die
Krawatte
👔 What does Krawatte mean?
The Krawatte (feminine, article: die) is an oblong piece of fabric, usually tied around the neck by men wearing shirts. It's a classic piece of clothing often worn for formal occasions, in business life, or as part of a uniform.
There is only this one article, die, for Krawatte. There's no risk of confusion with other articles.
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 in Detail: die Krawatte
The word "Krawatte" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Krawatte |
| Genitive | der | Krawatte |
| Dative | der | Krawatte |
| Accusative | die | Krawatte |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Krawatten |
| Genitive | der | Krawatten |
| Dative | den | Krawatten |
| Accusative | die | Krawatten |
Example Sentences for Krawatte
- Er bindet sich jeden Morgen die Krawatte für die Arbeit. (He ties his tie for work every morning.)
- Die Auswahl der Krawatten in diesem Geschäft ist beeindruckend. (The selection of ties in this shop is impressive.)
- Kannst du mir bitte mit der Krawatte helfen? (Can you please help me with the tie?)
- Er hat sich eine neue Seidenkrawatte gekauft. (He bought himself a new silk tie.)
💼 When to use Krawatte?
The Krawatte is primarily used in the following contexts:
- Formal occasions: Weddings, funerals, galas, official receptions.
- Professional life: In many industries (e.g., banking, insurance, law firms), the Krawatte is part of the expected business attire.
- Uniforms: For certain professions (e.g., pilots, police officers in dress uniform) or school uniforms, a Krawatte might be required.
- Fashion accessory: Even in casual settings, a Krawatte can be worn as a fashion statement, often in less conventional combinations.
Colloquially, the word Schlips is often used synonymously, but it sounds a bit more informal. A Fliege (bow tie, also Querbinder) is an alternative to the Krawatte, but much less common in everyday life.
🧠 Mnemonics for Krawatte
Article Mnemonic: Think of the elegant die (like 'the' lady) wearing a fancy Krawatte. Words ending in -e are often feminine (die), and Krawatte fits this pattern.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone trying to tie a Krawatte and getting frustrated, almost wanting to 'cry-what-a' mess! It helps link the sound to the object (a tie).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Schlips: More colloquial, but widely used (like 'tie').
- Binder: Somewhat old-fashioned or very informal.
- Langbinder: Used to distinguish from a bow tie (Querbinder), rather rare.
Antonyms (opposite in clothing context):
⚠️ Similar but different words:
No common direct confusions in German, but the pronunciation might be unusual for learners at first.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, warum tragen Sie denn eine Krawatte mit Enten drauf?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Die habe ich geschenkt bekommen. Meine Frau meinte, die passt zu meinem Geschnatter."
(Boss asks his new employee: "Tell me, why are you wearing a tie with ducks on it?"
Employee replies: "I got it as a gift. My wife said it matches my quacking/chatter.")
✍️ Poem about the Krawatte
Ein Streifen Stoff, mal bunt, mal schlicht,
\Die Krawatte gibt dem Hemd Gewicht.
\Im Büroalltag, festlich fein,
\Sie muss korrekt gebunden sein.
\Mal Seide glatt, mal Wolle rau,
\Ein Accessoire für Mann und Frau?
\Nein, meist der Herr sie wählt mit Bedacht,
\Ein Knoten fest, der Eindruck macht.
(A strip of fabric, sometimes colorful, sometimes plain,
The tie gives the shirt weight.
In the office routine, festively fine,
It must be tied correctly.
Sometimes smooth silk, sometimes rough wool,
An accessory for man and woman?
No, mostly the gentleman chooses it with care,
A firm knot that makes an impression.)
❓ Riddle
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch werde ich gebunden.
\Ich hänge um den Hals, für viele Arbeitsstunden.
\Mal bin ich schmal, mal breit, aus Seide oder mehr,
\Zum Anzug pass' ich gut, wer bin ich, bitte sehr?
(I have no mouth, yet I am tied.
I hang around the neck, for many working hours.
Sometimes I am narrow, sometimes wide, made of silk or more,
I go well with a suit, who am I, please tell?)
Solution: die Krawatte (the necktie)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Etymology: The German word "Krawatte" comes from the French word "cravate". This, in turn, originates from the term for Croatian cavalrymen in the French army of the 17th century (French "Croate" -> German "Kroate" -> English "Croat"). These soldiers wore characteristic neckerchiefs that became a fashion trend.
Tie Knots: There are many different ways to tie a Krawatte, e.g., the simple knot (Four-in-Hand), the half Windsor, the double Windsor, and many more.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Krawatte?
The word "Krawatte" is always feminine. The correct article is exclusively die Krawatte.