guitars are mostly made of wood, with different types of wood (e.g., *Fichte* - spruce, *Mahagoni* - mahogany, *Palisander* - rosewood) influencing the sound (*Klang*).