die
Kür
🤸♀️ What does 'die Kür' mean?
The word die Kür (feminine) primarily refers to a freestyle program or performance in certain sports, especially in figure skating, artistic roller skating, or gymnastics. It contrasts with the Pflicht (compulsory program), where prescribed elements must be shown.
Die Kür allows athletes to present their creativity, musicality, and technical skills in a self-chosen choreography. It's often the decisive part of a competition.
Less commonly, 'Kür' can also be used figuratively to mean a free choice or an additional, non-obligatory task, often in the phrase 'Das ist die Kür, nicht die Pflicht' ('That's the optional part, not the mandatory one').
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ur/-ür → mostly feminine.
Caution: -eur nouns are usually masculine (e.g. der Ingenieur).
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: die Kür
The noun 'Kür' is feminine. The correct article is die.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Kür |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Kür |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Kür |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Kür |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Küren |
| Genitive | der | Küren |
| Dative | den | Küren |
| Accusative | die | Küren |
Example Sentences
- Die Eiskunstläuferin präsentierte eine atemberaubende Kür.
(The figure skater presented a breathtaking freestyle routine.) - Nach der Pflicht kommt die Kür.
(After the compulsory program comes the freestyle program.) - Die Turnerinnen zeigten technisch anspruchsvolle Küren am Boden.
(The gymnasts showed technically demanding freestyle routines on the floor.) - Das war die Kür, die eigentliche Arbeit ist getan.
(That was the optional part/bonus, the actual work is done.)
⛸️ How to use 'die Kür'?
The term die Kür is almost exclusively used in the context of sports like figure skating, artistic roller skating, rhythmic gymnastics, or artistic gymnastics.
The set phrase 'Pflicht und Kür' ('compulsory and optional/freestyle') often describes a sequence where standardized tasks (Pflicht) must first be completed before a free, creative part (Kür) follows. This phrase is also used metaphorically outside of sports to distinguish necessary basics from voluntary extras.
Example: 'Erst die Hausaufgaben, das ist die Pflicht, dann darfst du spielen, das ist die Kür.' ('First the homework, that's the compulsory part, then you can play, that's the optional part.')
There's little risk of confusion as the word is used very specifically. It derives from the verb 'küren' (to choose, to elect).
💡 Mnemonics for 'die Kür'
For the article 'die': Think of 'die' figure skater (die Eiskunstläuferin is feminine) performing 'die' Kür. Imagine she makes the choice (Kür relates to choosing) for her routine.
For the meaning: 'Kür' sounds a bit like the English 'cure' or maybe 'core'. Think of the freestyle routine as the *core* performance where the athlete *chooses* their best elements, trying to find the *cure* for low scores with a dazzling display.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Pflicht: (Compulsory part/duty) - The section with required elements.
- Pflichtprogramm: (Compulsory program) - The opposite of the free program.
⚠️ Similar Words: The verb küren means 'to choose', 'to elect' or 'to select' (e.g., einen Sieger küren - to choose/crown a winner). It's the etymological root of 'Kür' but has a different grammatical function.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Mathematiker beim Eiskunstlauf Probleme mit der Kür?
Weil er immer nur nach der x-Achse sucht und die künstlerische Note vergisst! 😉
(Why does the mathematician have trouble with the freestyle program in figure skating? Because he's always looking for the x-axis and forgets the artistic score!)
📜 Poem about the Kür
Auf glattem Eis, ein heller Schein,
beginnt die Kür, so frei und fein.
Musik erklingt, das Herz schlägt schnell,
jede Drehung, blitzeshell.
Keine Pflicht, nur Eleganz,
im selbst gewählten, kühnen Tanz.
Sprünge wagen, Pirouette dreht,
die Kür, die das Publikum bewegt.
(On smooth ice, a bright shine,
begins the Kür, so free and fine.
Music sounds, the heart beats fast,
every turn, bright as lightning's cast.
No duty, only elegance,
in self-chosen, bold dance.
Daring jumps, pirouette spins,
the Kür, that moves the audience within.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin nicht Pflicht, doch oft der Glanz,
im Turnen und im Eistanz.
Der Sportler wählt mich frei und schön,
um Punkte und Applaus zu sehn.
Was bin ich?
(I'm not compulsory, but often the highlight,
in gymnastics and ice dance bright.
The athlete chooses me freely and beautifully,
to see points and applause dutifully.
What am I?)
Solution: Die Kür (The freestyle program)
🧩 Other Information
Etymology: The word 'Kür' derives from the Middle High German word 'kür(e)', meaning 'choice'. This in turn comes from the Old High German 'kuri'. It is related to the verb 'küren' (to choose, elect) and the English word 'choose'.
Cultural Significance: In sports like figure skating, die Kür holds great importance as it often decides victory or defeat and represents the most aesthetic part of the competition.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kür?
The German word Kür is feminine, so the correct article is die (die Kür, der Kür, der Kür, die Kür). It primarily means a freestyle or optional program in sports (e.g., figure skating).