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A2 noun #3,000 le plus courant 5 min de lecture

das Geschlecht

Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces das Geschlecht en 30 secondes

Explication das Geschlecht in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'das Geschlecht' in the context of filling out forms. You will see it on applications next to options like 'männlich' (male) and 'weiblich' (female). At this stage, don't worry about the complex meanings like 'lineage'. Just remember that it is a neuter noun (das) and that it means 'sex' or 'gender' on a passport or ID card. You might hear a teacher say 'das grammatische Geschlecht' when explaining 'der, die, das', but they will usually just say 'der Artikel'. Focus on recognizing the word on paper.

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At the A2 level, you should start using 'das Geschlecht' in simple sentences. You might describe people or talk about basic grammar rules. You should know the plural form 'die Geschlechter'. You will encounter this word in reading passages about family or society. You should be able to answer the question 'Welches Geschlecht hat dieses Wort?' (What gender does this word have?) and understand that it refers to the grammatical category. You are also expected to use it correctly with adjectives, such as 'das männliche Geschlecht'.

At B1, you move into more abstract discussions. You will use 'das Geschlecht' to talk about social issues, such as 'Gleichberechtigung der Geschlechter' (equality of the sexes). You should be comfortable with the genitive form 'des Geschlechts'. You will also start to see compound words like 'Geschlechterrollen' (gender roles). At this level, you are expected to understand that 'Geschlecht' can mean both the biological and the social aspect of identity, depending on the context of the conversation or the text.

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At B2, you should be aware of the nuances between 'Geschlecht' and 'Gender'. You will participate in debates about 'Gender-Mainstreaming' or 'geschlechtergerechte Sprache' (gender-neutral language). You will also encounter the word in more formal or literary contexts where it might refer to 'mankind' as a whole (das Menschengeschlecht). Your vocabulary should include synonyms like 'Genus' for linguistics and 'Sexus' for biology. You should be able to read complex sociological texts that use the word frequently to describe demographic data.

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At C1, you explore the historical and literary depths of 'das Geschlecht'. You will read about 'Adelsgeschlechter' (noble lineages) in history books and understand the word as a synonym for 'dynasty' or 'house'. You should be able to use the word in high-level academic writing, distinguishing carefully between its various meanings. You will also understand idiomatic or archaic uses, such as 'das schwache Geschlecht' (an old-fashioned, often criticized term for women) and 'das starke Geschlecht' (for men), and be able to discuss the cultural implications of such terms.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word's etymology and its place in the German intellectual tradition. You can analyze how the meaning of 'Geschlecht' has shifted from 'kind/species' to 'family' to 'gender' over centuries. You can interpret philosophical texts (like those of Judith Butler translated into German) where 'Geschlecht' is scrutinized. You use the word with absolute precision in any register, from legal statutes to poetic verse, and you are sensitive to the subtle connotations it carries in different historical periods of German literature.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

das Geschlecht en 30 secondes

Das Geschlecht primarily means biological sex or social gender identity in modern German contexts.
In linguistics, it refers to the grammatical gender of nouns (masculine, feminine, or neuter).
Historically, it denotes a noble lineage, family line, or dynasty with shared ancestry.
It is a neuter noun (das) with the plural form 'die Geschlechter' used frequently in social debates.

The German noun das Geschlecht is a multifaceted term that English speakers often find intriguing because it bridges several distinct concepts: biological sex, social gender, grammatical gender, and historical lineage. At its core, the word originates from roots meaning 'kind' or 'species,' which explains why it can describe both the identity of an individual and the continuity of a family line. In modern everyday German, you will most frequently encounter it when filling out official forms or discussing social issues. However, if you are reading a historical novel or a genealogy report, the word takes on a grander tone, referring to a dynasty or a noble house.

