die
Kompanie
📖 What does "die Kompanie" mean?
The German word die Kompanie primarily has two meanings:
- Military Unit: A Kompanie is a military subunit, typically consisting of several platoons (Züge) and forming part of a battalion (Bataillon). It often comprises between 80 and 250 soldiers. 💂♂️
- Group/Company (less common): In an economic or artistic context, Kompanie can also refer to a group of people pursuing a common goal, e.g., a trading company (Handelskompanie - historical) or a theatre company (Theaterkompanie). 🎭
🚨 The most frequent use is in the military sense.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ie → almost always feminine.
-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 Kompanie
The noun "Kompanie" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kompanie |
| Genitive | der | Kompanie |
| Dative | der | Kompanie |
| Accusative | die | Kompanie |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kompanien |
| Genitive | der | Kompanien |
| Dative | den | Kompanien |
| Accusative | die | Kompanien |
Example Sentences
- Die dritte Kompanie rückte als erste vor. (The third company advanced first. - Military)
- Der Hauptmann ist für seine Kompanie verantwortlich. (The captain is responsible for his company. - Military)
- Die Theater-Kompanie probt für ihr neues Stück. (The theatre company is rehearsing for its new play. - Group)
- Früher gab es mächtige Handelskompanien. (There used to be powerful trading companies. - Group, historical)
🗣️ How to use "Kompanie"
The use of die Kompanie strongly depends on the context:
- Military: This is the most common context. Here, it denotes a clearly defined unit size. You talk about infantry companies (Infanteriekompanien), tank companies (Panzerkompanien), etc. Example: "Die Kompanie wurde an die Front verlegt." (The company was moved to the front.)
- Business/Theatre: It's less common here than in the military. In a business context, it's often historical (e.g., Ostindien-Kompanie - East India Company) or replaced by more modern terms like Firma, Unternehmen, or Gesellschaft. A theatre or dance company (Theater-/Tanzkompanie) is a permanent group of artists. Example: "Die Tanzkompanie tourt durch Europa." (The dance company is touring Europe.)
⚠️ Don't confuse "Kompanie" in the business sense with the much more common "Unternehmen" or "Firma". "Kompanie" often sounds a bit dated or specific (like for artist groups) in this context.
🧠 Mnemonics for "Kompanie"
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in "-ie" are feminine (like Industrie, Magie, Energie). Think: Die friendly company/companie. The '-ie' ending helps remember 'die'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a military company marching. Or think of the English word "company" meaning a group of people – die Kompanie is a specific type of company/group.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning)
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- Einzelperson (individual), Individuum (individual)
- (In military context): Bataillon (battalion - larger), Zug (platoon - smaller)
Similar but Misleading Words
- Kompagnon: business partner (masculine: der Kompagnon)
- Kompaniechef: company commander (military) (masculine: der Kompaniechef)
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der General den neuen Rekruten: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Kompanie und einer Tasse Kaffee?"
Rekrut: "Keine Ahnung, Herr General!"
General: "Ich auch nicht. Holen Sie mir einen Kaffee!" 😉
Translation:
The general asks the new recruit: "What's the difference between a company and a cup of coffee?"
Recruit: "No idea, Sir!"
General: "Me neither. Get me a coffee!" 😉
📜 A Short Poem
Die Kompanie, im Gleichschritt fest,
Hält zusammen, besteht den Test.
Ob im Gefecht, ob auf der Bühn' klar,
Ein starkes Team, Jahr für Jahr.
Translation:
The company, in steady march,
Sticks together, passes the test's arch.
Whether in battle, or on stage bright,
A strong team, year by year's light.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Teil vom Bataillon,
besteh' aus Zügen, hörst du schon?
Mal im Theater, mal im Feld,
als Gruppe bin ich aufgestellt.
Wer bin ich?
Lösung: die Kompanie
Translation:
I am part of the battalion,
Made of platoons, can you hear the call soon?
Sometimes in theatre, sometimes in the field,
As a group, my structure is revealed.
What am I?
Solution: die Kompanie (the company)
💡 More Trivia
The word "Kompanie" comes from the French word compagnie, which originally meant “society”, “companionship” or “group of people eating bread together” (from Latin cum = with and panis = bread). This origin also explains the dual meaning of military unit and a more general group/society.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kompanie?
The German word Kompanie is feminine. The correct article is always die (die Kompanie, die Kompanien). It usually refers to a military unit or, less commonly, a group (e.g., a theatre company).