die
Zigarette
🚬 What does "die Zigarette" mean?
Die Zigarette (noun, feminine) refers to a small, thin roll of finely cut tobacco wrapped in special paper, intended for smoking. It usually has a filter at one end.
It is a widely consumed product, but its use is associated with significant health risks ⚠️.
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 of "die Zigarette" in Detail
"Zigarette" is a feminine noun. The article is "die".
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Zigarette |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Zigarette |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Zigarette |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Zigarette |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Zigaretten |
| Genitive | der | Zigaretten |
| Dative | den | Zigaretten |
| Accusative | die | Zigaretten |
📝 Example Sentences
- Nominativ: Die Zigarette glimmt im Aschenbecher. (The cigarette smolders in the ashtray.)
- Genitiv: Der Geruch der Zigarette hängt in der Luft. (The smell of the cigarette hangs in the air.)
- Dativ: Er gibt der Zigarette keine Bedeutung mehr. (He no longer attaches any importance to the cigarette.)
- Akkusativ: Sie zündete sich die Zigarette an. (She lit the cigarette.)
- Plural: Er kaufte eine Schachtel Zigaretten. (He bought a pack of cigarettes.)
🗣️ How to use "Zigarette"?
The term "Zigarette" is frequently used in everyday language when talking about smoking.
- Typical Verbs: rauchen (to smoke), anzünden (to light), ausdrücken (to stub out), anbieten (to offer), kaufen (to buy).
- Contexts: Discussions about health, addiction, smoking bans, social habits.
- Colloquialisms: Terms like "Kippe" or "Glimmstängel" are often used synonymously but are informal.
- Distinction: A Zigarette is thinner and rolled in paper, whereas a Zigarre (cigar) is thicker and made of tobacco leaves.
Example: "Bitte rauchen Sie Ihre Zigarette draußen." ("Please smoke your cigarette outside.")
🧠 Mnemonics for Zigarette
- For the article 'die': Words ending in "-ette" in German are often feminine (like die Serviette - napkin, die Toilette - toilet). Think: "Die fancy cigarette." The feminine ending helps remember 'die'.
- For the meaning: The word "Zigarette" sounds very similar to the English "cigarette" and the French "cigarette", where it originated. It's a small, rolled item for smoking.
You could also imagine: The elegant lady ('die Dame' - feminine) smokes a cigarette.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Kippe (colloquial, often slightly derogatory - 'butt' or 'fag')
- Glimmstängel (colloquial, somewhat dated - 'glow stick')
- Fluppe (colloquial, casual)
- Sargnagel (very colloquial, negative, 'coffin nail', referring to health risks)
- Tabakstäbchen (rare, technical - 'tobacco stick')
Antonyms/Contrasts:
There are no direct antonyms, but contrasting concepts include:
- Gesundheit (health)
- Nichtrauchen (non-smoking)
- Frische Luft (fresh air)
- Kaugummi (chewing gum - as a substitute)
⚠️ Similar Words:
- Zigarre (die): Cigar - thicker, rolled from tobacco leaves, different smoking experience.
- Zigarillo (der): Cigarillo - smaller than a cigar, but larger/different from a cigarette.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Raucher aufgehört, Witze über Zigaretten zu machen?
Er hatte Angst, dass ihm die Pointen ausgehen! 😉
Translation: Why did the smoker stop making jokes about cigarettes?
He was afraid he'd run out of punchlines! (Pun: 'ausgehen' can mean 'to run out' or 'to go out' like a cigarette)
📜 A Short Poem
Die Zigarette, klein und weiß,
bringt manchen auf dünnes Eis.
Ein Zug, ein Hauch, die Glut erwacht,
hat schon manchen um den Schlaf gebracht.
Der Rauch verfliegt im Abendwind,
ein Laster, das die Lunge schind't.
Translation:
The cigarette, small and white,
leads many onto thin ice.
A drag, a puff, the ember wakes,
has robbed many of their sleep.
The smoke vanishes in the evening breeze,
a vice that harms the lungs.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin in Papier gerollt, gefüllt mit Kraut,
Werde angezündet, dann wird's laut... nein, nur Rauch kommt raus.
Manche mögen mich zum Kaffee gern,
Doch Ärzte warnen: Halt dich fern!
Was bin ich?... Die Zigarette
Translation:
I'm rolled in paper, filled with weed (here: tobacco),
I'm lit, then it gets loud... no, just smoke comes out.
Some like me with their coffee,
But doctors warn: Stay away!
What am I?
... The cigarette
💡 Other Information
- Word Origin: The word "Zigarette" comes from French ("cigarette") and is a diminutive of "cigare" (cigar).
- Components: Mainly Tabak (tobacco), Zigarettenpapier (cigarette paper), and usually a Filter (filter) made of cellulose acetate.
- Cultural Aspects: For a long time, cigarettes were a symbol of rebellion, freedom, or even elegance (depending on the era and portrayal), but today they are primarily associated with health risks.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Zigarette?
The correct article for Zigarette is die. So it's die Zigarette (feminine). Remember: Words ending in "-ette" are often feminine in German.