die
Heimniederlage
⚽ What does 'die Heimniederlage' mean?
'Die Heimniederlage' is a feminine noun referring to a defeat suffered by a team or individual athlete during a competition held at their own venue (home ground). It's a compound word formed from:
- Heim: Home, own venue
- Niederlage: Defeat, loss in a fight or competition
A Heimniederlage is often considered particularly painful because the loss occurs in front of the home crowd.
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 Heimniederlage
'Die Heimniederlage' is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Heimniederlage |
| Genitive | der | Heimniederlage |
| Dative | der | Heimniederlage |
| Accusative | die | Heimniederlage |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Heimniederlagen |
| Genitive | der | Heimniederlagen |
| Dative | den | Heimniederlagen |
| Accusative | die | Heimniederlagen |
💡 Example Sentences
- Die Mannschaft musste eine bittere Heimniederlage hinnehmen.
(The team had to accept a bitter home defeat.) - Nach der unerwarteten Heimniederlage war die Enttäuschung groß.
(After the unexpected home defeat, the disappointment was huge.) - Die Zeitung berichtete ausführlich über die Heimniederlage des lokalen Vereins.
(The newspaper reported in detail on the local club's home defeat.) - Mehrere Heimniederlagen in Folge führten zur Trainerentlassung.
(Several home defeats in a row led to the coach being fired.)
🤔 When to use 'Heimniederlage'?
The term 'Heimniederlage' is used almost exclusively in the context of sports, especially team sports like football (soccer), handball, or basketball. It describes the outcome of a match from the perspective of the home team when they have lost.
- Typical Context: Sports reporting (newspapers, TV, radio, online media), discussions among fans, game analyses.
- Contrast: The opposite is a Heimsieg (home victory). A defeat at an opponent's venue is called an Auswärtsniederlage (away defeat).
- Emotional Component: Often associated with disappointment, frustration, or surprise, as a home advantage is usually expected.
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic: Most German nouns ending in '-e' that describe a defeat or failure are feminine. Think of 'die Niederlage' (the defeat), 'die Pleite' (the bankruptcy/flop). Likewise: die Heimniederlage.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you're feeling *low* (like in *Nieder*lage) because your team lost at *home* (*Heim*). That’s a *Heimniederlage* – a defeat at home making you feel low.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Heimniederlage
Synonyms (similar meaning):
Antonyms (opposites):
- Heimsieg: Home victory.
- Auswärtssieg: Away victory.
- Unentschieden zu Hause: A draw/tie at home (not a win, but not a defeat either).
⚠️ Caution - Similar Words:
- Niederlage: General term for any defeat, not specifically at home.
- Auswärtsniederlage: Defeat suffered away from home.
😄 A little Joke
Fragt der Trainer nach der fünften Heimniederlage in Folge den Torwart: "Sag mal, kannst du nicht wenigstens EINEN Ball halten?" Antwortet der Torwart: "Klar Chef, welchen soll ich Ihnen bringen?"
(After the fifth home defeat in a row, the coach asks the goalkeeper: "Tell me, can't you save at least ONE ball?" The goalkeeper replies: "Sure boss, which one should I bring you?")
📜 Poem about a Heimniederlage
Das Stadion voll, die Fahnen weh'n,
Man wollte heut' die Mannschaft siegen seh'n.
Doch der Gast war stark, das Tor fiel oft,
Auf Jubel hatten alle Fans gehofft.
Am Ende stand, trotz Kampf und Schweiß,
Die Heimniederlage – ein bitterer Preis.
(The stadium full, the flags are waving,
They wanted to see the team win today.
But the guest was strong, the goal came often,
All the fans had hoped for cheers.
In the end, despite fight and sweat,
The home defeat – a bitter price.)
❓ Riddle
Ich bin das Gegenteil von Jubel im eigenen Haus,
Ich mache Fans und Spieler traurig, bring' Enttäuschung ins Haus.
Im Sportbericht liest man von mir oft mit Bedauern,
Wenn die Punkte beim Gegner auf der Anzeigetafel kauern.
Was bin ich?
(... Die Heimniederlage)
(I am the opposite of cheering in one's own house,
I make fans and players sad, bring disappointment to the house.
In sports reports, you often read about me with regret,
When the points are crouching with the opponent on the scoreboard.
What am I?
(... The home defeat / die Heimniederlage))
🧩 Further Information
Word Composition:
'Heimniederlage' is a compound noun (Kompositum) made up of:
- das Heim: Noun, meaning home, homeland, or in a sporting context, the home venue.
- die Niederlage: Noun, meaning defeat or loss in a battle, game, or competition.
Cultural Significance: In German sports, particularly football (soccer), a Heimniederlage is often viewed very negatively, as it implies the team couldn't capitalize on the 'home advantage' (Heimvorteil), such as fan support and familiar surroundings.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Heimniederlage?
The correct article for Heimniederlage is die. It is a feminine noun (die Heimniederlage, die Heimniederlagen) that refers to a defeat suffered in sports when playing at the home venue.