die / der  Große

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁoːsə/

👑 What does 'die/der Große' mean?

The word "Große" is a nominalized adjective, derived from the adjective "groß" (big, great). It's used to refer to a person who is significant, important, or outstanding, often in a historical context. The article depends on the person's gender:

• die Große (feminine): Refers to a significant, famous woman. Often used as an epithet for historical female rulers.
  • Example: Katharina die Große was a Russian Tsarina (Catherine the Great).
• der Große (masculine): Refers to a significant, famous man. Also often used as an epithet for historical rulers.
  • Example: Karl der Große wurde im Jahr 800 zum Kaiser gekrönt (Charlemagne was crowned Emperor in 800).

⚠️ In colloquial German, "der Große" can also be used affectionately or slightly ironically for a boy or man (e.g., "Na, mein Großer?" - "Hey, my big one/guy?"). "Die Große" can be used similarly for a girl or woman.

This follows the weak declension pattern for nominalized adjectives after a definite article.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die/der Große': Declension in Detail

As a nominalized adjective, "Große" is declined. Since it follows a definite article ("die" or "der"), it uses the weak declension.

Declension: die Große (feminine, singular)

Declension: der Große (masculine, singular)

Plural: die Großen

The plural form for both genders (or mixed groups) is die Großen.

Example Sentences 📜

1. Die Biografie über Katharina die Große ist sehr interessant. (The biography about Catherine the Great is very interesting. - Feminine, Nominative)
2. Man erinnert sich an Alexander den Großen wegen seiner Eroberungen. (People remember Alexander the Great for his conquests. - Masculine, Accusative)
3. Das Denkmal ist Friedrich dem Großen gewidmet. (The monument is dedicated to Frederick the Great. - Masculine, Dative)
4. Die Errungenschaften der Großen ihrer Zeit prägen uns noch heute. (The achievements of the great ones of their time still shape us today. - Plural, Genitive)
5. "Hallo, mein Großer!" rief die Mutter ihrem Sohn zu. ("Hello, my big one/guy!" the mother called to her son. - Colloquial, masculine, Nominative after possessive - strong declension!)

💡 Usage in Context: When to use 'der/die Große'?

• Historical Figures: The most common use is as an epithet for famous rulers or significant historical figures (e.g., Peter der Große (Peter the Great), Karl der Große (Charlemagne)).
• Familiar/Friendly Context: "Der Große" or "die Große" can be used affectionately or slightly teasingly for children (often the older or taller child) or even adults. Example: "Frag mal den Großen, ob er hilft." (Ask the big one/guy if he'll help.)
• Figurative Meaning: Less commonly, it can refer to outstanding personalities in other fields (e.g., "Er gilt als der Große des deutschen Films." - He is considered the great one of German cinema.).
• Distinction from 'Größe' (noun): Do not confuse it with the noun die Größe (size, magnitude, importance). "Der/die Große" always refers to a person.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die/der Große'

Article Mnemonic: Think of gender association: Die Königin (the queen, feminine) is die Große. Der König (the king, masculine) is der Große. Both nominalized adjectives end in -e, but the article matches the gender.

Meaning Mnemonic: Remember that "groß" means not just physically big, but also 'great' or 'important'. So, "der/die Große" is someone who stands out from the normal 'size' (Größe) – a 'great' personality.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential for Confusion ⚠️

Be careful not to mix up "der/die Große" (person) with the noun die Größe (size, scale, magnitude, importance). Example: "Die Größe des Problems ist enorm." (The scale of the problem is enormous.) vs. "Karl der Große war ein Kaiser." (Charlemagne was an emperor.)

😂 A Little Joke

Teacher asks: "Wer kann mir einen berühmten 'Großen' nennen?"
Fritzchen answers: "Mein großer Bruder! Der ist schon 1,90 Meter!"

Translation:
Teacher asks: "Who can name a famous 'Great One' for me?"
Little Fritz answers: "My big brother! He's already 1.90 meters tall!"

📜 A Little Poem

Ob Zar, ob König, stolz und kühn,
Man nannte sie oft "die Große", ihn.
Der Große herrscht mit starker Hand,
Die Große prägt das ganze Land.
Ein Name, der in Büchern steht,
Ein Echo, das nie ganz vergeht.

Translation:
Whether Tsar or King, proud and bold,
She was often called "die Große", he was told.
Der Große rules with a strong hand,
Die Große shapes the entire land.
A name that lives in books of lore,
An echo that fades nevermore.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Mann, bekannt, berühmt,
Mein Name oft mit 'Weisheit' reimt.
Die Geschichte kennt mich gut,
Mein Beiname gibt mir Mut.
Mal herrschte ich mit Zepter fein,
Mal nannte man den Sohn so – ganz klein.

Wer bin ich (oft)?

Translation:
I am a man, known and famed,
My name often with 'wisdom' rhymed (in a stretch).
History knows me well,
My epithet gives me courage to tell.
Sometimes I ruled with a scepter fine,
Sometimes a son was called this – quite tiny in line.

Who am I (often)?
(Solution: der Große)

✨ Other Information

Word Formation: "Der/die Große" is a classic example of the nominalization of adjectives (Substantivierung von Adjektiven) in German. The adjective "groß" (great/big) becomes a noun referring to a person through the preceding article and capitalization.

Famous Examples (with English names):

• Karl der Große (Charlemagne)
• Alexander der Große (Alexander the Great)
• Peter der Große (Peter the Great)
• Katharina die Große (Catherine the Great)
• Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great)