die
Synagoge
🕍 What does 'die Synagoge' mean?
The German word Synagoge is a feminine noun, so it takes the article die. It primarily refers to the Jewish house of worship and assembly. It's a place for prayer, studying the Torah, and community gatherings.
The term originates from the Greek word synagōgḗ, meaning 'assembly' or 'gathering'.
There's only this one article and this main meaning for the word. ⚠️ Avoid confusing it with other religious buildings like a Kirche (church) or Moschee (mosque), as 'Synagoge' is specific to Judaism.
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 Synagoge
The word 'Synagoge' is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Synagoge | eine Synagoge |
| Genitive | der Synagoge | einer Synagoge |
| Dative | der Synagoge | einer Synagoge |
| Accusative | die Synagoge | eine Synagoge |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Synagogen | Synagogen / keine Synagogen |
| Genitive | der Synagogen | Synagogen / keiner Synagogen |
| Dative | den Synagogen | Synagogen / keinen Synagogen |
| Accusative | die Synagogen | Synagogen / keine Synagogen |
Example Sentences
- Die alte Synagoge im Stadtzentrum wird gerade restauriert.
(The old synagogue in the city center is currently being restored.) - Am Schabbat besucht die Familie die Synagoge.
(On Shabbat, the family visits the synagogue.) - In Berlin gibt es mehrere historisch bedeutsame Synagogen.
(There are several historically significant synagogues in Berlin.) - Der Rabbiner lehrt in der Synagoge.
(The rabbi teaches in the synagogue.)
🗣️ How to use 'Synagoge'?
'Synagoge' is mainly used in the religious and cultural context of Judaism. You talk about a 'Synagoge' when referring to the building where Jewish services, religious instruction, and community meetings take place.
- Religious Context: "Wir gehen am Freitagabend in die Synagoge." (We go to the synagogue on Friday evening.)
- Architectural/Historical Context: "Die Architektur dieser Synagoge ist bemerkenswert." (The architecture of this synagogue is remarkable.), "Diese Synagoge wurde im 19. Jahrhundert erbaut." (This synagogue was built in the 19th century.)
- Cultural Context: "Die Synagoge ist ein wichtiges Zentrum jüdischen Lebens in der Stadt." (The synagogue is an important center of Jewish life in the city.)
Compared to 'Kirche' (Christian church) or 'Moschee' (Islamic mosque), 'Synagoge' specifically denotes the Jewish sacred building.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Synagoge'
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Gemeinde (the community), which gathers in die Synagoge. Both German words are feminine and often end in 'e'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Syn- sounds like 'together' (Greek), and -agoge relates to 'leading' or 'going'. So, the 'Synagoge' is the place where people go together or are brought together (the congregation).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Jüdisches Gotteshaus: (Jewish house of worship) - A descriptive alternative.
- Bethaus: (House of prayer) - A more general term, can be used for synagogues.
- Tempel: (Temple) - Sometimes used synonymously (especially in Reform Judaism), but historically refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Schul: (Yiddish for 'school') - Often used synonymously, especially in Ashkenazi Judaism, emphasizing the learning aspect.
Antonyms (conceptual opposites):
Since 'Synagoge' is a specific place, there are no direct antonyms. Conceptual counterparts for houses of worship in other religions include:
⚠️ Caution: These are not antonyms in the linguistic sense but equivalents in other religions.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt ein Tourist den Rabbiner vor der Synagoge: "Ist das hier der Weg zum Himmel?" Antwortet der Rabbiner: "Nein, mein Freund, aber es ist ein guter Ort, um nach dem Weg zu fragen!" 😉
English: A tourist asks the rabbi in front of the synagogue: "Is this the way to heaven?" The rabbi replies: "No, my friend, but it's a good place to ask for directions!" 😉
📜 A Poem about the Synagogue
Die Synagoge
Ein Haus des Lichts, der alten Schrift,
Wo Weisheit wohnt und Glaube trifft.
Die Synagoge, still und hehr,
Trägt Stimmen durch das Zeitenmeer.
Gemeinschaft findet hier den Ort,
Ein heil'ges Band, ein starkes Wort.
Von Tora-Rollen, sanft entfacht,
Wird hier gebetet, Tag und Nacht.
The Synagogue
A house of light, of ancient lore,
Where wisdom dwells and faith takes store.
The Synagogue, serene and grand,
Carries voices through time's sand.
Community finds its place right here,
A sacred bond, a word held dear.
From Torah scrolls, gently unfurled,
Prayers are offered, day and night swirled.
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich bin ein Haus, doch wohnen hier nicht Leute,
Man kommt zusammen, gestern wie auch heute.
Die Tora wird gelesen, man singt und man betet,
Für eine bestimmte Gemeinschaft bin ich bereitet.
Mein Name klingt griechisch, nach 'Versammlung' gar,
Mein Artikel ist weiblich, das ist sonnenklar.
Wer bin ich?
English Translation:
I am a house, but people don't live here,
People gather together, now as yesteryear.
The Torah is read, people sing and they pray,
For a specific community, I light the way.
My name sounds Greek, like 'assembly' you see,
My article is feminine, clear as can be.
What am I?
... Die Synagoge (The Synagogue)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Origin (Etymology):
The word 'Synagoge' comes from the Greek word συναγωγή (synagōgḗ), which means 'assembly', 'gathering', or 'bringing together'. It derives from συνάγω (synágō), meaning 'to bring together' or 'to assemble' (syn- 'together' + ágō 'to lead, bring').
Architecture:
Synagogues often have specific architectural features, such as the Torah Ark (Aron ha-Kodesch) on the wall facing Jerusalem and the Bimah (reading platform). However, styles can vary greatly depending on the region and historical period.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Synagoge?
The German word 'Synagoge' is a feminine noun and therefore always uses the article die. The correct forms are: die Synagoge (nominative singular), der Synagoge (genitive/dative singular), die Synagoge (accusative singular), and die Synagogen (nominative/accusative plural).