die / der  Obdachlose

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɔptaxˌloːzə/

🤔 What does Obdachlose mean?

The word Obdachlose is a substantivized adjective (ein substantiviertes Adjektiv) and refers to a person without a permanent residence, someone who is homeless. It derives from "Obdach" (shelter, roof over one's head) and "-los" (without).

Depending on the person's gender, a different article is used:

• die Obdachlose: Refers to a female homeless person.
• der Obdachlose: Refers to a male homeless person. It can sometimes also be used generically for a person of unspecified gender, although this is increasingly considered imprecise.

🚨 Attention: The word is often used in the plural (die Obdachlosen) to refer to the group of homeless people.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Obdachlose in Detail

"Obdachlose" is a substantivized adjective. This means it is declined like an adjective following a definite article (der, die, das), indefinite article (ein, eine), or no article. Since it refers to people, there are only singular and plural forms for masculine (der) and feminine (die).

Example Sentences

1. Der Obdachlose suchte Schutz vor der Kälte.
   (The homeless man sought shelter from the cold.)
2. Die Stadt richtet neue Notunterkünfte für Obdachlose ein.
   (The city is setting up new emergency shelters for homeless people.)
3. Sie sprach mit einer Obdachlosen über ihre Situation.
   (She spoke with a homeless woman about her situation.)
4. Die Rechte der Obdachlosen müssen geschützt werden.
   (The rights of the homeless must be protected.)

📝 Usage in Daily Life

"Obdachlose" is the most common and relatively neutral term for people without a permanent residence (homeless people). It is used in news, official reports, and general conversation.

• Context: Social policy, news reports, everyday conversations about social issues.
• Alternative Terms: "Wohnungslose" (people without housing) is sometimes preferred as it emphasizes the lack of a home rather than just shelter ("Obdach"). Older or derogatory terms like "Penner" (bum, tramp) or "Stadtstreicher" (vagrant) should be avoided (see Synonyms/Antonyms).
• Sensitivity: Homelessness is a sensitive topic. The term "Obdachlose(r)" should be used respectfully and not contribute to stigmatization. It's important to remember these are people facing difficult circumstances.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the articles: Think of the person: Is it a woman without a roof? Then it's die Obdachlose. Is it a man without a roof? Then it's der Obdachlose. (Remember the standard gender articles: die for feminine, der for masculine).

For the meaning: Picture a house (giving Obdach - shelter). Now imagine it's roof-less ("-los"). The person is without shelter = Obdach-los.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Sometimes terms like Bedürftige(r) (needy person) or Arme(r) (poor person) might be mentioned in context, but they are not synonyms, as not all needy people are homeless, and vice versa.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Tourist einen Obdachlosen: "Entschuldigen Sie, wie komme ich am schnellsten zum Bahnhof?"
Antwortet der Obdachlose: "Keine Ahnung, ich bin froh, wenn ich hier weggkomme!"

Translation: A tourist asks a homeless person: "Excuse me, what's the quickest way to the train station?"
The homeless person replies: "No idea, I'm just happy if I can get away from here!"

(Note: Jokes about homelessness can easily be offensive. This one tries to view the situation with a wink, without being disrespectful.)

📜 Poem: Under the Open Sky

Kein Dach, kein Herd, kein warmes Bett,
Nur Pappkarton, oft nass und nett
Gemeint ist das nicht, das Leben rau,
Für Mann und Frau, mal grau, mal blau.
Der Obdachlose sucht sein Glück,
Die Obdachlose Stück für Stück.
Ein Lächeln, eine Münze klein,
Lässt Hoffnung keimen, zart und fein.

Translation:
No roof, no stove, no warm bed,
Just cardboard, often wet and dread (lit. 'nice', used ironically here perhaps).
Life is harsh, it's understood,
For man and woman, bad and good.
The homeless man seeks his share,
The homeless woman bit by bit, with care.
A smile, a small coin's gleam,
Lets hope sprout, a tender dream.

❓ Riddle

Ich trage mein Hab und Gut oft mit mir,
Ein festes Dach, das fehlt mir hier.
Mal ist's ein Mann, mal eine Frau,
Wer bin ich? Sag es mir genau!

Translation:
I often carry my belongings with me,
A solid roof is missing, you see.
Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman I might be,
Who am I? Tell me precisely!

Solution: Der/Die Obdachlose (The homeless person)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

• Obdach: Means shelter, accommodation (often temporary). Comes from Old High German "obadah" (protective roof).
• -los: Suffix indicating a lack or absence of something (like in "arbeitslos" - unemployed, "hoffnungslos" - hopeless).
• -e: Ending of the substantivized adjective.

Social Aspect: Homelessness (Obdachlosigkeit) is a complex social issue with diverse causes such as poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, or addiction problems. The terms "der Obdachlose" and "die Obdachlose" refer to the affected individuals.