Biological and Social Identity: In medical, legal, and sociological contexts, Geschlecht is the standard term for sex or gender. While English distinguishes between 'sex' (biological) and 'gender' (social), German often uses Geschlecht for both, though academic circles might specify biologisches Geschlecht versus soziales Geschlecht (Gender).
Grammatical Category: In linguistics, das grammatische Geschlecht is the synonym for das Genus. It determines whether a noun is masculine, feminine, or neuter, which is the bane of many German learners' existence.
Lineage and Dynasty: Historically, das Geschlecht refers to a family line, especially one of high standing. Phrases like ein altes Geschlecht refer to an ancient noble family.

Auf dem Formular müssen Sie Ihr Geschlecht ankreuzen.

Translation: On the form, you must check your gender/sex.

Understanding the context is key. If you are at a doctor's office, it is about biology. If you are in a museum looking at a family tree of the Habsburgs, it is about lineage. If you are in a German class, it is about grammar. This versatility makes it a powerful word to master early in your journey to B1 and B2 proficiency.

Using das Geschlecht correctly involves understanding its declension and its role as a neuter noun. Because it ends in '-echt', it follows standard neuter patterns. In the plural, it becomes die Geschlechter. This plural form is very common when discussing 'the sexes' or 'gender relations' (die Geschlechterverhältnisse).

The Genitive Case: When indicating possession or association, use des Geschlechts. Example: 'Die Gleichheit des Geschlechts' (The equality of the sex/gender).
Compound Words: German loves compounds. You will see Geschlechts- as a prefix in words like Geschlechtskrankheit (STD) or Geschlechtsrolle (gender role).

Es gibt Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern in Bezug auf die Bezahlung.

Translation: There are differences between the genders regarding pay.

When discussing grammar, you might say: 'Das Substantiv 'Tisch' hat ein männliches Geschlecht.' While teachers often use 'Genus' for precision, 'Geschlecht' is perfectly acceptable in general conversation about language. In the context of history, you might hear: 'Er entstammt einem edlen Geschlecht' (He comes from a noble lineage). Note the use of the dative after 'aus/entstammen'.

You will encounter das Geschlecht in a variety of real-world scenarios in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Its presence spans from bureaucratic paperwork to deep philosophical debates. Here is where it pops up most frequently:

Official Forms: Every time you register an address (Anmeldung), apply for a visa, or open a bank account, you will see a field labeled 'Geschlecht'.
News and Media: Discussions about the 'Gender Pay Gap' (Geschlechter-Einkommenslücke) or 'Gender Equality' (Gleichstellung der Geschlechter) are staples of German news.
Medical Settings: Doctors use it to refer to biological sex. You might hear 'das männliche/weibliche Geschlecht'.
Literature and History: In classic literature (Goethe, Schiller), the word often refers to 'mankind' (das Menschengeschlecht) or specific noble families.

Das Geschlecht spielt in dieser Studie eine zentrale Rolle.

Translation: Gender plays a central role in this study.

For English speakers, the biggest hurdle is not the word itself, but the conceptual overlap between 'sex' and 'gender'. German learners often try to find a direct translation for 'gender' and settle on the English loanword 'Gender', but in most standard contexts, Geschlecht is the correct choice.

Confusing Geschlecht and Genus: While they can be synonyms, 'Genus' is strictly for grammar. If you use 'Geschlecht' in a linguistics paper, it might seem slightly less professional than 'Genus'. However, in a casual conversation about why 'die Sonne' is feminine, 'Geschlecht' is fine.
Article Errors: Mistaking das Geschlecht for der Geschlecht is a common A2-level error. Remember: most nouns ending in '-echt' are neuter.

Falsch: Der Geschlecht ist egal.
Richtig: Das Geschlecht ist egal.

The gender doesn't matter.

Another mistake is using 'Geschlecht' when you mean 'species' (Art or Spezies). While 'Geschlecht' has historical roots in 'kind', it is never used today to describe animals in a biological classification sense (e.g., 'the feline species' is 'die Katzenart', not 'das Katzengeschlecht').

Depending on what you want to say, das Geschlecht might have more precise alternatives. In German, precision is often rewarded with better clarity.

