die  Kegelbahn

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkeːɡl̩ˌbaːn/

🎳 What Exactly is a Kegelbahn?

A Kegelbahn (die Kegelbahn, plural: die Kegelbahnen) is a specific lane or facility designed for the game of Kegeln (nine-pin bowling). In Kegeln, the aim is to knock down as many of the nine pins (Kegel) placed at the end of the lane as possible using a ball (Kugel).

Kegelbahnen are often found in pubs (Gaststätten), clubhouses (Vereinsheime), sports centers, or sometimes even in private homes. It's typically narrower than a ten-pin bowling alley, and the game differs in rules and equipment from American ten-pin bowling.

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with a Bowlingbahn (ten-pin bowling alley)! Kegeln (9 pins) and Bowling (10 pins) are different sports with different lanes.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Kegelbahn

The word "Kegelbahn" is a feminine noun. The article is "die". It follows regular declension patterns.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

1. Die alte Kegelbahn im Gasthof wurde renoviert. (The old nine-pin bowling alley in the inn was renovated.)
2. Wir treffen uns jeden Freitag auf der Kegelbahn. (We meet every Friday at the nine-pin bowling alley.)
3. Der Verein verfügt über zwei moderne Kegelbahnen. (The club has two modern nine-pin bowling alleys.)
4. Kannst du die Kugel auf der Kegelbahn gerade halten? (Can you keep the ball straight on the nine-pin bowling alley?)

🎯 How to Use Kegelbahn?

The term Kegelbahn is used specifically for the facility where the game of Kegeln (with nine pins) is played.

• Typical Contexts: Leisure activities (Freizeitaktivitäten), sports clubs (Sportvereine), gastronomy (often in the basement of pubs - Gaststätten), social gatherings (gesellige Runden).
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish Kegelbahn (for 9 pins) from Bowlingbahn (for 10 pins). Although both are lanes for ball games, they refer to different sports and facilities.
• Compound Words: Often part of compounds like Bundeskegelbahn (official competition lane), Heimkegelbahn (private lane), Kegelbahnbetreiber (alley operator).

People often say: "Wir gehen auf die Kegelbahn" (We're going to the nine-pin bowling alley) or "Wir mieten eine Kegelbahn" (We're renting a nine-pin bowling alley).

🧠 Mnemonics for Kegelbahn

Article Mnemonic: Think of other words ending in -bahn like die Autobahn (highway) or die Eisenbahn (railway). Most are feminine. So, it's die Kegelbahn.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine Kegel (pins) rolling down the Bahn (lane). The word literally describes its function: a lane for pins. Easy!

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

Related but Different Terms

• Bowlingbahn: Very similar, but designed for the game of ten-pin bowling. High risk of confusion!
• Kegelclub: A group of people who regularly go nine-pin bowling.
• Kegel: The nine wooden or plastic pins to be knocked down.
• Kugel: The ball rolled down the Kegelbahn.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nie an Kegelturnieren teil?

Weil sie nicht den nötigen Mumm (und keine Muskeln) haben, um die Kugel zu werfen! 😄

Translation: Why do skeletons never take part in nine-pin bowling tournaments? Because they don't have the guts (or muscles) to throw the ball!

📜 Poetic Corner: Die Kegelbahn

Auf glatter Bahn, so lang und schmal,
Rollt laut die Kugel, Fall um Fall.
Neun Kegel warten, aufgestellt,
Auf die Kegelbahn, die uns gefällt.
Ein Treffer gut, ein lauter Knall,
"Alle Neune!" schallt's durch den Hall'.
Geselligkeit und froher Sinn,
Ein Wurf, ein Jubel, der Gewinn!

Translation:
On a smooth lane, so long and narrow,
Loudly rolls the ball, fall after fallow.
Nine pins await, set up in place,
On the nine-pin alley, we embrace.
A good hit, a loud bang rings,
"All nine!" echoes, joy it brings.
Sociability and happy mind,
A throw, a cheer, the winning kind!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin lang und glatt, doch keine Straße.
Man rollt was Rundes, mit viel Maße.
Neun stehen hinten, warten auf den Stoß,
Was bin ich, sag mir's, eins, zwei, drei, und los!

Translation:
I am long and smooth, but not a street.
Something round is rolled, with quite some feat.
Nine stand at the back, awaiting the blow,
What am I, tell me, one, two, three, let's go!

Solution: Die Kegelbahn (The nine-pin bowling alley)

✨ Interesting Tidbits

Word Composition

The word "Kegelbahn" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Kegel (der): Refers to the pins (usually nine).
• Bahn (die): Refers to the lane or track for the ball.

Cultural Significance

Kegeln and the associated Kegelbahn have a long tradition in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They are often linked with social gatherings in pubs (Gaststätten) or clubs (Vereine). It's a popular leisure sport (Freizeitsport) for many age groups.