die  Show

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃoː/

🎤 What exactly is 'die Show'?

The word die Show is a noun borrowed directly from English (an Anglizismus). In German, it's feminine (feminin) and primarily used with the following meanings:

• A public performance or presentation: This could be a stage show (Bühnenshow), fashion show (Modenschau), magic show (Zaubershow), etc. Example: Die Zaubershow war fantastisch! (The magic show was fantastic!)
• A television or radio program: Especially entertainment programs are often called Show. Example: Hast du die neue Quiz-Show gesehen? (Did you see the new quiz show?)
• A performance or display (often pejorative): When someone behaves in an exaggerated way or puts on an act. Example: Mach doch nicht so eine Show! (Don't put on such a show!)

🚨 As a loanword, it's often used in contexts related to entertainment, media, or spectacle.

🧐 Grammar of 'die Show'

The noun 'Show' is feminine (feminin). Here is its declension (Deklination):

💡 Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Die letzte Show der Band war ausverkauft. (The band's last show was sold out.)
2. Das Ende der Show kam überraschend. (The end of the show came surprisingly.)
3. Ich habe Karten für die Show bekommen. (I got tickets for the show.)
4. Nach der Show gab es noch Autogramme. (There were autographs after the show.)
5. Wir haben viele verschiedene Shows im Fernsehen gesehen. (We watched many different shows on TV.)

🎬 When to use 'die Show'?

Die Show is frequently used in the context of entertainment and media:

• TV and radio programs: Talk shows (Talkshows), game shows (Spielshows), casting shows (Castingshows). Example: „Die tägliche Talkshow läuft um 15 Uhr.“ (The daily talk show airs at 3 PM.)
• Stage events: Concerts (Konzerte), theatre performances (Theateraufführungen), musicals (Musicals), circus performances (Zirkusvorstellungen). Example: „Die Akrobaten lieferten eine atemberaubende Show.“ (The acrobats delivered a breathtaking show.)
• Fashion shows: Presentation of fashion collections (Modekollektionen). Example: „Die Models präsentierten die neue Kollektion auf der Show in Paris.“ (The models presented the new collection at the show in Paris.)
• Colloquially (often negative): When someone causes an unnecessary stir or behaves artificially. Example: „Er zieht immer eine große Show ab, wenn er etwas erreicht hat.“ (He always puts on a big show when he has achieved something.) This phrase 'eine Show abziehen' means 'to put on an act / make a fuss'.

Compared to German words like Vorstellung (performance, presentation) or Darbietung (performance, rendition), Show sounds more modern and international, often emphasizing entertainment value and spectacle.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Show'

Article Mnemonic: Think of a diva, she ('sie' in German, associated with 'die') is the star of die Show. Many female leads in shows can help you remember the feminine article 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic: It sounds exactly like the English word 'show'. A Show is something you *show* or *present* – whether on stage, TV, or figuratively.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful when translating 'to show something' literally; in German, that's usually 'etwas zeigen'. 'Die Show' refers to the noun.

😂 A little joke

Warum hat der Clown seinen Job in der Zirkus-Show gekündigt?

Er fand die Arbeit zu „manege“-faltig! 😉

(Why did the clown quit his job at the circus show? He found the work too 'manege'-fold! - This is a pun on 'Manege' (circus ring) and 'mannigfaltig' (manifold, diverse).)

📜 Poem about the Show

Im Scheinwerferlicht, so hell und klar,
beginnt die Show, wunderbar.
Musik ertönt, Gelächter schallt,
eine Welt, die uns gefangen hält.
Ob Bühne, Zirkus oder TV-Bild,
die Show uns oft mit Freude erfüllt.

(In the spotlight, so bright and clear,
the show begins, wonderfully.
Music sounds, laughter rings,
a world that holds us captive.
Whether stage, circus, or TV screen,
the show often fills us with joy.)

❓ Riddle

Ich habe Lichter, manchmal Musik, oft Applaus,
ich kann im Fernsehen sein oder in einem großen Haus.
Manchmal bin ich nur Getue, manchmal ganz grandios.
Ich bin feminin im Deutschen, was bin ich bloß?

(I have lights, sometimes music, often applause,
I can be on TV or in a big house.
Sometimes I'm just fuss, sometimes quite grand.
I am feminine in German, what am I?)

Solution: die Show

🌐 Other Information

Origin (Herkunft): The word 'Show' is a direct loanword from English ('show'). It became established in German mainly during the 20th century, especially within the entertainment industry.

Compounds (Zusammensetzungen): There are many compound words ending in '-show', e.g.:

• Talkshow (Talk show)
• Castingshow (Casting show)
• Spielshow (Game show)
• Modenschau (Fashion show - often Germanized with '-schau')
• Late-Night-Show (Late-night show)