die  Männersache

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɛnɐˌzaxə/

🧐 What Exactly is a "Männersache"?

The term die Männersache (feminine, plural: die Männersachen) refers to a matter, topic, activity, or problem that is considered (often stereotypically or traditionally) typically male or something that primarily concerns men or should be handled by men. Its use can be neutral, but also ironic, critical, or outdated.

It often implies a distinction from what is considered a "Frauensache" (women's business). Nowadays, the term is more frequently questioned or used tongue-in-cheek, as traditional gender roles are breaking down.

• Main meaning: An affair or domain attributed to men.

⚠️ Depending on the context, its use can be perceived as sexist or stereotypical.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar and Declension of Männersache

The word "Männersache" is a feminine noun. It uses the article "die". It's a compound noun formed from "Männer" (plural of Mann, man) and "Sache" (thing, matter, affair).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Grillen überlässt er gerne seinem Bruder, das sei Männersache.
   (He gladly leaves the grilling to his brother, saying it's a man's job.)
2. Früher galt die Autoreparatur als klassische Männersache.
   (Car repair used to be considered a classic men's affair.)
3. "Politik ist doch keine Männersache!", rief sie empört.
   ("Politics is not just a man's thing!", she exclaimed indignantly.)

💬 How to Use "Männersache"?

The term "Männersache" is often used in contexts discussing traditional gender roles, whether affirming, critical, or ironic.

• Traditional Views: Describes tasks or topics historically or stereotypically assigned to men (e.g., heavy physical labor, technology, certain sports).
• Ironic/Critical Use: Can be used to humorously or critically examine stereotypical role models. Example: "Ach, lass mich das machen, Weinen ist doch Männersache!" (ironically meant: "Oh, let me do that, crying is a man's thing, after all!").
• Demarcation: Sometimes used to draw a clear (often artificial) line between male and female domains.

Comparison with Similar Terms:

• Frauensache: The direct counterpart, referring to matters attributed to women.
• Chefsache: A matter that must be decided or handled by the highest authority (the boss). This relates to hierarchy, not gender.

🚨 Caution: Unreflected use can reinforce outdated role models and be perceived as sexist.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Aid: Think of "die Sache" (the thing/matter). A "Männersache" is just a specific kind of Sache, and "Sache" is feminine. Therefore: die Männersache.

Meaning Aid: Imagine a group of men huddled together, one whispering: "Shh, this is between us – purely Männersache!" (Even though it plays on a stereotype, it helps visualize the concept).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms:

• Männerfreundschaft: Refers to friendship between men, not a task or topic.
• Männerchor: A male choir.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum ist Biertrinken beim Fußball angeblich Männersache?

Weil Frauen wissen, dass man sich auch ohne Bier über ein Tor freuen kann! 😉

---

Why is drinking beer while watching football supposedly a man's thing?

Because women know you can celebrate a goal even without beer! 😉

📜 Poem about Männersache

Ein Werkzeugkasten, schwer und groß,
Ein Fußballspiel, famos,
Das Grillen, wenn die Kohle glüht,
Ein Reifenwechsel, unbemüht.

Man sagt dazu oft „Männersach’“,
Doch Zeiten ändern sich, gemach!
Was einer kann, lernt auch der Rest,
Ob Mann, ob Frau – das steht nun fest!

---

A toolbox, heavy and grand,
A football match, across the land,
The barbecue when coals ignite,
A tire change, with all one's might.

They often call it "man's domain,"
But times are changing, it's quite plain!
What one can do, the others learn,
Man or woman – it's everyone's turn!

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Wort, das gerne trennt,
was Mann und Frau verschieden nennt.
Mal Technik, Sport, mal lautes Wort,
ich schick die Frauen lieber fort?

Doch bin ich heute noch modern?
Man nutzt mich kritisch oder gern?
Mit Artikel "die" steh ich im Raum,
ein alter, überholter Traum?

Wer bin ich?
Lösung: die Männersache

---

I am a word that likes to divide,
What men and women do, side by side.
Sometimes tech, or sports, or words spoken loud,
Do I prefer women away from the crowd?

But am I still modern today?
Used critically, or just in play?
With article "die," I make my case,
An old, outdated dream, perhaps, I face?

What am I?
Solution: die Männersache

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Männersache" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Männer: Plural of "Mann" (man).
• Sache: Meaning matter, thing, affair. The connecting sound "-s-" links the two parts (Männer-s-sache).

Cultural Context:

The term reflects historical and societal ideas about gender roles. Its use and acceptance have changed significantly over time and are now often subjects of discussions about equality and stereotypes.