die
Sängerin
🎤 What exactly is a 'Sängerin'?
Die Sängerin (plural: die Sängerinnen) is the feminine form of der Sänger (the male singer). It refers to a woman or girl who sings professionally or as a hobby, meaning she uses her voice musically.
There is only this one article, 'die', for this word because it specifically refers to a female person.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Women → almost always feminine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-in → mostly feminine.
All persons and professions ending in -in are feminine. Other -in nouns can be der/die/das.
🧐 Grammar Guide for 'die Sängerin'
The noun 'Sängerin' is feminine. Here is the declension:
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sängerin | the singer |
| Genitive | der | Sängerin | of the singer |
| Dative | der | Sängerin | to/for the singer |
| Accusative | die | Sängerin | the singer |
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sängerinnen | the singers |
| Genitive | der | Sängerinnen | of the singers |
| Dativ | den | Sängerinnen | to/for the singers |
| Accusative | die | Sängerinnen | the singers |
Illustrative Examples
- Die Sängerin betritt die Bühne. (The singer enters the stage.)
- Das Kleid der Sängerin ist wunderschön. (The singer's dress is beautiful.)
- Ich gebe der Sängerin Blumen. (I give flowers to the singer.)
- Wir hören die Sängerin gerne live. (We like listening to the singer live.)
- Die Sängerinnen des Chors treffen sich zur Probe. (The singers of the choir meet for rehearsal.)
🎶 When and how to use 'Sängerin'?
The term 'Sängerin' is used to describe a woman who sings. This can occur in various contexts:
- Professionally: Eine Opernsängerin (an opera singer), eine Popsängerin (a pop singer), eine Jazzsängerin (a jazz singer).
- As a hobby: Eine Chorsängerin (a choir singer), eine Hobbysängerin (a hobby singer).
- Generally: When talking about a female person singing.
The word is specifically feminine. For men, you use der Sänger. It's important to use the correct gender to avoid misunderstandings.
💡 Mnemonics for 'die Sängerin'
Article Mnemonic: The ending '-in' often signals feminine nouns in German (like Lehrerin - female teacher, Ärztin - female doctor), hence 'die Sängerin'. Imagine 'Die Diva' (feminine!) is singing – the 'i' in Diva and the 'in' in Sängerin help remember 'die'.
Meaning Mnemonic: A Sängerin sings. The word itself contains the root 'sing-'. Easy connection!
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Interpretin: A female performer who interprets an artistic work (often music).
- Vokalistin: Technical term for a female vocalist (often in jazz/pop).
- Solistin: A female soloist, singing or playing an instrument alone.
- Chanteuse: (from French) often used for female singers of chansons.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Instrumentalistin: A female instrumentalist (plays an instrument instead of singing).
- Nicht-Sängerin: Simply a woman who does not sing.
- Sprecherin: A female speaker (e.g., news anchor), not necessarily singing.
- Tänzerin: A female dancer.
Risk of Confusion?
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir drei berühmte Sängerinnen nennen?"
Fritzchen: "Ja, Herr Lehrer: Die Eine, die Andere und die Dritte!"
Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you name three famous female singers?"
Fritzchen: "Yes, teacher: The first one, the other one, and the third one!"
🎵 A Little Poem
Die Sängerin auf hoher Bühn',
lässt ihre Stimm' erklingen kühn.
Mal sanft, mal laut, mal klar, mal rein,
so fängt sie uns're Herzen ein.
Mit jeder Note, jedem Ton,
verdient sie Lob und Lohn.
Translation:
The singer on the high stage,
lets her voice sound bold.
Sometimes soft, sometimes loud, sometimes clear, sometimes pure,
thus she captures our hearts.
With every note, every tone,
she deserves praise and reward.
❓ Who am I? A Riddle
Ich steh' im Licht, Applaus mein Lohn,
mein Instrument ist nur mein Ton.
Ich singe Lieder, laut und leise,
begleite dich auf deine Reise.
Ich bin weiblich, das ist klar,
sag, wer bin ich, wunderbar?
Lösung: Die Sängerin
Translation:
I stand in the light, applause my reward,
my instrument is just my tone.
I sing songs, loud and soft,
accompany you on your journey.
I am female, that is clear,
tell me, who am I, wonderful?
Solution: The (female) singer
✨ Other Interesting Details
Word Formation:
- The word 'Sängerin' is derived from the verb singen (to sing).
- The base is Sänger (masculine form).
- The suffix -in is added to create the feminine form (Movierung - grammatical gender marking).
Cultural Significance: Sängerinnen (female singers) play a central role in music history and culture, from opera divas to pop icons.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sängerin?
The word 'Sängerin' is always feminine. Therefore, the correct article is exclusively die: die Sängerin.