die
Lotterie
🎲 What Exactly is a Lotterie?
Die Lotterie (feminine noun) refers to a game of chance where tickets (Lose) with numbers or symbols are purchased for a fee (Einsatz). Through a random draw (zufällige Ziehung), prizes (usually money or goods - Geld oder Sachpreise) are distributed to specific ticket numbers.
Figuratively, "Lotterie" can also stand for a very uncertain matter, where the outcome depends entirely on chance (Zufall).
- Meaning 1: Game of chance with tickets and a drawing.
- Meaning 2 (figurative): An uncertain situation, pure gamble.
🚨 The word only uses the feminine article "die".
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 Spotlight: Die Lotterie
The word "Lotterie" is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Lotterie |
| Genitive | der | Lotterie |
| Dative | der | Lotterie |
| Accusative | die | Lotterie |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Lotterien |
| Genitive | der | Lotterien |
| Dative | den | Lotterien |
| Accusative | die | Lotterien |
Example Sentences ✍️
- Er hat schon wieder in der Lotterie gewonnen. (He won the lottery again.)
- Der Hauptgewinn der Lotterie betrug eine Million Euro. (The main prize of the lottery was one million euros.)
- Viele Menschen nehmen an staatlichen Lotterien teil. (Many people participate in state lotteries.)
- Die Jobsuche war für sie wie eine Lotterie. (The job search was like a lottery for her.)
💡 When to Use "Lotterie"?
The term "Lotterie" is primarily used in the context of state-organized or licensed games of chance where you buy tickets (Lose) to win money or prizes (e.g., Lotto 6aus49, Eurojackpot).
- Typical Verbs: in der Lotterie spielen/gewinnen (to play/win the lottery), an einer Lotterie teilnehmen (to participate in a lottery), eine Lotterie veranstalten (to organize a lottery).
- Context: Often associated with hopes of wealth, luck (Glück), chance (Zufall).
- Difference from "Tombola": A Tombola is usually smaller, often held at festivals or charity events, and more commonly involves non-cash prizes (Sachpreise). A Lotterie is often larger and state-regulated.
- Figurative Meaning: Used to describe uncertainty and pure chance in events (e.g., "Die Platzvergabe war eine reine Lotterie." - The seat allocation was a complete lottery.).
🧠 Mnemonics for Lotterie
Article Mnemonic: Think of "the prize money" or "the drawing" - you hope to win prizes in the lottery. Many German nouns ending in -ie are feminine, like die Lotterie.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you buy a lot of tickets hoping for money - Lot + money sounds a bit like Lotterie. It’s about lots (tickets) and winning money by chance.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Glücksspiel: General term for game of chance.
- Verlosung: Similar, often for smaller, specific drawings (e.g., among participants).
- Tombola: Usually a smaller raffle of non-cash prizes at events.
- Zahlenlotto/Lotto: Specific type of lottery involving number draws.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Sicherheit/Gewissheit: Security/Certainty - the opposite of chance and uncertainty.
- Planung/Strategie: Planning/Strategy - based on thought, not luck.
- Arbeit/Leistung: Work/Achievement - earned income versus chance winnings.
⚠️ Caution: Not every Glücksspiel is a Lotterie (e.g., roulette, poker).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lottogewinner den Berater: "Was soll ich nur mit den ganzen Millionen machen?"
Antwortet der Berater: "Keine Sorge, der Rest geht für Steuern drauf!"
Translation:
The lottery winner asks the consultant: "What should I do with all these millions?"
The consultant replies: "Don't worry, the rest will go towards taxes!" 😄
📜 Poem about the Lotterie
Ein kleiner Schein, ein großer Traum,
man hofft und bangt im Warteraum.
Die Kugeln rollen, Zahl um Zahl,
die Lotterie, welch eine Qual?
Doch plötzlich Jubel, Glück und Schrei,
die richtigen Zahlen sind dabei!
Ein Leben neu, wie wunderbar,
dank Losglück, das ist sonnenklar.
Translation:
A little ticket, a big dream,
One hopes and worries in the waiting room's gleam.
The balls are rolling, number by number,
The lottery, what a lumber?
But suddenly cheers, joy, and cries,
The winning numbers materialize!
A life made new, how wonderful,
Thanks to lottery luck, it's clear and full.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich koste Geld, doch biete Chance,
auf Reichtum, Glück in Überfluss, ganz ohne Balance.
Mit Zahlen, Losen locke ich,
der Zufall nur entscheidet dich.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I cost money, but offer a chance,
For wealth and luck in abundance, without any balance.
With numbers and tickets, I entice,
Only chance decides your prize.
What am I?
Solution: die Lotterie (the lottery)
✨ Other Interesting Facts
Word Origin: The word "Lotterie" likely comes from the Italian word "lotto" meaning "share" or "lot". It entered German via Dutch (loterij) or French (loterie).
Cultural Notes: Lotteries have a long history and were often a way for states or organizations to generate revenue without imposing direct taxes. Today, they are widespread globally and often strictly regulated.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Lotterie?
The word "Lotterie" is always feminine. The correct article is die Lotterie. The plural is die Lotterien.