die  Klausur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈklaʊzuːɐ̯/

📚 What Exactly is a 'Klausur'?

The German word die Klausur (feminine) primarily has two meanings:

• Written Exam: This is the most common meaning, especially in the context of Schule (school), Universität (university), or Ausbildung (vocational training). A Klausur is a supervised written paper used for assessment. Example: Die Studenten bereiten sich auf die Abschlussklausur vor. (The students are preparing for the final exam.)
• Closed Meeting/Retreat: In this sense, a Klausur refers to a non-public meeting or retreat of a group (e.g., a political party, a committee, a management team), often to discuss important topics intensively and without disturbance (this is often called a Klausurtagung). Example: Die Parteiführung zog sich zu einer Klausur zurück. (The party leadership retreated for a closed meeting.)

Less commonly, it can also mean seclusion or a remote place, similar to 'Klause' (hermitage), but this usage is rare in everyday language.

🚨 Important: The word is always feminine – die Klausur.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: 'Die Klausur' in Detail

The noun 'Klausur' is feminine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Die Mathematik-Klausur war sehr schwierig.
   (The math exam was very difficult.)
2. Er hat die Klausur bestanden.
   (He passed the exam.)
3. Wir müssen uns auf mehrere Klausuren vorbereiten.
   (We have to prepare for several exams.)
4. Die Ergebnisse der Klausur werden nächste Woche bekannt gegeben.
   (The results of the exam will be announced next week.)
5. Die Fraktion trifft sich zur Klausur im Kloster.
   (The parliamentary group is meeting for a closed session/retreat at the monastery.)

💡 How to Use 'Klausur'?

The use of die Klausur strongly depends on the context:

• In Education: Here, it's the standard word for a longer, written exam under supervision. It's often used synonymously with 'Prüfung' (exam/test) or 'Examen' (major exam), but 'Klausur' specifically implies written and supervised. A 'Test' is usually shorter and/or less formal.
• In Politics/Business: Here, it refers to a 'Klausurtagung' – an intensive working session behind closed doors.

Distinction from other words:

• Prüfung: General term for assessments (can be oral, written, practical). Every Klausur is a Prüfung, but not every Prüfung is a Klausur.
• Test: Often shorter, less comprehensive than a Klausur.
• Examen: Often a major final examination (e.g., Staatsexamen - state examination).

Typical collocations are: eine Klausur schreiben (to write an exam), eine Klausur bestehen/nicht bestehen (to pass/fail an exam), sich auf eine Klausur vorbereiten (to prepare for an exam), in Klausur gehen (to go into a closed session/retreat).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Klausur'

Here are some memory aids for the article and meaning of 'die Klausur':

For the article 'die': Think of the stress ending in 'ie' before thie exam. Also, nouns ending in '-ur' in German are often feminine (die Natur, die Kultur, die Zensur, die Klausur).

For the meaning 'exam': Imagine you are enclosed (Latin 'clausura') in a room for the exam, needing clarity and structure – KLAUS-UR.

For the meaning 'closed meeting': The politicians need CLArity and qUiet (Ruhe) for their secret meeting – CLA-US-UR.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but Different Words

• Die Klausel: A clause or condition in a contract or text.
• Die Klause: A small, simple hut or hermitage.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nie an Klausuren teil?

(Why do skeletons never take part in exams?)

Weil sie keinen Körper haben, um zu schummeln!

(Because they have no body to cheat with! - A pun on 'nobody') 😉

✍️ Poem about the Klausur

Das leere Blatt, die Zeit verrinnt,
(The empty page, time ticks away,)
Die Feder kratzt, der Kopf beginnt
(The pen scratches, the mind begins)
Zu suchen, was gelernt er hat,
(To search for what it has learned,)
Für dieses Prüfungs-Diktat.
(For this examination's dictate.)

Die Stirn in Falten, tief der Blick,
(The brow furrowed, the gaze deep,)
Zurück gibt's jetzt kein Stück,
(There's no turning back now,)
Die Klausur fordert Tribut,
(The Klausur demands its toll,)
Doch danach ist alles gut!
(But afterwards, all is well!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin oft gefürchtet, von Studenten gehasst,
(I am often feared, hated by students,)
Bringe Wissen zu Papier, ohne Rast.
(Bring knowledge to paper, without rest.)
Manchmal treff' ich Politiker im stillen Raum,
(Sometimes I meet politicians in a quiet room,)
Ihre Pläne zu schmieden, ein geheimer Traum.
(To forge their plans, a secret dream.)

Ich bin immer weiblich, das ist klar.
(I am always feminine, that is clear.)
Wer bin ich? Sag's schnell, wunderbar!
(Who am I? Say it quickly, wonderful!)

Solution: die Klausur

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin: The word 'Klausur' comes from the Late Latin clausura, meaning 'closure', 'lock', or 'enclosed space'. This reflects both the idea of an exam in a closed room and that of a closed meeting.

Related Terms:

• Die Klausurtagung: A multi-day Klausur (closed meeting/retreat).
• Das Konklave: The strictly secluded assembly of cardinals for the papal election (a very specific form of Klausur).