die
Sage
📖 What does die Sage mean?
Die Sage (feminine, plural: die Sagen) is a narrative, handed down orally or in writing, that often has a core of truth (e.g., a historical event or person) but has been embellished over time with fantastical or supernatural elements. Sagen (sagas, legends) frequently deal with heroes, gods, ghosts, or special places and often explain the origins of customs, names, or natural phenomena.
In contrast to das Märchen (fairytale), which is entirely fictional and often begins with "Once upon a time..." ("Es war einmal..."), die Sage lays some claim to credibility and is usually tied to specific places or times.
⚠️ Risk of confusion: The word 'Sage' resembles the verb 'sagen' (to say), but it has a different meaning and is a noun.
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 Sage in Detail
'Die Sage' is a feminine noun.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sage |
| Genitive | der | Sage |
| Dative | der | Sage |
| Accusative | die | Sage |
📜 Example Sentences
- Die alte Sage vom Rattenfänger von Hameln ist weltbekannt.
(The old legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is world-famous.) - Man erzählt sich viele Sagen über diese Burg.
(Many legends/sagas are told about this castle.) - Laut der Sage soll hier ein Schatz vergraben sein.
(According to the legend, a treasure is said to be buried here.) - Wir lesen im Deutschunterricht germanische Sagen.
(We read Germanic sagas in German class.)
💡 How to use die Sage
'Die Sage' is used to talk about traditional narratives that mix historical and fantastical elements.
- Context: Often used in connection with history, folklore, literature, regional tales, and mythology.
- Distinction: It's important to distinguish it from das Märchen (fairytale: entirely fictional, timeless, placeless) and die Legende (legend: often focuses on the lives of saints or religious figures, also with a historical core). Die Sage is often more secular and more strongly tied to places or events.
- Typical Collocations: People talk about 'lokale Sagen' (local legends), 'Heldensagen' (heroic sagas), 'Göttersagen' (myths about gods), 'urbane Sagen' (urban legends), or say 'der Sage nach...' (according to the legend...).
🧠 Mnemonics for die Sage
- Article Mnemonic: Imagine die (the) old woman telling die Sage (the saga/legend). The 'e' ending of the noun might remind you of the feminine article 'die'. Many narrative forms in German are feminine: die Geschichte (story), die Legende (legend), die Sage.
- Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the English word 'saga', which sounds similar and has a related meaning. Or connect it to the German verb 'sagen' (to say) - Sagen were originally passed down by being 'said' (gesagt) or told orally.
Remember: What I sage (say) isn't always a Sage (legend)!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Sage
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Legende: Very similar, often focusing on individuals (saints, heroes).
- Der Mythos: Myth; tale of gods, creation, supernatural beings; often with deeper symbolic meaning.
- Die Überlieferung: Tradition, lore; general term for passed-down stories, customs etc.
- Die Erzählung: Narrative, story; general term.
- Die Mär (dated, often pejorative for rumour): Can sometimes be used synonymously, but use with caution.
Similar but potentially misleading words:
- sagen (verb): to say, to tell.
- die Ansage: announcement, often official or firm.
- der Sager (Austrian): a memorable quote or saying.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir eine bekannte deutsche Sage nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Ich sage nichts ohne meinen Anwalt!"
Teacher asks: "Who can name a famous German legend (Sage)?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "I say (sage) nothing without my lawyer!"
(This is a pun on 'Sage' (legend) and the verb 'sagen' (to say), specifically its first-person singular form 'ich sage' (I say).)
📜 A Saga in Verse
Am dunklen Fluss, so alt und grau,
erzählt man sich's noch ganz genau,
die Sage von dem Wassermann,
der Nixen einst bezaubern kann.
Mit wahrem Kern, doch weit entrückt,
hat sie die Zeiten überbrückt.
Ein Flüstern nur im Windeswehn,
lässt alte Sagen auferstehn.
By the dark river, old and grey,
They tell it still, precise and fey,
The saga of the water sprite,
Who charmed the nixies day and night.
With kernel true, yet far removed,
Through ages has its story moved.
A whisper only, on the breeze,
Lets ancient sagas rise with ease.
❓ Riddle Time: What am I?
Ich habe oft `nen wahren Kern,
doch Fantasie liegt mir nicht fern.
Von Helden, Geistern, altem Ort,
trag ich die Kunde fort und fort.
Man bindet mich an Platz und Zeit,
im Gegensatz zur Märchenwelt so weit.
Was bin ich?
... Die Sage
I often have a kernel of truth,
But fantasy is near, forsooth.
Of heroes, ghosts, and places old,
My tidings I forever hold.
I'm bound to place, I'm bound to time,
Unlike the fairytale's world sublime.
What am I?
... Die Sage (The saga/legend)
🧩 More Details about die Sage
- Etymology: The word 'Sage' derives from the Old High German 'saga', meaning 'something said' or 'speech'. It is closely related to the verb 'sagen' (to say).
- Word Formations (Wortbildungen): There are many compound words with 'Sage', e.g.: Heldensage (heroic saga), Göttersage (myth of the gods), Familiensage (family saga/legend), Lokalsage (local legend), Ursprungssage (origin legend), Wandersage (migratory legend), Großstadtsage/Urbane Sage (urban legend).
- Cultural Significance: Sagen are an important part of cultural heritage, often reflecting the fears, desires, values, and worldview of past times. They also served as entertainment and a way to explain the world.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sage?
The noun 'Sage' is feminine, so the correct article is 'die Sage'.