die
Reklame
💡 What does 'die Reklame' mean?
Die Reklame (noun, feminine) generally refers to measures for sales promotion, essentially advertising or publicity. The term is often used for visible forms of advertising like posters, neon signs, or print ads. Sometimes, compared to the more general term 'Werbung', it can sound a bit old-fashioned.
There is only this one article and this main meaning. ⚠️ Note: Although it originates from the French 'réclame', it is used as a feminine noun in German.
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 in Detail: Die Reklame
The word 'Reklame' is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Reklame |
| Genitive | der | Reklame |
| Dative | der | Reklame |
| Accusative | die | Reklame |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Reklamen |
| Genitive | der | Reklamen |
| Dative | den | Reklamen |
| Accusative | die | Reklamen |
Example Sentences 📜
- Die bunte Reklame am Bahnhof fiel sofort auf.
(The colorful advertisement at the train station immediately caught the eye.) - Er arbeitet in einer Agentur, die Reklame für große Firmen macht.
(He works in an agency that makes advertisements for large companies.) - Früher gab es viel mehr handgemalte Reklamen an Hauswänden.
(In the past, there were many more hand-painted advertisements on building walls.) - Im Fernsehen läuft ständig Reklame.
(There's constantly advertising on TV.)
🗣️ How to use 'Reklame'?
'Die Reklame' is used to talk about advertising, especially visual forms like posters, signs, or ads. It can also stand for advertising in general, but sometimes sounds more traditional than the word 'Werbung'.
- Context: Everyday language, media, marketing (sometimes historical).
- Difference to 'Werbung': 'Werbung' is the broader and more modern term. 'Reklame' often emphasizes the visible or intrusive aspect.
- Typical phrases: 'Reklame machen' (to advertise), 'eine Reklame sehen' (to see an ad), 'Leuchtreklame' (neon sign), 'Schleichreklame' (product placement/hidden advertising).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Reklame'
For the article: Think of 'die' like 'the'. Many feminine German nouns ending in -e take 'die'. Visualize a grand dame admiring the vibrant Reklame – it's 'die Reklame'.
For the meaning: 'Reklame' sounds a bit like 're-claim'. Advertising tries to 're-claim' your attention for a product.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Werbung: (The most common and general term for advertising).
- Anzeige: (Usually a written ad in newspapers, magazines, or online).
- Annonce: (Similar to Anzeige, often for classified ads, sounds a bit dated).
- Promotion: (A specific advertising campaign).
- Propaganda: (Advertising for political or ideological purposes, often with negative connotations).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
Direct antonyms are difficult. In context, one might consider:
- Nachricht/Information: (Factual communication without advertising intent).
- Diskretion/Zurückhaltung: (Discretion/reserve, the opposite of conspicuous advertising).
- Stille: (Silence, absence of (acoustic) advertising).
⚠️ Potential for Confusion:
- Reklamation: This means 'complaint' (e.g., about a faulty product) and is unrelated to advertising. Be careful not to mix them up!
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Werbefachmann aufgehört, Fahrstunden zu nehmen?
Er konnte die Reklame auf den Bussen besser lesen als die Verkehrsschilder!
(Why did the advertising expert stop taking driving lessons?
He could read the ads (Reklame) on the buses better than the traffic signs!)
✍️ Poem about Reklame
Bunt und laut an jeder Wand,
zieht sie Blicke durch das Land.
Mal als Plakat, mal Neonlicht,
ein Kaufversprechen im Gesicht.
Produkte preist sie an geschwind,
die Reklame, schnell wie Wind.
Manchmal nervig, manchmal schön,
man kann ihr kaum entgehn.
(Colorful and loud on every wall,
it draws glances through the land.
Sometimes a poster, sometimes neon light,
a promise to buy in sight.
Products it praises swiftly,
the advertising (Reklame), fast as the wind.
Sometimes annoying, sometimes nice,
one can hardly escape its vice.)
❓ Riddle
Ich leuchte hell, ich kleb' an Mauern,
will dich zum Kaufen überdauern.
In Zeitung, Funk und auch im Netz,
verbreite ich manch Werbesetz.
Oft bunt, mal laut, mal nur ein Bild,
mein Ziel ist klar, nicht sanft und mild.
Was bin ich?
(I shine brightly, I stick to walls,
I want to persuade you to buy over time.
In newspaper, radio, and also online,
I spread many an advertising line.
Often colorful, sometimes loud, sometimes just a picture,
my goal is clear, not gentle and mild.
What am I?)
(Answer: die Reklame)
🧐 More Information
Word Origin: The German word 'Reklame' comes from the French word 'réclame', which originally meant 'call bird', 'lure' or 'announcement'.
Cultural Note: In the former GDR (East Germany), 'Reklame' was the more common term for advertising than 'Werbung'.
Compounds: Common compound words include Leuchtreklame (neon sign), Schleichreklame (product placement, surreptitious advertising), or Reklamefläche (advertising space).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Reklame?
The German word Reklame (advertising, publicity) is always feminine. The correct article is die Reklame. The plural is die Reklamen.