die  Gondel

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡɔndəl/

🛶 What exactly is a Gondel?

The German word die Gondel primarily has two meanings:

1. The Venetian boat: A long, narrow, traditional rowing boat typically used in the canals of Venice. It has a flat bottom and is steered by a Gondoliere with a single oar.
2. The cable car cabin / lift cabin: A cabin suspended from a cable that transports people or goods, often in mountainous regions (ski resorts) or as a scenic ride. Sometimes referred to as a Gondelbahn (gondola lift).

⚠️ Attention: Although the meanings are different, the article is always die.

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Gondel

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

💬 Examples for Clarity

• Venezianisches Boot: Wir machten eine romantische Fahrt mit der Gondel durch Venedig.
  (We took a romantic ride with the gondola through Venice.)
• Seilbahnkabine: Die Skifahrer stiegen in die Gondel, um auf den Gipfel zu gelangen.
  (The skiers got into the gondola to reach the summit.)
• Plural: Am Berg standen viele bunte Gondeln bereit.
  (Many colorful gondolas stood ready on the mountain.)

🌍 How is "die Gondel" used?

The context makes it clear which type of Gondel is meant:

• If you're talking about Venedig (Venice), Kanäle (canals), or Gondolieri, the boat is meant.
• If you're talking about Berge (mountains), Skifahren (skiing), Seilbahnen (cable cars), or viewpoints, the cabin is meant.

In technical fields, "Gondel" can also refer to other suspended containers or cabins, e.g., under a Zeppelin or on a crane, but the two main meanings are the most common.

Confusion is rare because the contexts are very different. The word itself comes from the Italian gondola.

💡 Mnemonics for Gondel

Article Mnemonic: Think of die elegante, narrowe, beautifule Gondel in Venice – many feminine endings (-e), just like "die". Or: Die cable car cabin – she (like 'die') floats through the air.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a Gondel (boat) gently 'gondeling' (rocking/swaying) on the water. For the cable car: The Gondel 'gondles' (sways/rocks) high up on the cable through the air.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion

• Gondoliere: The driver of the Venetian gondola (masculine: der Gondoliere).

😂 A Little Gondel Joke

Fragt ein Tourist den Gondoliere in Venedig: "Sagen Sie mal, können Sie auch Noten lesen?"
Antwortet der Gondoliere: "Aber natürlich! Vor allem die auf den Geldscheinen!"

Translation:
A tourist asks the gondolier in Venice: "Tell me, can you also read notes (sheet music)?"
The gondolier replies: "But of course! Especially the ones on the banknotes!"

📜 Gondel Poem

Die Gondel, schwarz und lang,
Gleitet leis den Kanal entlang.
Oder schwebt am Stahlseil sacht,
Hoch am Berg bei Tag und Nacht.
Zwei Welten, doch ein Wort,
Bringt dich sicher an den Ort.

Translation:
The gondola, black and long,
Glides softly along the canal.
Or floats gently on the steel cable,
High on the mountain day and night.
Two worlds, yet one word,
Takes you safely to the place.

❓ Who or what am I?

Mal schaukle ich auf dem Wasser, mal hoch in der Luft am Draht.
In Venedig bin ich bekannt, im Gebirge oft parat.
Ich trage Menschen hin und her, ganz ohne eig'nen Schritt.
Ob Kanal ob Bergeshöh', ich nehme alle mit.

Translation:
Sometimes I rock on the water, sometimes high in the air on a wire.
In Venice I am known, in the mountains often ready.
I carry people back and forth, without a step of my own.
Whether canal or mountain height, I take everyone along.

(Answer: die Gondel)

🌐 More about die Gondel

Etymology: The word "Gondel" comes from the Italian gondola, whose origin is not entirely clear. It might derive from the Greek kondylion (small box) or kuntòs (pole for pushing).

Trivia:

• The typical black color of Venetian gondolas was legally established in the 17th century to curb excessive pomp.
• Modern cable car gondolas can be very large, holding over 30 people.