die
Rückseite
📖 What does "die Rückseite" mean?
Die Rückseite (feminine) refers to the back side or reverse side of an object, the one opposite the Vorderseite (front side). It's generally the side that isn't looked at first or is considered less important. Think of:
- The side of a sheet of paper 📄 that isn't written on.
- The back of a building 🏠.
- The reverse side ('tails') of a coin 🪙 or medal 🏅 (also called die Kehrseite).
- The non-visible side of a photograph 🖼️.
Good news: "Rückseite" is always feminine (die). There are no other articles or tricky exceptions to worry about! ✅
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 of "die Rückseite" Explained
The noun "Rückseite" is consistently feminine. Its article is always "die". Here are the declension tables:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Rückseite |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Rückseite |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Rückseite |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Rückseite |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rückseiten |
| Genitive | der | Rückseiten |
| Dative | den | Rückseiten |
| Accusative | die | Rückseiten |
Example Sentences
- Bitte schreibe deinen Namen auf die Rückseite des Formulars.
Please write your name on the back side of the form. - Die Rückseite des Hauses braucht einen neuen Anstrich.
The back side of the house needs a new coat of paint. - Auf der Rückseite der Medaille ist das Datum eingraviert.
The date is engraved on the reverse side of the medal. - Die Lösungen zu den Aufgaben stehen auf den Rückseiten der Arbeitsblätter.
The solutions to the exercises are on the back sides of the worksheets.
💡 Using "Rückseite" in Context
"Die Rückseite" is a very common word, used to describe the back or less prominent side of almost anything.
- For Paper & Documents: "Notizen stehen auf der Rückseite." (Notes are on the back.) Also used for the fine print.
- For Buildings & Furniture: "Die Rückseite des Schranks ist nur grundiert." (The back of the cupboard is only primed.)
- For Coins & Cards: "Die Rückseite der Bankkarte zeigt den CVC-Code." (The back of the bank card shows the CVC code.) For coins, it's the 'tails' side.
- For Photos & Pictures: "Auf der Rückseite des Fotos steht, wer darauf zu sehen ist." (On the back of the photo it says who is in it.)
Comparison: "Die Hinterseite" (hind-side) is a close synonym, but sometimes used more for the rear area (e.g., Hinterseite des Gartens - back of the garden) rather than just a flat side. "Die Kehrseite" (turn-side) can also have a figurative meaning (the downside/flip side).
🧠 Mnemonics for Rückseite
Remembering the Article "die"
Think of Seite (page, side). Many German nouns ending in -e are feminine (die). The 'back-side', die Rückseite, follows this pattern: it's die Rückseite.
Remembering the Meaning "back side"
Imagine turning your back (der Rücken) to someone. The side (die Seite) they see is your back side -> die Rückseite. It's the side related to your Rücken.
↔️ Opposites and Similar Words
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Die Vorderseite: The direct opposite - the front side.
- Die Frontseite: Similar to Vorderseite, often for objects with a clear orientation - the front side.
- Die Schauseite: The side meant for display or viewing - the display side.
⚠️ Similar but Different Words
😄 Time for a Joke!
Kunde im Fotogeschäft: "Ich hätte gern dieses Familienfoto vergrößert."
Fotograf: "Sicher. Möchten Sie auch die Tante auf der Rückseite mit drauf haben?"
Kunde: "Wieso? Ist die auf der Rückseite des Papiers gedruckt?"
Fotograf: "Nein, aber sie hat sich beim Fotografieren umgedreht." 😂
Customer in a photo shop: "I'd like this family photo enlarged."
Photographer: "Sure. Would you also like the aunt on the back side included?"
Customer: "Why? Is she printed on the back side of the paper?"
Photographer: "No, but she turned around when the picture was taken." 😂
✍️ A Little Poem about Die Rückseite
Ob Brief, ob Karte, ob Plakat,
jede Seite ihren Zweck hat.
Doch drehst du's um, ganz ungeniert,
ist da die Fläche, oft ignoriert.
Mal leer, mal voll, mal bunt, mal schlicht,
zeigt sie dir ein zweit Gesicht.
Vergiss sie nicht, die andre Seit'
Man nennt sie schlicht: die Rückseit'.
(Whether letter, card, or poster bright,
each side serves a purpose, day and night.
But turn it over, without a care,
a surface waits, often ignored there.
Sometimes empty, full, colorful, or plain,
it shows you a second face again.
Don't forget this other side so wide,
It's simply called: the backside.)
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin das Gegenteil von vorn,
auf Münzen oft ein Dorn im ... (nein, das reimt sich nur!).
Manchmal steh'n Infos drauf, ganz klein,
um mich zu seh'n, musst du dreh'n und wenden fein.
Was bin ich?
(I am the opposite of front,
Often on coins... (just a rhyme attempt!).
Sometimes information, very small,
To see me, you must turn me, standing tall.
What am I?)
Solution: Die Rückseite (The back side / reverse side)
ℹ️ Interesting Tidbits & Word Origin
The word "Rückseite" is a straightforward compound noun:
- rück-: This part comes from "Rücken" (back) and means "rear" or "backwards".
- Seite: This means "side", "page", or "aspect".
Combined, it logically means the "back side". It's a very descriptive and common word in German.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rückseite?
The word "Rückseite" is always feminine. The correct article is die Rückseite.