die / der  Schwarze

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃvaʁtsə/

🧐 Decoding 'die/der Schwarze': Meaning Explained

'Schwarze' is a nominalized adjective, derived from the adjective 'schwarz' (black). It is used to refer to people, typically people with dark skin, often of African descent.

• die Schwarze: Refers to a female person. It follows the weak declension for feminine nouns formed from adjectives.
• der Schwarze: Refers to a male person. It follows the weak declension for masculine nouns formed from adjectives.

🚨 Important Note: The use of these terms can be considered outdated, insensitive, or even offensive depending on the context. It is often more respectful to use more specific terms, terms chosen by the individuals themselves, or formulations like 'Schwarze Person' (Black person).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar Insights: Declining 'Schwarze'

Since 'Schwarze' is a nominalized adjective, it is declined like an adjective following a definite article (der, die, das) - this is called weak declension.

Declension 'die Schwarze' (feminine)

Declension 'der Schwarze' (masculine)

Example Sentences

1. Die Schwarze auf dem Foto ist eine bekannte Aktivistin.
   (The Black woman in the photo is a well-known activist.)
2. Der Preis wurde an den Schwarzen für seine wissenschaftlichen Leistungen verliehen.
   (The prize was awarded to the Black man for his scientific achievements.)
3. Er sprach mit der Schwarzen über ihre Erfahrungen.
   (He spoke with the Black woman about her experiences.)
4. Wir trafen den Schwarzen gestern im Park.
   (We met the Black man yesterday in the park.)
5. Die Rechte der Schwarzen müssen geschützt werden (Plural).
   (The rights of Black people must be protected.)

🗣️ Context is Key: Using 'Schwarze'

The terms 'die Schwarze' and 'der Schwarze' are used to refer to people based on their skin color. Historically more common, they are often viewed critically today.

• Descriptive Use: In some contexts, it might be purely descriptive, e.g., in witness testimony ('Der Täter war ein Schwarzer.' - The perpetrator was a Black man). However, caution is advised.
• Self-identification vs. External Labeling: Some Black individuals may use the term as a self-identifier, while it's often problematic when used by others.
• Alternative Phrasing: Often, formulations like 'eine Schwarze Frau' (a Black woman), 'ein Schwarzer Mann' (a Black man), or 'Schwarze Menschen' (Black people) are preferable as they place less emphasis on skin color as the sole defining characteristic. 'Person of Color' (PoC) is also sometimes used.
• Sensitivity: It's crucial to understand the context and potential impact of these words. When in doubt, it's better to choose more sensitive or neutral language.

⚠️ Avoid using these terms in ways that could be stereotyping or derogatory.

🧠 Memory Hooks for 'Schwarze'

For the article: Remember 'die' is for females (die Frau -> die Schwarze) and 'der' is for males (der Mann -> der Schwarze). It follows the natural gender.

For the meaning: The word comes directly from the color 'schwarz' (black). Imagine the adjective 'schwarz' becoming a person ('ein Schwarzer', 'eine Schwarze').

↔️ Similar & Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms

Potentially Confusing Words

• die Schwärze: Refers to the color or darkness itself, not a person (e.g., 'die Schwärze der Nacht' - the blackness of the night).
• das Schwarze: The neuter nominalized adjective, often refers to something black (e.g., 'das kleine Schwarze' - the little black dress) or in printing contexts ('Schwarz auf Weiß' - black on white).

😂 A Little Fun: A Joke

DE: Warum hat der Dalmatiner aufgehört, Verstecken zu spielen?
Weil er immer gespottet wurde!

EN: Why did the Dalmatian stop playing hide-and-seek?
Because he was always spotted!

(A pun playing on 'spotten' meaning 'to spot/find' and 'to mock', and the Dalmatian's spots. Relates to black and white without being disrespectful.)

✍️ Words in Verse

DE:
Ob der Schwarze, ob die Schwarze,
Ein Mensch steht da, ganz ohne Farce. Die Haut erzählt, woher man kam,
Doch der Charakter, der ist Stamm. Respekt im Wort, im Blick, im Ton,
So klingt Verständigung als Lohn.

EN:
Be it der Schwarze, or die Schwarze near,
A person stands, entirely clear.But character's the core, the heart.Thus understanding's seed is sown.

❓ Brain Teaser: A Riddle

DE:
Ich bin ein Wort, von 'schwarz' gebannt,
Beschreibe Menschen hier im Land.
Mal 'der', mal 'die', je nach Person,
Doch nutz mich weise, das ist Lohn!

Was bin ich?

EN:
I am a word, from 'black' I'm spun,
Describing people, one by one.
Sometimes 'der', sometimes 'die', depending who,
But use me wisely, it is true!

What am I?

Solution: der/die Schwarze

ℹ️ Good to Know: More about 'Schwarze'

• Word Formation: It's a nominalization (substantivization) of the adjective 'schwarz' (black). Such nominalizations are common in German (e.g., 'der Alte' - the old man, 'die Angestellte' - the female employee, 'das Gute' - the good thing).
• Historical Context: The usage and perception of the term have changed significantly over time and are closely linked to colonialism, racism, and civil rights movements.
• Capitalization: When 'Schwarze' is used as a term for a social group or person, it is often capitalized (as shown here), even when used adjectivally ('Schwarze Menschen' - Black people). The adjective 'schwarz' (the color) is lowercase ('ein schwarzes Auto' - a black car). This capitalization is a political and social statement in contemporary German usage.