die
Statue
🏛️ What exactly is a 'Statue'?
Die Statue (noun, feminine) refers to a three-dimensional, often life-sized or larger-than-life sculptural work representing a person, animal, or symbolic figure. It is typically made from solid materials such as stone, metal (bronze), wood, or plaster.
Unlike the more general term Skulptur (sculpture), which can also include abstract forms, a Statue is typically figurative and often placed on a pedestal (der Sockel).
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 Deep Dive: die Statue
The word "Statue" is a feminine noun. The article is die.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Statue | eine Statue |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Statue | einer Statue |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Statue | einer Statue |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Statue | eine Statue |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Statuen | Statuen |
| Genitive | der Statuen | Statuen |
| Dative | den Statuen | Statuen |
| Accusative | die Statuen | Statuen |
Example Sentences
- Im Park steht eine beeindruckende Statue aus Bronze. (An impressive bronze statue stands in the park.)
- Die Restaurierung der Statue dauerte mehrere Monate. (The restoration of the statue took several months.)
- Der Künstler widmete sich mit Hingabe der Statue. (The artist dedicated himself devotedly to the statue.)
- Touristen fotografieren oft die berühmten Statuen in Rom. (Tourists often photograph the famous statues in Rome.)
💡 Using "Statue" Correctly
The term die Statue is used when referring to a specific figurative sculpture. You often find statues:
- In Museen (museums) and art galleries
- In public squares (öffentliche Plätze) and parks (Parks) (as monuments or artworks)
- In gardens (Gärten) and on buildings (Gebäude) (as architectural decoration)
- In churches (Kirchen) or at religious sites
Distinction from Skulptur: While every Statue is a Skulptur, not every Skulptur is a Statue. Skulptur is the broader term for all three-dimensional artworks, including abstract objects. Statue specifically refers to figurative representations.
Typical Collocations:
- eine Statue errichten / aufstellen (to erect / set up a statue)
- eine Statue enthüllen (to unveil a statue)
- eine Statue darstellen (e.g., eine Statue stellt einen König dar - a statue represents a king)
- eine antike / moderne / bronze / marmorne Statue (an ancient / modern / bronze / marble statue)
🧠 Memory Aids for "Statue"
- For the article 'die':
Think of 'die' ending in 'e', like many feminine nouns (e.g., die Lampe, die Blume). Or associate it with famous female statues like 'die Freiheitsstatue' (the Statue of Liberty).
- For the meaning:
A Statue is often stationary or static. It just stands there. It has 'stat' in the name, like 'static'.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Das Standbild: Very similar, often used for statues in public places depicting a person.
- Die Skulptur: Broader term, includes abstract works.
- Die Plastik: Often synonymous with Skulptur, sometimes specifically for modeled (vs. carved) works.
- Die Figur: More general, can also be small (e.g., toy figure), but also used for a statue.
- Das Monument: Monument, can include a statue but also be a building, etc.
- Das Denkmal: Memorial, often a statue or structure erected in memory.
Antonyms (Opposites):
Direct antonyms for "Statue" are rare. One might consider conceptual opposites:
⚠️ Similar but Different Words:
- Der Status: Social standing or state (sounds similar).
- Das Statut: A statute or set of rules (sounds similar).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Besucher im Museum den Wärter: "Ist diese Statue sehr alt?"
Der Wärter: "Ja, sehr alt! Sie ist schon seit letzter Woche hier."
Translation: A visitor asks the guard in the museum: "Is this statue very old?"
The guard: "Yes, very old! It's been here since last week."
📜 Poetry of the Statue
Aus Stein gemeißelt, kalt und fest,
Die Statue steht und hält die Wacht.
Jahrhunderte ziehen vorbei im Test,
Sie träumt im Mondlicht in der Nacht.
Translation:
Carved from stone, cold and firm,
The statue stands and keeps watch.
Centuries pass in test,
It dreams in the moonlight in the night.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich stehe still an Ort und Stelle,
Bin oft aus Marmor, Bronze, helle.
Ein Mensch, ein Tier, ein Held vielleicht,
Dem Zahn der Zeit ich oft nicht weich'.
Man stellt mich auf an manchem Platz,
Ein stummer, kunstvoller Schatz.
Wer bin ich?
Translation:
I stand still in one place,
Am often made of marble, bronze, bright.
A person, an animal, a hero perhaps,
To the ravages of time I often don't yield.
I am placed in many a square,
A silent, artistic treasure.
What am I?
(... Die Statue / The Statue)
✨ Interesting Tidbits
- Word Origin: The word "Statue" comes from the Latin statua, meaning "figure, statue," derived from the verb statuere ("to set up, determine").
- Famous Examples: Die Freiheitsstatue (the Statue of Liberty) in New York, Michelangelo's David in Florence, the Christusstatue (Christ the Redeemer) in Rio de Janeiro.
- Materials: Traditionally, statues are made from durable materials like marble (Marmor), bronze (Bronze), granite (Granit), or wood (Holz). Modern statues can also consist of steel (Stahl), plastic (Kunststoff), or other materials.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Statue?
The German word for statue is die Statue (feminine). The plural is die Statuen. It refers to a figurative, three-dimensional work of art, usually made of stone or metal.