die
Rede
🗣️ What does 'die Rede' mean?
Die Rede (noun, feminine) primarily means two things in German:
- A verbal address to an audience: This is the most common meaning, referring to a speech, address, or formal presentation of thoughts on a specific topic to a group of listeners. Examples include a politische Rede (political speech), a Festrede (ceremonial speech), or a Verteidigungsrede (defense speech in court).
- Speech or language itself (often in phrases): This meaning is more abstract and often found in fixed expressions like "zur Rede stellen" (to call someone to account) or "davon kann keine Rede sein" (that's out of the question). Here, 'Rede' refers to the act of speaking or what is said.
The word only takes the article die. It is always feminine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📜 Grammar Focus: Die Rede
The noun "Rede" is feminine. The article is always die.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Rede (the speech) | eine Rede (a speech) |
| Genitive | der Rede (of the speech) | einer Rede (of a speech) |
| Dative | der Rede (to/for the speech) | einer Rede (to/for a speech) |
| Accusative | die Rede (the speech) | eine Rede (a speech) |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Reden (the speeches) | - Reden (speeches) |
| Genitive | der Reden (of the speeches) | - Reden (of speeches) |
| Dative | den Reden (to/for the speeches) | - Reden (to/for speeches) |
| Accusative | die Reden (the speeches) | - Reden (speeches) |
Example Sentences:
- Die Rede des Präsidenten war sehr inspirierend. (The president's speech was very inspiring.)
- Er hielt eine lange Rede über Umweltschutz. (He gave a long speech about environmental protection.)
- Davon kann keine Rede sein! (That's out of the question! / There can be no talk of that!)
- Sie stellte ihn wegen seines Verhaltens zur Rede. (She called him to account for his behavior.)
- Viele berühmte Reden haben die Geschichte verändert. (Many famous speeches have changed history.)
💬 When to use 'Rede'?
"Die Rede" is mainly used in the context of formal or public addresses. One talks about a politische Rede (political speech), Festrede (ceremonial speech), Grabrede (eulogy), or Verteidigungsrede (defense speech).
Comparison with other words:
- Gespräch: A mutual conversation between two or more people. (Wir hatten ein interessantes Gespräch. - We had an interesting conversation.)
- Vortrag: Often more informative and longer than a Rede, usually on a scientific or technical topic. (Er hielt einen Vortrag über Quantenphysik. - He gave a lecture on quantum physics.)
- Ansprache: Similar to Rede, often a bit shorter and more personal. (Die kurze Ansprache des Direktors. - The director's brief address.)
Important idioms with "Rede":
- jemanden zur Rede stellen: to call someone to account, to confront someone.
- jemandem Rede und Antwort stehen: to have to answer for one's actions.
- eine Rede schwingen: to give a speech (often perceived as long-winded or pompous).
- große Reden schwingen: to talk big, make grand promises but do little.
- in die Rede fallen: to interrupt someone.
- davon ist nicht die Rede / davon kann keine Rede sein: that's not the point / that's out of the question.
- die Rede ist von...: we are talking about... / the subject is...
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Rede'
- For the article 'die': Think of words related to speaking that are often feminine in German and end in -e: die Zunge (the tongue), die Stimme (the voice), die Sprache (the language). Die Rede fits this pattern!
- For the meaning 'Speech': Imagine someone giving a REAlly gooD Elocution. A good Rede requires good elocution. Or think: You READ A speech (Rede sounds a bit like 'read a').
Remember: die Ansprache (the address), so also die Rede.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms: More than just words
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Ansprache: address (often shorter, more direct)
- Vortrag: lecture, presentation (often more informative, longer, technical)
- Referat: presentation, report (mostly in school/university context)
- Ausführung(en): discourse, detailed explanation
- Monolog: monologue (speech by one person, often in theatre)
- Statement: statement (short, often official declaration)
- Äußerung: utterance, remark (general term for something said)
⚠️ Watch out: "Das Gerede" is related but has a negative connotation (gossip, empty talk).
😂 A little Joke
Deutsch: Warum sind Politikerreden oft so lang? – Damit auch die letzten Zuhörer Zeit haben einzuschlafen, bevor die unangenehmen Fragen kommen!
English: Why are political speeches often so long? – So that even the last listeners have time to fall asleep before the uncomfortable questions come!
✒️ A Speech in Verse
Deutsch:
Die Rede, mal laut, mal leis,
Verändert Welten, auf ihre Weis'.
Mit Worten malt sie Bild und Sinn,
Führt uns zum Nachdenken tief hin.
Ob kurz, ob lang, ob ernst, ob heiter,
Die Macht der Rede wirkt stets weiter.
English Translation:
The speech, now loud, now low,
Changes worlds, in its own way, you know.
With words, it paints image and sense,
Leads us to reflection, deep and intense.
Be it short, be it long, serious or bright,
The power of speech shines its light.
❓ Riddle Time: What am I?
Deutsch:
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch ich spreche.
Ich habe keine Beine, doch ich gehe um die Welt.
Manchmal bin ich kurz, manchmal endlos scheinend.
Man stellt dich oft mit mir zur Verantwortung, weinend.
Was bin ich?
English:
I have no voice, yet I speak.
I have no legs, yet I travel the world.
Sometimes I'm short, sometimes seemingly endless sleek.
You're often called to account with me, tears unfurled.
What am I?
Solution: Die Rede (The Speech)
ℹ️ Interesting Facts about 'Rede'
- Etymology: The word "Rede" comes from the Old High German "redia" or "reda" and Middle High German "rede", which originally meant "reason, accountability, language, narrative". It's related to the verb "raten" (in the sense of "to advise, interpret").
- Word Compounds: There are many compound words with "Rede", e.g., Redefluss (flow of speech), Redewendung (idiom, figure of speech), Redekunst (rhetoric), Festrede (ceremonial speech), Trauerrede (eulogy), Wahlrede (campaign speech), Gegenrede (counter-speech), Schlussrede (closing speech).
- Related words: reden (verb: to talk, speak), Redner/Rednerin (noun: speaker, orator), beredet (adjective: eloquent, articulate).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rede?
The noun "Rede" is always feminine. The correct article is exclusively die: die Rede (singular), die Reden (plural).
