die  Skulptur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/skulpˈtuːɐ̯/

🗿 What is a 'Skulptur'?

The German word die Skulptur (feminine, plural: die Skulpturen) refers to a three-dimensional artwork created by processing solid material (like stone, wood, metal, or ivory). Typically, this involves the removal of material (e.g., chiseling, carving). In a broader sense, the term is often also used for works created by adding or modeling material (technically more of a 'Plastik'), but common usage is often flexible here.

It is always die Skulptur (feminine).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar in Detail: Die Skulptur

The word 'Skulptur' is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Die Skulptur im Museum ist beeindruckend.
   (The sculpture in the museum is impressive.)
2. Der Künstler arbeitet an einer neuen Skulptur aus Bronze.
   (The artist is working on a new bronze sculpture.)
3. Wir bewunderten die Details der antiken Skulptur.
   (We admired the details of the ancient sculpture.)
4. Viele Skulpturen schmücken den Park.
   (Many sculptures adorn the park.)

🖼️ How to Use 'Skulptur'?

'Skulptur' is mainly used in the context of Kunst und Kultur (art and culture). You talk about Skulpturen in Museen (museums), Galerien (galleries), Ausstellungen (exhibitions), or as artworks in public spaces (e.g., Denkmäler - monuments, Statuen - statues in parks).

Difference from 'Plastik': Although the terms are often used synonymously, 'Skulptur' strictly refers to a work created by material removal (carving, chiseling), while 'Plastik' refers to a work created by material addition or shaping (modeling, casting). However, this distinction is rarely made in everyday language.

Examples of typical contexts:

• Eine Holzskulptur schnitzen (To carve a wooden sculpture)
• Eine Ausstellung moderner Skulpturen besuchen (To visit an exhibition of modern sculptures)
• Die Restaurierung einer historischen Steinskulptur (The restoration of a historic stone sculpture)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Skulptur'

Article 'die': Think of the beautiful queen ('die Königin') posing for die Skulptur. Words ending in -ur in German are almost always feminine (die Natur, die Kultur, die Zensur...).

Meaning: The word sounds a bit like 'sculptor' or 'sculpt'. Imagine a sculptor using tools to remove ('sculpt') material to create the form.

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: While 'Plastik' is often used as a synonym, remember the technical difference (see usage section).

😄 A Little Art Joke

Fragt der Museumsbesucher den Wärter: "Ist das Kunst oder kann das weg?"
Sagt der Wärter: "Das ist eine Skulptur von Beuys."
Sagt der Besucher: "Oh, dann ist es wohl Kunst... aber kann trotzdem weg." 😉

(Museum visitor asks the guard: "Is this art or can it be thrown away?"
Guard says: "That's a sculpture by Beuys."
Visitor says: "Oh, then it must be art... but it can still be thrown away.")

📜 Poem about a Sculpture

Aus Stein gehauen, fest und klar,
steht sie im Licht, Jahr für Jahr.
Die Skulptur, ein stummer Schrei,
der Fantasie ganz nah dabei.
Form gegeben, still und rein,
soll Kunst für die Ewigkeit sein.

(Carved from stone, firm and clear,
It stands in light, year after year.
The sculpture, a silent cry,
Very close to fantasy.
Given form, quiet and pure,
Art meant forever to endure.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe Form, doch kann nicht geh'n.
Bin oft aus Stein, im Park zu seh'n.
Man schuf mich mit Hammer, Meißel, Hand.
Bin Kunst im ganzen deutschen Land.

Was bin ich? ... Die Skulptur

(I have form, but cannot walk.
I'm often stone, seen in the park.
Created with hammer, chisel, hand.
I'm art throughout the German land.

What am I?
... The Sculpture / die Skulptur)

🤓 More about 'Skulptur'

Word Origin: The word 'Skulptur' comes from the Latin verb sculpere, meaning 'to carve,' 'to chisel,' or 'to sculpt'.

Famous German Sculptors: Germany has produced many important sculptors, such as Tilman Riemenschneider (Late Gothic), Andreas Schlüter (Baroque), Ernst Barlach (Expressionism), and Käthe Kollwitz (Expressionism, Realism).