die  Kerze

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɛʁʦə/

🕯️ What does "die Kerze" mean?

Die Kerze (noun, feminine) refers to a candle. It's typically a cylindrical or shaped body made of wax, stearin, paraffin, or similar material with a wick embedded in the center. When the wick is lit, the heat from the flame melts the fuel, which is drawn up the wick by capillary action and burned, producing light and heat.

Kerzen (candles) are traditionally used as a source of light, but also for decorative purposes, in religious ceremonies, to create a cozy atmosphere (e.g., for a romantic dinner), or on birthday cakes.

The word only takes the feminine article "die". There are no other articles or meanings associated with different articles to cause confusion. 🥳 So, it's always die Kerze.

Article rules for der, die, and das

✍️ Grammar Corner: Declining "die Kerze"

"Kerze" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Nominative: Die Kerze brennt hell. (The candle burns brightly.)
• Accusative: Ich zünde die Kerze an. (I light the candle.)
• Dative: Mit der Kerze können wir den Raum beleuchten. (With the candle, we can light up the room.)
• Genitive: Das Licht der Kerze ist romantisch. (The light of the candle is romantic.)
• Plural: Auf dem Adventskranz sind vier Kerzen. (There are four candles on the Advent wreath.)

💡 Lighting it Up: Using "die Kerze"

"Die Kerze" is used in various contexts:

• Lighting: Traditionally as a light source, especially during power outages or for soft illumination.
• Atmosphere: To create a cozy (gemütlich), romantic, or festive mood (e.g., during dinner, baths, meditation).
• Celebrations: On birthday cakes (Geburtstagskuchen), Advent wreaths (Adventskränze), or other festivities.
• Religion/Spirituality: Candles play a role in many religions and spiritual practices, e.g., as votive lights, prayer candles, or in ceremonies.
• Decoration: Purely as decorative items, often as scented candles (Duftkerzen) or artistically designed candles.

Figuratively, you might hear someone stands "kerzengerade" (straight as a candle/ramrod straight) for very upright posture.

🧠 Bright Ideas: Mnemonics for "Kerze"

Remembering the Article (die): Think of a candle's typical shape – tall and slender. Many feminine nouns in German describe things perceived as graceful or elegant. Imagine die elegant lady (feminine) lighting a candle. Die Kerze shines femininely.

Remembering the Meaning (candle): "Kerze" might sound a bit like "care-ts" of light, or perhaps associate it with the English word "ceresin" (a type of wax sometimes used in candles).

🔄 Similar and Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Don't confuse die Kerze with more specific terms like die Fackel (torch) or die Laterne (lantern).

😂 A Little Candle Humor

German: Warum gehen Kerzen nie zur Schule?
Weil sie immer durchbrennen!

English: Why do candles never go to school?
Because they always burn out! (In German, "durchbrennen" means both "to burn out/through" and "to flunk/drop out".) 😉

✍️ A Candle in Verse

German:
Die Kerze steht still und gerade,
ein Docht in der Mitte, ganz zart.
Ein Funke genügt, eine kleine Parade,
von Licht, das die Dunkelheit aufspart.

Sie schmilzt dahin, gibt ihr Leben,
für Wärme und hellen Schein.
Will Trost und Gemütlichkeit geben,
im Zimmer, so heimelig klein.

English Translation:
The candle stands still and straight,
a wick in the middle, so delicate.
A spark is enough, a small parade,
of light that saves the darkness from its fate.

It melts away, gives its life,
for warmth and bright gleam.
Wants to give comfort, end strife,
in the room, a cozy little dream.

❓ Care for a Riddle?

German:
Ich habe einen Docht, aber keine Uhr.
Ich gebe Licht, doch bin keine Glühbirne pur.
Ich werde kleiner, je länger ich scheine.
Was bin ich, sag's mir, das Feine?

English Translation:
I have a wick, but no clock to see.
I give light, yet no lightbulb, purely.
I get smaller the longer I shine.
What am I, tell me, oh so fine?

Solution: Die Kerze (The candle)

🧐 More Facts About "die Kerze"

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Kerze" is often part of compound nouns that specify the type or purpose of the candle:

• Duftkerze: Scented candle
• Geburtstagskerze: Birthday candle
• Adventskerze: Advent candle
• Wachskerze: Wax candle (often beeswax)
• Altarkerze: Altar candle

Etymology: The word Kerze comes from the Old High German word "kerza", which likely originates from the Latin "charta" (papyrus leaf, which was also used as a wick) or "cērāta" (waxed).