die
Ikone
🖼️ What exactly is an Ikone?
The German word die Ikone primarily has two meanings:
- Religious Image: Especially in Orthodox churches, an Ikone refers to a devotional or holy image, painted according to specific rules, holding deep spiritual significance. These images are often painted on wood.
- Role Model or Symbolic Figure: In a figurative sense, an Ikone is a person or thing considered an embodiment of certain values, ideas, or a specific style, widely admired or imitated. This can include pop stars, fashion designers, but also certain brands or even symbols on computer screens (Icons).
⚠️ Pay attention to the context to determine the correct meaning.
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 Under the Microscope: die Ikone
Die Ikone is a feminine noun. It is declined as follows:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ikone |
| Genitive | der | Ikone |
| Dative | der | Ikone |
| Accusative | die | Ikone |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ikonen |
| Genitive | der | Ikonen |
| Dative | den | Ikonen |
| Accusative | die | Ikonen |
📝 Example Sentences
- In der Kirche hing eine alte Ikone der Gottesmutter. (An old icon of the Mother of God was hanging in the church. - Religious meaning)
- Marilyn Monroe gilt als Ikone des 20. Jahrhunderts. (Marilyn Monroe is considered an icon of the 20th century. - Symbolic figure)
- Klicke auf die Ikone, um das Programm zu starten. (Click on the icon to start the program. - Computer symbol - often also called 'das Icon', but 'die Ikone' is also used)
💡 How to Use 'Ikone' Correctly
The use of die Ikone strongly depends on the context:
- In a religious context: When discussing Orthodox art or spirituality, 'Ikone' clearly refers to the painted holy image.
- In culture and media: Here, 'Ikone' often refers to a person (star, artist, fashion icon) or, less commonly, an object that has achieved cult status and defines an era or style. It carries a strongly positive, admiring connotation. Example: Sie ist eine Stil-Ikone. (She is a style icon.)
- In a technical context (computers): Here, 'Ikone' (or more frequently 'das Icon') means a small pictogram on the screen representing a file, program, or function.
Confusion is rare as the context is usually clear. A similar German word is 'das Vorbild' (role model), which emphasizes worthiness of imitation rather than cult status. 'Das Symbol' (symbol) is more general and can be more abstract.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Ikone'
Article Mnemonic: Think of a famous female figure like the Queen; she is almost an Ikone. The feminine 'e' sounds help remember 'die'.
Meaning Mnemonic: An Ikone is so iconic, its image ('I' for Image) is everywhere – whether holy on the wall (religious) or a star's picture ('Bild') in the newspaper (role model).
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- For religious image: Heiligenbild (saint's image), Kultbild (cult image)
- For role model/symbolic figure: Idol, Kultfigur (cult figure), Star, Legende (legend), Vorbild (role model), Leitbild (guiding figure), Symbol
- For computer symbol: Icon (often neuter: das Icon), Piktogramm, Sinnbild (symbol/emblem)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- For role model/symbolic figure: Unbekannte(r) (unknown person), Niemand (nobody), Durchschnittsmensch (average person), Normalbürger(in) (ordinary citizen)
- (There are no direct antonyms in the usual sense for religious images or computer symbols)
⚠️ Similar Sounding Words
- Ikonographie (Iconography): The study of images, their interpretation, and design, especially in art history. It refers to the study of Ikonen and other motifs, but is not the Ikone itself.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Computer-Neuling: "Warum sind hier so viele kleine Heiligenbilder auf dem Bildschirm?"
Sagt der Experte: "Das sind keine Heiligenbilder, das sind Ikonen!"
Neuling: "Ach so, betet man die auch an, damit das Programm schneller startet?"
Translation:
A computer novice asks: "Why are there so many little holy pictures on the screen?"
The expert says: "Those aren't holy pictures, those are icons (Ikonen)!"
Novice: "Oh, do you pray to them too, so the program starts faster?"
📜 Poem about the Ikone
Die Ikone, still und alt,
Auf Holz gemalt, Geschichten bald
Erzählt sie dem, der andachtsvoll
Vor ihr steht, dem Glauben zoll.
Doch auch die Neuzeit kennt sie gut,
Ein Star voll Glanz und Heldenmut.
Die Ikone unserer Zeit,
Bewundert weit und breit.
Translation:
The icon, silent and old,
Painted on wood, stories soon told
To those who stand devoutly near,
Paying tribute to faith held dear.
But modern times know it as well,
A star with glamour, courage to tell.
The icon of our present day,
Admired widely, come what may.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich kann heilig sein und voller Zier,
In Kirchen hängen, glaube mir.
Ich kann ein Star sein, hell und klar,
Bewundert von der ganzen Schar.
Auf dem Computer klickst du mich an,
Damit dein Tag beginnen kann.
Wer oder was bin ich?
Translation:
I can be holy and ornate,
Hanging in churches, believe my state.
I can be a star, bright and clear,
Admired by all, held so dear.
On the computer, you click on me,
So your day can start, you see.
Who or what am I?
Solution: die Ikone (the icon)
🌐 Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Ikone" comes from the Greek word εἰκών (eikṓn), which simply means "image" or "likeness".
Cultural Significance: Ikonen (in the religious sense) are not just artworks but central elements of Orthodox spirituality and liturgy. They are considered "windows to heaven".
Modern Icons: The term is used quite broadly today for many celebrities or even products, which sometimes dilutes the original depth of meaning.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ikone?
The German word "Ikone" is always feminine. The correct article is die Ikone (plural: die Ikonen).