die  Rasse

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁasə/

📖 What does "die Rasse" mean?

The German word die Rasse primarily has two fields of meaning, one of which is considered highly problematic today:

1. Biology (Animals & Plants): Here, 'Rasse' refers to a subgroup within a species, distinguished by specific hereditary traits from other subgroups. This mainly applies to breeds of domestic animals (e.g., Hunderasse - dog breed, Pferderasse - horse breed) or cultivated plants. This usage is common and largely unproblematic. Example: Der Deutsche Schäferhund ist eine bekannte Hunderasse. (The German Shepherd is a well-known dog breed.)
2. ⚠️ Humans (Outdated & Problematic): Applying the term 'Rasse' to humans is scientifically outdated and rejected. It is based on the assumption that humanity can be divided into biologically distinct groups. This term is heavily burdened by history, especially due to its misuse during National Socialism to justify racism and genocide. Using it in reference to humans is now considered discriminatory and inappropriate. Instead, terms like Ethnien (ethnic groups) or Bevölkerungsgruppen (population groups) are used. 🚨 Avoid using 'Rasse' for humans!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Rasse" in Detail

'Die Rasse' is a feminine noun. The article is 'die'.

📝 Example Sentences

• Diese Rasse von Hunden ist sehr verspielt.
  (This breed of dogs is very playful.)
• Bei der Pflanzenausstellung wurden seltene Rassen gezeigt.
  (Rare breeds/varieties were shown at the plant exhibition.)
• Die Einteilung von Menschen in Rassen ist wissenschaftlich widerlegt und wird heute abgelehnt.
  (The classification of humans into races is scientifically refuted and rejected today.)

💡 How is "die Rasse" used?

The usage of die Rasse strongly depends on the context:

• Animal and Plant Breeding: Here, the term is established and neutral. People talk about Hunderassen (dog breeds), Katzenrassen (cat breeds), Pferderassen (horse breeds), Schafrassen (sheep breeds) or Pflanzenrassen/Sorten (plant breeds/varieties). Examples: 'Welche Rasse ist dein Hund?' ('What breed is your dog?'), 'Diese Tomatensorte ist eine alte Rasse.' ('This tomato variety is an old breed.')
• Referring to Humans: ⚠️ URGENTLY AVOID! The term has extremely negative historical connotations (especially due to Nazi race ideology) and is scientifically untenable. It conveys racist ideas.
• Alternatives for Humans: Instead of 'Rasse', use neutral and more precise terms like Ethnie (ethnic group), ethnische Gruppe (ethnic group), Volksgruppe (ethnic group/people group), Bevölkerungsgruppe (population group), Herkunft (origin), or simply Menschen (people/humans).
• Figurative Meanings (Rare): Sometimes used metaphorically for 'type' or 'kind', e.g., 'eine besondere Rasse von Mensch' (meaning a type of character), but this can also be sensitive and is rather uncommon.

🚨 In summary: The only safe and correct usage is in the context of animal and plant breeding. In the human context, the term is taboo.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Rasse"

Article Mnemonic: Think of how certain animal breeds might seem like they need a *diva* ('Die'-va) to represent them because they are so special. *Die Rasse*.

Meaning Mnemonic: Remember 'Rasse' for *animal races* (breeds) - that's okay. But *erase* the idea of using 'Rasse' for humans; it's linked to *racism* and is *crass*. Stick to the animal/plant meaning.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Potentially Confusing Words

• Klasse: Refers to a social class or a category in a classification (e.g., biological class).
• Gattung: A biological rank above species (genus).
• Spezies: Synonym for Art (species) in biology.

🤪 A (Careful) Joke

Note: Jokes about the term 'Rasse', especially in the human context, are generally inappropriate due to its serious historical significance and racist misuse. Here is a harmless joke related to the animal context:

Ein Mops fragt einen Windhund: "Warum rennst du immer so schnell?" Antwortet der Windhund: "Ist Rassebedingt! Und warum atmest du immer so schwer?" Sagt der Mops: "Auch Rassebedingt!"

Translation: A pug asks a greyhound: "Why do you always run so fast?" The greyhound replies: "It's breed-related! And why do you always breathe so heavily?" The pug says: "Also breed-related!"

✒️ Poem about Animal Breeds

Ob zottelig, glatt, ob groß, ob klein,
so viele Rassen luden ein,
die Welt der Tiere bunt zu sehen,
gezähmt, gezüchtet, wunderschön.
Der Hund, das Pferd, die Katz', das Schaf,
jede Rasse einzigartig, brav.
Doch hüte dich, den Mensch zu messen,
mit diesem Wort, das nie vergessen,
welch Leid es brachte, fehlgeleitet,
wo Vielfalt doch den Geist nur weitet.

Translation:
Whether shaggy, smooth, whether large or small,
so many breeds invited all,
to see the animal world so bright,
tamed, bred, a wonderful sight.
The dog, the horse, the cat, the sheep,
each breed unique, secrets to keep.
But beware of measuring humankind,
with this word, never left behind,
what suffering it brought, misguided,
where diversity should have guided.

❓ Riddle

Ich beschreibe den Hund, das Pferd, die Kuh,
gezüchtet mit Plan und viel Ruh.
Ich unterscheide den Pudel vom Dackel im Nu.
Doch wendest du mich auf Menschen an, oh weh,
ist das falsch und tut der Geschichte weh.

Was bin ich? (im akzeptablen Sinn)

Translation:
I describe the dog, the horse, the cow,
bred with a plan and much know-how.
I distinguish the poodle from the dachshund now.
But apply me to humans, oh dear,
that's wrong and brings history pain and fear.

What am I? (in the acceptable sense)

Solution: die Rasse (in the sense of animal breed)

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Word Origin: The word 'Rasse' comes from the Italian razza, whose further origin is uncertain. It was adopted into German in the 15th/16th century, initially often in the context of horse breeding.
• Historical Misuse: The term was pseudo-scientifically applied to humans in the 18th and 19th centuries and reached its tragic peak in the 20th century, especially under National Socialism, as the basis for racial theories and genocide.
• Current Debate: Even in the biological context, the term 'Rasse' is sometimes critically discussed, as it can imply that the differences between breeding lines are more fundamental than they often are. Alternatives like 'Sorte' (variety - for plants) or 'Zuchtlinie' (breeding line) are sometimes preferred.