die / der  Sphinx

📖 What does Sphinx mean?

The German word Sphinx can have two genders, and thus different meanings:

• Die Sphinx (feminine): This is the more common meaning and refers to the mythological creature. Typically, it has the body of a lion and the head of a human (often a woman). Sphinges are known from Egyptian and Greek mythology, often appearing as guardians or posers of riddles (e.g., the Sphinx of Giza or the Theban Sphinx who posed a riddle to Oedipus). A person can also be called a "Sphinx" if they are enigmatic or inscrutable.
• Der Sphinx (masculine): This meaning is less common and, in zoology, refers to certain species of moths from the Sphingidae family (hawk moths). An example is the Death's-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos), which can also be called a "Totenkopf-Sphinx".

🚨 Note: In general usage, "die Sphinx" is almost always what is meant.

📏 Grammar of Sphinx: Articles and Cases

Depending on its meaning, "Sphinx" takes a different article and is declined differently.

Die Sphinx (feminine)

Note: The plural "Sphingen" is often considered more formal or archaic; "Sphinxe" is more common.

Der Sphinx (masculine)

Example Sentences for Sphinx

• Die Sphinx von Gizeh wacht über die Pyramiden. (The Sphinx of Giza watches over the pyramids.)
• Das Rätsel der Sphinx war schwer zu lösen. (The riddle of the Sphinx was difficult to solve.)
• Er betrachtete das Bild mit den vielen Sphingen. (He looked at the picture with the many sphinges.)
• Der Sphinx (Schwärmer) ist ein nachtaktiver Falter. (The sphinx (hawk moth) is a nocturnal moth.)
• Manche Leute sammeln Präparate seltener Sphinxe (Schmetterlinge). (Some people collect specimens of rare sphinx moths.)

💡 Using Sphinx Correctly: Context is Key

The use of die Sphinx or der Sphinx clearly depends on the context:

• Die Sphinx (feminine): This form is used when referring to the mythological creature, be it Egyptian, Greek, or from another cultural representation. It is also correctly used metaphorically for an enigmatic person or thing. Example: "Ihre Motive blieben undurchschaubar, sie war eine wahre Sphinx." (Her motives remained inscrutable; she was a true sphinx.)
• Der Sphinx (masculine): This form is specific to zoology and refers to male or unspecified specimens of hawk moths (moths of the Sphingidae family). Example: "Der Ligusterschwärmer ist ein beeindruckender Sphinx." (The privet hawk moth is an impressive sphinx moth.) In the plural, "die Sphinxe" is usually used here, not "die Sphingen".

In everyday language and general culture, "die Sphinx" is by far the dominant form. "Der Sphinx" is more specialist language used in entomology.

There is little risk of confusion as the contexts are very different. However, note that for the mythological figure, plural forms like "die Sphingen" exist, while for the moths, the plural is more likely to be "die Sphinxe".

🧠 Mnemonics for Sphinx

For the articles:
Die mysterious lady (Sphinx) is wise and asks questions.
Der hawk moth (Sphinx) is a fellow who flies at night.

For the meanings:
Die Sphinx sits and thinks (mythological, enigmatic).
Der Sphinx drinks (nectar) and flits about (moth).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Potentially Confusing Words

Phönix (Phoenix): Another mythological creature (a bird that rises from ashes), but sounds somewhat similar and also belongs to mythology. However, it has nothing to do with the Sphinx.

😄 A Little Joke about the Sphinx

A man comes to the Sphinx. The Sphinx asks: "What goes on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?"
The man says: "No idea, but I have to hurry to the supermarket; they have diapers on sale today!"
The Sphinx: "Darn, wrong answer again... but diapers would be handy for me later too."

Original German:

Kommt ein Mann zur Sphinx. Fragt die Sphinx: „Was geht am Morgen auf vier Beinen, am Mittag auf zweien und am Abend auf dreien?“
Sagt der Mann: „Keine Ahnung, aber ich muss schnell zum Supermarkt, die haben heute Windeln im Angebot!“
Die Sphinx: „Mist, schon wieder die falsche Antwort... aber Windeln wären auch für mich später praktisch.“

📜 The Sphinx in Verse

Die Sphinx, with face of ancient stone,
Hides knowledge, keeps its light well shown,
Of riddles old, profound and deep,
Demands the mind, secrets to keep, or leap.

Der Sphinx, a moth, so soft and slight,
Hovers through the dimming of the night.
A hawk moth, whose wing's gentle beat,
Heralds new day – for moths, a treat so sweet.

Original German:

Die Sphinx, mit steinernem Angesicht,
verbirgt ihr Wissen, wahrt das Licht
der alten Rätsel, tief und schwer,
fordert den Geist, immer mehr.

Der Sphinx, ein Falter, zart und sacht,
schwebt durch die Dämmerung der Nacht.
Ein Schwärmer, dessen Flügelschlag,
verkündet einen neuen Tag – für Falter nur, versteht sich flach.

❓ A Riddle about the Sphinx

I bear two names, sometimes she, sometimes he.
As she, I'm ancient, ask questions, you see.
As he, I fly by night, a moth so fine.
Who am I? Tell me, don't be supine!

Answer: Die Sphinx / Der Sphinx (The Sphinx)

Original German:

Ich trage zwei Namen, bin mal sie, mal er.
Als sie bin ich uralt, stelle Fragen, oft schwer.
Als er flieg ich nachts, bin ein Falter gar fein.
Wer bin ich, sag an, sei nicht dumm oder klein!

🧩 Trivia and Origin of Sphinx

Etymology: The word "Sphinx" comes from the Greek Σφίγξ (Sphínx). The exact meaning is disputed, often translated as "strangler" or "she who binds tight," which might refer to how the Greek Sphinx killed her victims who couldn't solve her riddle.

Famous Sphinges:

• The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt is probably the most famous. It's a colossal statue with a lion's body and a human head.
• The Sphinx of Thebes in Greek mythology posed the famous riddle to Oedipus.

Symbolism: The Sphinx often symbolizes mystery, wisdom, power, and the enigmatic. It can also be interpreted as a guardian figure.

Der Sphinx as a moth: The family Sphingidae (hawk moths) includes many impressive species, often capable of very fast flight and sometimes hovering in front of flowers like hummingbirds (e.g., the hummingbird hawk-moth, also a type of "Sphinx").