die
Tolle
💇♀️ What exactly is a 'Tolle'?
The German word die Tolle primarily refers to a specific type of hairstyle: a quiff or pompadour, which is a section of hair combed upwards or forwards from the forehead, often voluminous. It's also known as Schmalztolle or Haartolle. It was particularly popular in the 1950s (think Elvis Presley!) but is still popular today in certain subcultures and as a fashion statement.
It is a feminine noun.
🚨 Attention: Less commonly, 'Tolle' can appear as a noun derived from the adjective 'toll' (great, mad, crazy), e.g., 'Das ist ja die Tolle!' meaning 'That's the great/crazy thing about it!'. However, this usage is rather colloquial and context-dependent. The main meaning relates to the hairstyle.
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: 'Die Tolle' in Detail
'Die Tolle' is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | die Tolle | eine Tolle |
| Genitive (Whose?) | der Tolle | einer Tolle |
| Dative (To whom?) | der Tolle | einer Tolle |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | die Tolle | eine Tolle |
Plural
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Tollen | Tollen |
| Genitive | der Tollen | Tollen |
| Dative | den Tollen | Tollen |
| Accusative | die Tollen | Tollen |
Example Sentences
- Er trägt seine Haare zu einer beeindruckenden Tolle gestylt.
(He wears his hair styled into an impressive quiff.) - Die Tolle war das Markenzeichen vieler Rock'n'Roll-Stars.
(The quiff was the trademark of many rock'n'roll stars.) - Mit etwas Haarspray hält die Tolle den ganzen Abend.
(With some hairspray, the quiff lasts all evening.) - Sie experimentierte mit verschiedenen Arten von Tollen.
(She experimented with different kinds of quiffs/pompadours.)
✨ How to use 'die Tolle'?
The term die Tolle is almost exclusively used in the context of hairstyles. It specifically describes the swept-up or combed-back front section of hair.
- Context: Fashion, style, 1950s, rockabilly, retro look, hairdressing.
- Usage: You talk about wearing (tragen), styling (stylen), forming (formen), or having (haben) a Tolle.
- Distinction: While 'Frisur' is the general term for hairstyle and 'Haarschnitt' refers to the haircut, 'die Tolle' denotes a specific styling element of the front hair section.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Tolle'
Remembering the Article: Think of a diva (die Diva) who has a totally tall (toll) quiff. Die Diva hat die Tolle. ('Die' is feminine).
Remembering the Meaning: The adjective 'toll' also means 'great' or 'awesome'. A well-made Tolle often looks 'toll'! The hair 'tolls' (stands tall) upwards.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Haartolle: Very direct, means 'hair quiff'.
- Schmalztolle: Often refers to the 50s quiff styled with pomade (historically 'Schmalz' - lard/grease).
- Pompadour: International term for a similar style (can also be worn by women).
- Quiff: English term, often used synonymously.
- Elvis-Tolle: Named after Elvis Presley, a famous wearer.
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with the adjective 'toll' (great, crazy) or the noun 'der Tolle' (crazy man, dated).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Friseur den Kunden mit der Riesen-Tolle: "Soll ich schneiden oder Holz hacken?"
(The hairdresser asks the customer with the giant quiff: "Should I cut it or chop wood?")
✍️ Poem about the 'Tolle'
Hoch hinaus die Strähne strebt,
ein Kunstwerk, das im Winde bebt.
Die Tolle sitzt, perfekt gestylt,
ein Look, der aus der Zeit enteilt.
Mit Gel und Kamm und festem Halt,
wird sie zum Blickfang, jung und alt.
(High up the strand does strive,
A piece of art, in wind alive.
The quiff sits there, styled perfectly,
A look escaping history.
With gel and comb and steady hold,
An eye-catcher for young and old.)
🤔 Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Turm, doch strebe hoch,
auf Köpfen sitz' ich, weich und doch.
Man kämmt mich auf, mit Spray fixiert,
besonders Rock'n'Roller hat's geziert.
Was bin ich?
... Die Tolle
(I'm not a tower, yet I strive high,
On heads I sit, soft though nearby.
I'm combed up, fixed with spray,
Rock'n'rollers wore me in their day.
What am I?
... The quiff (die Tolle))
🕹️ Trivia
The Tolle (quiff/pompadour) is inextricably linked with the youth culture of the 1950s and rock'n'roll. Stars like Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Johnny Cash popularized it. It was considered a sign of rebellion and coolness. Even today, it is cultivated in the rockabilly and vintage scenes.
The word 'Tolle' itself probably derives from the Middle High German word 'tolle' or 'tulle' for a tuft or shock of hair.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Tolle?
The German word Tolle is feminine. The correct article is die Tolle. It primarily refers to a specific hairstyle: a quiff or pompadour, where the front hair is styled upwards or forwards.