die  Tribüne

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁiˈbyːnə/

🏟️ What exactly is a Tribüne?

The German word die Tribüne (feminine, plural: die Tribünen) refers to a raised structure, often tiered, that provides seating or standing room for spectators or an audience to better view an event (e.g., a sports match, a theatre performance, a speech, or a court hearing).

You typically find Tribünen in:

• Stadien (stadiums) and sports arenas
• Theatern (theatres) and concert halls (often called Rang or Empore)
• Event halls
• Parliament chambers
• Gerichtssälen (courtrooms) (spectator area)

There are no exceptions regarding the article; it is always die Tribüne.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: die Tribüne

The word „Tribüne“ is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. Die Fans jubelten auf der Tribüne.
   (The fans cheered on the stand.)
2. Von der Pressetribüne aus hat man einen guten Überblick.
   (From the press stand, you have a good overview.)
3. Die Haupttribüne des Stadions war voll besetzt.
   (The main grandstand of the stadium was fully occupied.)
4. Wir saßen auf der linken Tribüne im Theater.
   (We sat on the left gallery/tier in the theatre.)

🗣️ When and How to Use "Tribüne"?

The term "Tribüne" is primarily used in the context of places where people gather to watch something.

• Sport: "Die Stimmung auf der Südtribüne war unglaublich." (The atmosphere on the south stand was incredible.)
• Theater/Konzert: "Unsere Plätze sind auf der oberen Tribüne." (Our seats are in the upper gallery/circle.) Here, Rang or Empore are also common.
• Public Speeches/Events: "Der Redner sprach von einer erhöhten Tribüne herab." (The speaker spoke from a raised platform/tribune.)
• Politics: "Die Abgeordneten nahmen auf ihren Tribünen Platz." (The delegates took their seats in the galleries. - referring to the visitor gallery in parliament).
• Justice: "Die Zuschauer verfolgten den Prozess von der Tribüne aus." (The spectators followed the trial from the gallery.)

Unlike a Loge (a private, separate box), a Tribüne is usually an open, larger area for many spectators. Rang is often a specific term for a tier or gallery level in a theatre.

💡 Mnemonics for "die Tribüne"

Article Mnemonic: Think of the grandstand being for the 'diva' spectators. 'Diva' sounds like 'die'. So, it's die Tribüne.

Meaning Mnemonic: Tribüne sounds a bit like the English word 'tribune', which historically referred to a platform for speakers or officials, often raised for visibility - similar to a spectator stand.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities

⚠️ Be careful: Although a Podium is a raised platform, it's typically for the performers or speakers, not the audience.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Fan den anderen auf der Tribüne: "Warum schleichst du hier so herum?"
Antwortet der andere: "Auf meiner Eintrittskarte steht 'Schleichwerbung'!"

Translation:
One fan asks another on the stand: "Why are you sneaking around here?"
The other replies: "My ticket says 'Product Placement'!" (Schleichwerbung literally means 'sneaking advertising')

📜 A Poem about the Tribüne

Hoch oben auf der Tribüne,
weit weg von grüner Bühne.
Das Volk schaut zu, mit Jubel, laut,
hat sich hierher vertraut.

Ob Sieg, ob Niederlage winkt,
die Menge singt und klingt.
Ein Meer aus Fahnen, bunt und grell,
das Echo schallt so schnell.

Translation:
High up on the stand,
far from the green stage/pitch.
The crowd watches, with loud cheers,
having gathered here in trust.

Whether victory or defeat beckons,
the crowd sings and resonates.
A sea of flags, colourful and bright,
the echo resounds so fast.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich steige an, Stufe um Stufe,
biete Platz für laute Rufe.
Im Stadion, im Saal, bin ich zu Haus,
von mir sieht man das Spiel, den Applaus.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I ascend, step by step,
offer space for loud shouts.
In the stadium, in the hall, I am at home,
from me, you see the game, the applause.

What am I?

Solution: die Tribüne (the stand/grandstand)

🌐 Other Interesting Facts

Wortherkunft (Word Origin): The word "Tribüne" comes from the Latin tribunal, which originally referred to the raised seat for officials (tribunes) in ancient Rome.

Zusammengesetzte Wörter (Compound Words): There are many compound words with Tribüne that specify the purpose or location:

• Haupttribüne: Main stand/grandstand.
• Gegentribüne: Opposite stand.
• Pressetribüne: Press box/stand.
• Ehrentribüne: VIP stand / box of honour.
• Sitztribüne / Stehtribüne: Seated stand / standing terrace.