die / der  Studierende

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtuːdi̯ɛʁəndə/

📚 What does 'Studierende' mean?

'Studierende' is a noun derived from the present participle (Partizip I) of the verb 'studieren' (to study). It refers to people who are enrolled at and studying at a higher education institution (university, technical college, etc.).

There are two forms in the singular:

• der Studierende: Refers to a male person who studies.
• die Studierende: Refers to a female person who studies.

In the plural, die Studierenden is used for all genders and is a commonly used form in the context of gender-neutral language to address male, female (and potentially diverse) students collectively.

⚠️ Attention: Since it's a nominalized participle, it is declined like an adjective (weak, mixed, or strong declension, depending on the preceding article or determiner).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of Studierende in Detail

'Studierende' is declined according to the rules of adjective declension. Here are the declension tables for the definite articles 'der' and 'die', as well as the plural.

Declension 'der Studierende' (Masculine Singular)

Declension 'die Studierende' (Feminine Singular)

Declension 'die Studierenden' (Plural)

Example Sentences

• Der Studierende schreibt seine Abschlussarbeit. (The male student is writing his thesis.)
• Ich habe mit einer Studierenden über das Projekt gesprochen. (I spoke with a female student about the project.)
• Die Studierenden organisieren eine Protestaktion. (The students are organizing a protest rally.)
• Viele Studierende arbeiten neben dem Studium. (Many students work alongside their studies.)

🗣️ How to use 'Studierende'?

'Studierende' is primarily used in formal and official language, especially in universities and administration. It is considered a gender-neutral or gender-inclusive alternative to 'Studenten und Studentinnen' (male and female students).

• Context: Academic environment, official documents, news, scientific texts.
• Alternative to: 'Student' (male), 'Studentin' (female), 'Studenten' (generic masculine or male plural only).
• Advantage: Includes all genders, especially in the plural 'die Studierenden'.
• Difference from 'Schüler': 'Schüler' refers to pupils attending a general or vocational school, while 'Studierende' refers to members of a higher education institution.

Although 'Student/Studentin' are often still more common in everyday conversation, 'Studierende(r)' is becoming increasingly established to ensure linguistic equality.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Studierende'

1. For the Articles (der/die): Remember that 'der' is for the male student (think 'der Mann') and 'die' is for the female student (think 'die Frau'). The plural 'die Studierenden' is then for everyone, like a study group (think 'die Gruppe').
2. For the Meaning: The word contains 'studieren' (to study). Imagine a person actively studying at their desk – that's der/die Studierende. The ending '-ende' often signifies a person currently doing something (like 'Reisende' - traveler, from reisen - to travel).

Mnemonic phrase: Whether it's der guy or die girl studying with might, they are known as Studierende, day and night. In plural it's die, for one and all, answering the inclusive call!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different terms:

• Absolvent / Absolventin: (Graduate) Person who has completed their studies.
• Promovierende(r): (Doctoral student) Person working on their PhD thesis.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Professor die Studierenden: "Was ist das Gegenteil von Katalog?"
Antwortet ein Studierender: "Katastrophe!"

(Professor asks the students: "What is the opposite of catalogue (Katalog)?"
A student answers: "Catastrophe (Katastrophe)!" - It's a pun based on the similar sound.)

✍️ Poem about Students

Im Hörsaal sitzen, klug und wach,
Der Studierende denkt oft nach.
Die Studierende, mit Buch und Stift,
Notizen macht, was Wissen schafft.

Die Studierenden, ein bunter Schwarm,
Mal laut, mal leise, selten arm
An Träumen, Plänen, großem Ziel,
Lernen fürs Leben, das ist ihr Spiel.

(In the lecture hall they sit, clever and awake,
The male student often contemplates.
The female student, with book and pen,
Takes notes, creating knowledge then.

The students, a colourful swarm,
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, seldom shorn
Of dreams, of plans, of goals so grand,
Learning for life, across the land.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich sitze oft in Bibliotheken,
Um Wissen in mein Hirn zu stecken.
Mal männlich 'der', mal weiblich 'die',
An der Uni trifft man mie.
Im Plural sind wir viele Leute,
Wer sind wir, heut und nicht nur heute?

(I often sit in libraries,
To stuff knowledge into my head with ease.
Sometimes masculine 'der', sometimes feminine 'die',
At the university, you meet me.
In plural, we are many folks,
Who are we, today and not just as jokes?)

Solution: Der/Die Studierende (or die Studierenden) - The student(s)

💡 Other Information

Word Formation: 'Studierende' is the nominalized present participle (Partizip I) of the verb 'studieren' (to study). Such participles can often be used as nouns in German to denote people performing the respective action (e.g., der Reisende - the traveler, from reisen - to travel; die Lehrende - the female teacher, from lehren - to teach).

Sociocultural Context: The use of 'Studierende' instead of 'Studenten' (as a generic masculine) is part of the effort towards gender-inclusive language (gendergerechte Sprache) in German-speaking areas. It aims to promote the visibility and equality of all genders.