die  Performance

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pɛɐ̯ˈfɔʁməns/

🎬 What exactly is a 'Performance'?

Die Performance (noun, feminine) is a word borrowed from English and has several meanings in German, often relating to some kind of presentation, achievement, or result.

• Presentation / Show: Often used in an artistic context, e.g., a theatre performance (Theateraufführung), a dance performance (Tanzdarbietung), or an artistic action (Performance-Kunst).
• Achievement / Result / Efficiency: Refers to the delivered achievement or result, especially in professional, technical, or sporting contexts. It describes how well something or someone functions or works (e.g., the Performance of a computer, an employee, an athlete).
• (Stock Market) Development: In finance, die Performance describes the value development of an investment (e.g., stock, fund) over a specific period.

🚨 Attention: Since it's an English loanword, it's often used in contexts where more specific German words could also be used (e.g., Leistung, Aufführung, Darbietung, Wertentwicklung). Using 'Performance' can sound modern or field-specific.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar Check: Die Performance

The word "Performance" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. Die Performance der Künstlerin war atemberaubend. (The artist's performance was breathtaking.)
2. Wir müssen die Performance unserer Website verbessern. (We need to improve the performance of our website.)
3. Die finanzielle Performance des Unternehmens übertraf die Erwartungen. (The company's financial performance exceeded expectations.)
4. Der Trainer analysierte die Performance jedes Spielers nach dem Match. (The coach analyzed each player's performance after the match.)

💡 How and When to Use 'Performance'?

"Die Performance" is a versatile word found in various contexts:

• Arts & Culture: Often stands for an artistic presentation or show. Example: "Die Tanzgruppe zeigte eine beeindruckende Performance." (The dance group showed an impressive performance.)
• Business & Work: Describes the achievement of employees, teams, products, or companies. Example: "Die jährliche Performance-Bewertung steht an." (The annual performance review is due.)
• Technology & IT: Refers to the capability or speed of devices, software, or systems. Example: "Die Performance des neuen Prozessors ist hervorragend." (The performance of the new processor is excellent.)
• Finance: Measures the success or value development of investments. Example: "Die Performance dieses Fonds war im letzten Quartal schwach." (The performance of this fund was weak last quarter.)
• Sports: Denotes the achievement of an athlete or a team. Example: "Nach einer schwachen ersten Halbzeit steigerte die Mannschaft ihre Performance." (After a weak first half, the team improved its performance.)

Comparison with similar words:

• Leistung: A more general term for the result of an effort or process. "Performance" can be more specific or sound more modern.
• Aufführung/Darbietung: Specifically refers to artistic presentations. "Performance" can mean this too, but also achievement in other fields.
• Vorstellung: Similar to Aufführung, often in theatre or cinema; also means 'idea'.

Choosing between "Performance" and a German synonym often depends on the context and desired style. In specialist circles (IT, finance, management), "Performance" is very common.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Performance'

Article Mnemonic: Think of an impressive (feminine ending in German adjectives!) diva giving a great performance. *SHE* gives the performance -> die Performance.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds almost identical to English! Just remember it can mean the stage 'performance', but also how well something 'performs' (like a computer or an investment).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Beware of confusion: Do not confuse with "die Präferenz" (preference) or "die Permanenz" (permanence).

😂 A Little Performance Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Wie war Ihre Performance in Ihrem letzten Job?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Meistens solo, manchmal im Duett mit dem Kaffeeautomaten."

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "How was your performance in your last job?"
The employee replies: "Mostly solo, sometimes a duet with the coffee machine."

📜 Performance in Verse

Die Bühne hell, das Publikum schaut,
die Performance, die sich jeder traut.
Mal Kunst, mal Sport, mal Aktientrend,
die Leistung, die man hier erkennt.
Ob Code, ob Tanz, ob Ziel erreicht,
'Performance' wird es oft genannt, ganz leicht.

Translation:
The stage bright, the audience watches,
the performance, which everyone dares.
Sometimes art, sometimes sport, sometimes stock trend,
the achievement that one recognises here.
Whether code, or dance, or goal achieved,
'Performance' it's often called, quite easily.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich kann Kunst sein auf der Bühne groß,
oder die Kraft von deines Rechners Schoß.
Im Sport zeig ich, was Athleten draufhaben,
An der Börse lass ich Kurse traben.
Mein Artikel ist feminin und fein,
was mag ich wohl sein?

Translation:
I can be art upon the stage so grand,
Or the power held in your computer's hand.
In sports, I show what athletes can achieve,
On the stock market, I make prices weave.
My article is feminine and fine,
What could I possibly be?

Lösung/Solution: die Performance

🌐 More on 'Performance'

• Origin: As mentioned, a direct loanword from English ("performance"). It became established in German mainly in the second half of the 20th century.
• Compound Words: The word is very productive in forming compound nouns (Wortzusammensetzungen):
  • Performance-Kunst: Performance art.
  • Performance-Marketing: Marketing focused on measurable results.
  • Performance-Steigerung: Performance increase/enhancement.
  • High-Performance: High performance (often in tech or sports).
  • Performance-Analyse: Performance analysis.