die
Glatze
🧑🦲 What does "die Glatze" mean?
The word die Glatze (noun, feminine) refers to a bald head, meaning a head with no or very little hair. It describes the condition where the scalp is visible because the hair is missing.
There is only this one meaning and the article die.
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: Declension of "die Glatze"
"Glatze" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Glatze |
| Genitive | der | Glatze |
| Dative | der | Glatze |
| Accusative | die | Glatze |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Glatzen |
| Genitive | der | Glatzen |
| Dative | den | Glatzen |
| Accusative | die | Glatzen |
Example Sentences
- Manche Männer bekommen schon in jungen Jahren eine Glatze.
(Some men get a bald head already at a young age.) - Er trägt seine Glatze mit Stolz.
(He wears his bald head with pride.) - Die Sonne brannte auf seine unbedeckte Glatze.
(The sun burned on his uncovered bald head.) - Im Alter haben viele Menschen Glatzen.
(Many people have bald heads in old age.)
💬 How to use "Glatze"?
The word "Glatze" is used frequently in German, mostly colloquially. It's the most common term for a bald head.
- Context: It can be neutrally descriptive ("Er hat eine Glatze." - He has a bald head.), but depending on the tone or context, it can also sound slightly derogatory or mocking.
- Alternative: The adjective "kahl" (bald) is more neutral ("Er ist kahl." - He is bald., "Er hat einen kahlen Kopf." - He has a bald head.).
- Typical Verbs: Eine Glatze haben (to have), eine Glatze bekommen (to get), eine Glatze tragen (to wear), sich eine Glatze rasieren (to shave oneself a bald head).
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of feminine things that can be surfaces or features on the head: die Stirn (the forehead), die Wange (the cheek). A Glatze is also a surface on the head, so it's die Glatze.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Glatze" sounds a bit like the English word "glass". A Glatze is smooth like glass where hair used to be.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Kahlkopf: (Bald head) Direct description, slightly more formal or old-fashioned.
- Platte: (Plate/Disk) Very colloquial, often humorous or derogatory.
- Halbglatze: (Half-bald head) Refers to a partially bald head (e.g., receding hairline, tonsure).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Haarpracht: (Splendid hair, head of hair) Full, beautiful hair.
- Mähne: (Mane) Long, thick hair (often used for animals, but sometimes for humans).
- Frisur: (Hairstyle) Describes the presence and style of hair.
⚠️ Note: The word "kahl" is an adjective meaning 'bald', while "Glatze" is the noun (the bald head itself).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Friseur den Kunden mit Glatze: "Soll ich die Haare zählen oder waschen?"
(The hairdresser asks the bald customer: "Should I count the hairs or wash them?")
✍️ Poem about the Glatze
Wo einst das Haar in Fülle spross,
(Where once the hair sprouted abundantly,)
liegt nun die Haut ganz bloß.
(now lies the skin completely bare.)
Die Sonne scheint, der Wind drauf weht,
(The sun shines, the wind blows on it,)
die Glatze man von weitem seht.
(the bald head one sees from afar.)
Mal stolz getragen, mal versteckt,
(Sometimes worn proudly, sometimes hidden,)
manch kluger Kopf darunter steckt!
(many a clever mind lies beneath!)
❓ Riddle
Ich bin eine Fläche auf dem Haupt,
(I am a surface on the head,)
wo kein einzig Haar mehr schaut.
(where not a single hair looks out.)
Manch einer rasiert mich glatt und rein,
(Some shave me smooth and clean,)
was könnte ich wohl sein?
(what could I possibly be?)
Solution: die Glatze (the bald head)
💡 More Information
Word Origin: The word derives from the Old High German word "glaz" (shiny, smooth). The ending "-e" is typical for feminine nouns in German.
Cultural Notes: A Glatze can have various connotations - from a sign of aging or hair loss to a fashion statement or a religious symbol (e.g., monks).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Glatze?
The word Glatze is always feminine. The correct article is die Glatze. It means 'bald head'.