die  Zugabe

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈt͡suːɡaːbə/

🎶 What does 'die Zugabe' mean?

The German word die Zugabe primarily has two meanings:

• In Music & Theater 🎭: An additional performance (song, piece, etc.) given after the actual end of a concert or show, usually requested by the audience. It's the German word for an encore.
• In Commerce & Business 🛍️: A free item or service given in addition to a purchased product or service. A small extra, freebie, or bonus item.

In both cases, it refers to something that is given in addition (zu = 'to', 'in addition' + Gabe = 'gift', 'something given').

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Zugabe' in Detail

The noun „Zugabe“ is feminine. The article is „die“.

Example Sentences

1. Nach tosendem Applaus gab die Band noch zwei Zugaben.
   (After thunderous applause, the band gave two more encores.)
2. Beim Kauf des Parfüms erhielt ich eine kleine Handcreme als Zugabe.
   (When I bought the perfume, I received a small hand cream as a freebie/extra.)
3. Seine spöttische Bemerkung war eine unnötige Zugabe.
   (His mocking remark was an unnecessary addition/extra.)

💡 How to use 'Zugabe'?

The usage of die Zugabe heavily depends on the context:

• Concerts/Theater: This is the standard term for an encore. People often shout "Zugabe!" to encourage artists to perform more pieces.
• Shopping/Commerce: It describes a free addition, often used as a purchase incentive. Sometimes also called Draufgabe or Gratisprobe (free sample), though Zugabe sounds a bit more established. It can range from small product samples to larger extras.
• Figuratively: Less commonly, it can describe an additional, often unwanted or unnecessary remark or action (see example sentence 3 above).

Compared to Bonus, die Zugabe often refers to something physical (an item), while Bonus can also be intangible (e.g., bonus points).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Zugabe'

• Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die' audience (feminine word association, though *Publikum* is neuter, think of *die Menge* - the crowd) demanding an encore. Or, a *Gabe* (gift) is often something pretty, like 'die' flower (die Blume - feminine).
• Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you're at a concert (meaning 1: encore) and you want the artist to come back *zu* (to) the stage for another *Gabe* (gift/performance). Or when shopping (meaning 2: extra), you get something given *zu* (in addition to) your purchase – a Zu-gabe.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Konzertbesucher den anderen: "Warum klatschen alle so wild?" Sagt der andere: "Damit die Musiker endlich aufhören zu spielen!" "Aber sie kommen doch gerade für die Zugabe zurück?" "Ja, das ist die Strafe fürs Klatschen!" 😉

EN: One concertgoer asks another: "Why is everyone clapping so wildly?" The other replies: "So the musicians will finally stop playing!" "But they're just coming back for the encore (Zugabe)?" "Yes, that's the punishment for clapping!" 😉

📜 Poem about 'Zugabe'

DE:
Der letzte Ton, Applaus so laut,
das Publikum hat noch nicht genug geschaut.
"Zugabe!", schallt es durch den Raum,
ein Extra-Lied, ein schöner Traum.
Die Künstler kommen, lächeln froh,
die Zugabe, die macht uns glücklich, sowieso!
Auch im Geschäft, ganz nebenbei,
gibt's oft 'ne Kleinigkeit dabei.
Ein Dankeschön, als nette Geste,
die Zugabe ist doch das Beste!

EN:
The final note, applause rings loud,
the audience still watching in the crowd.
"Encore!" (Zugabe!) echoes through the space,
an extra song, a happy trace.
The artists return with smiles so bright,
the encore makes us happy, day or night!
In shops as well, along the way,
a little extra makes your day.
A thank you, just a kindly quest,
the freebie (Zugabe) is surely the best!

❓ Riddle

DE:
Ich komme nach dem Schlussapplaus,
oder gratis mit dem Einkauf raus.
Mal bin ich Musik, mal eine Ware klein,
was mag ich wohl sein?

EN:
I come after the final applause,
or free with a purchase, just because.
Sometimes I'm music, sometimes a small ware,
what could I be, beyond compare?

Solution: die Zugabe

🧩 Other Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Zugabe" is composed of:

• zu: preposition/adverb, meaning 'to', 'in addition' here
• Gabe: noun, meaning 'gift', 'something given'

So, literally: something that is given in addition.

Cultural Significance: Calling for an "Zugabe" is an important part of concert and theater culture in German-speaking countries, expressing the audience's appreciation.