die
Vitrine
🖼️ What exactly is a Vitrine?
A Vitrine is a piece of furniture, typically a cabinet or case, that has at least one side made of glass. It is mainly used to display items while protecting them from dust, dirt, and unauthorized access. You often find Vitrinen in homes for showcasing collectibles, in shops for product presentation, or in museums for exhibits.
The word comes from the French 'vitre' (glass pane). In German, it is a feminine noun, so it's always die Vitrine.
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 in Detail: Die Vitrine
The noun „Vitrine“ is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Vitrine |
| Genitive | der | Vitrine |
| Dative | der | Vitrine |
| Accusative | die | Vitrine |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Vitrinen |
| Genitive | der | Vitrinen |
| Dative | den | Vitrinen |
| Accusative | die | Vitrinen |
Example Sentences
- Die alte Vitrine im Wohnzimmer ist voller Porzellanfiguren. (The old display cabinet in the living room is full of porcelain figures.)
- Der Wert der Vitrine ist schwer zu schätzen. (The value of the display cabinet is hard to estimate.)
- Ich stelle die Vase vorsichtig in die Vitrine. (I carefully place the vase into the display cabinet.)
- In Museen stehen viele wertvolle Vitrinen. (There are many valuable display cases in museums.)
💡 How die Vitrine is used
The term die Vitrine is used to describe a glass display case or cabinet. Here are some typical contexts:
- Private households: For presenting collectibles like figures, model cars, dishes, or memorabilia. („Omas Kristallgläser stehen sicher in der Vitrine.“ - Grandma's crystal glasses are safe in the display cabinet.)
- Retail: For displaying valuable goods like jewelry, watches, or electronics. („Die teuerste Uhr liegt in einer abgeschlossenen Vitrine.“ - The most expensive watch is in a locked display case.)
- Museums & Exhibitions: To protect and present artifacts, artworks, or historical objects. („Berühren Sie bitte nicht die Vitrinen im Museum.“ - Please do not touch the display cases in the museum.)
- Gastronomy: Sometimes as a refrigerated display case (Kühlvitrine) for cakes, pies, or other food items. („Der Käsekuchen in der Vitrine sieht lecker aus.“ - The cheesecake in the display case looks delicious.)
Basically, it's used whenever something needs to be kept visible but protected.
🧠 Mnemonics for Vitrine
Article Mnemonic: Imagine an elegant lady (die Dame) proudly displaying her treasures in *her* beautiful glass Vitrine. The elegance and femininity help remember 'die'.
Meaning Mnemonic: 'Vitrine' sounds a bit like the English phrase "see-through scene". A Vitrine allows you to see the scene inside, through the glass.
↔️ Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Der Schaukasten: Very similar, often used in public spaces or for notices. Literally 'show case'.
- Der Glasschrank: Emphasizes the material ('glass cabinet'), can also be a regular cabinet with glass doors, not exclusively for display.
- Die Glasvitrine: A bit redundant ('glass display case'), but commonly used to emphasize the material.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Dieb die Vitrine nicht aufgebrochen?
(Why didn't the thief break open the display case?)
Er hatte Angst vor Glasscherben – er wollte ja nicht seinen „Einblick“ verlieren!
(He was afraid of broken glass – he didn't want to lose his 'insight'/'view inside'!) (Pun: Einblick = insight / view inside)
📜 A Poem about the Vitrine
Im Zimmer steht, so klar und rein,
die Vitrine, glänzend fein.
Bewahrt, was lieb und teuer ist,
vor Staub und Zeit, zu jeder Frist.
Ein Blick hinein, Erinnerung wacht,
Kunstwerke strahlen in der Pracht.
(In the room it stands, so clear and pure,
The display case, shining fine and sure.
It keeps what's dear and precious held,
From dust and time, as tales are spelled.
A glance inside, memory wakes,
Artworks shimmer, for goodness sakes.)
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich habe Wände, doch kein Haus,
aus Glas schau'n oft die Schätze raus.
Ich schütze sie vor Staub und Hand,
bin in Museen und Läden bekannt.
Wer bin ich?
(I have walls, but not a house,
Through glass, treasures often peek out.
I protect them from dust and hand,
Known in museums and shops across the land.
Who am I?)
Solution: die Vitrine (the display case)
🌐 Origin and Other Info
The word Vitrine was borrowed from French 'vitrine' in the 18th century. The French word derives from 'vitre', meaning 'windowpane' or 'glass'. This highlights the essential feature of this piece of furniture – its glass front or enclosure.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vitrine?
The noun "Vitrine" is feminine. The correct article is always die Vitrine.