Sexus vs. Genus: Sexus refers specifically to biological sex, while Genus refers to grammatical category. Geschlecht covers both but is less technical.
Dynastie / Stamm: If you are talking about family history, Dynastie or Adelsgeschlecht is more common. Stamm refers more to a tribe or a very early ancestral line.
Gender: Used in academic and activist circles to describe social identity as distinct from biological sex. Often used in the context of 'Gender Studies'.

Das Haus Habsburg war ein mächtiges Geschlecht.

The House of Habsburg was a powerful lineage.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The connection to 'schlagen' (to strike) comes from the idea of 'stamping' or 'minting' something. Just as a coin is struck with a design, a 'Geschlecht' shares a common 'stamp' or identity.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡəˈʃlɛçt/

US /ɡəˈʃlɛkt/

The stress is on the second syllable: ge-SCHLECHT.

Rime avec

echt recht schlecht Specht Knecht Hecht waagerecht senkrecht

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ch' like 'k' (as in 'character'). It should be a soft hiss.
Pronouncing the 'g' like 'j' (as in 'judge'). In German, it is always hard like 'goat'.
Stress on the first syllable 'ge-'. In German, the prefix 'ge-' is almost never stressed.
Vowel length: Making the 'e' too long. It is a short, crisp 'e'.
Merging the 'sch' and 'l' too slowly. They should flow together smoothly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct genitive and plural forms.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'sch' + 'l' + 'echt' combination is tricky for beginners.

Écoute 3/5

Can be confused with 'schlecht' if not listening carefully.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Mann Frau Familie Wort Artikel

Apprends ensuite

Genus Gleichberechtigung Identität Abstammung Rolle

Avancé

Hegemonie Dekonstruktion Genealogie Patriarchat Matriarchat

Grammaire à connaître

Neuter nouns ending in -echt

Das Geschlecht, das Recht, das Gefecht.

Genitive 's' for neuter nouns

Die Bestimmung des Geschlechts.

Plural ending in -er

Das Geschlecht -> Die Geschlechter.

Dative plural 'n'

Zwischen den Geschlechtern (adds 'n' to the plural form).

Compound noun gender

Die Geschlechterrolle (takes the gender of 'Rolle').

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Exemples par niveau

Bitte kreuzen Sie Ihr Geschlecht an.

Please mark your gender.

Imperative sentence with 'das Geschlecht' as the direct object.

Was ist dein Geschlecht?

What is your gender?

Simple question using the nominative case.

Das Geschlecht ist männlich.

The gender is male.

Predicate nominative construction.

Ich kenne das Geschlecht des Kindes nicht.

I don't know the child's gender.

Accusative object.

Hier steht 'Geschlecht: weiblich'.

Here it says 'Gender: female'.

Noun used in a label context.

Ist das Geschlecht wichtig?

Is the gender important?

Subject of the sentence.

Mein Geschlecht ist auf dem Ausweis.

My gender is on the ID card.

Prepositional phrase 'auf dem Ausweis'.

Das Wort hat ein Geschlecht.

The word has a gender.

Referring to grammatical gender.

Jedes Nomen hat ein grammatisches Geschlecht.

Every noun has a grammatical gender.

Adjective 'grammatisches' modifying 'Geschlecht'.

Es gibt zwei biologische Geschlechter.

There are two biological sexes.

Plural form 'Geschlechter'.

Wir lernen heute über die Geschlechter.

We are learning about the genders today.

Accusative plural after 'über'.

Das Geschlecht des Babys ist eine Überraschung.

The baby's gender is a surprise.

Genitive case 'des Babys'.

Kennen Sie das Geschlecht dieser Person?

Do you know this person's gender?

Genitive 'dieser Person'.

Sie fragt nach dem Geschlecht.

She is asking about the gender.

Dative case after 'nach'.

Das Geschlecht wird oft im Pass eingetragen.

The gender is often entered in the passport.

Passive voice construction.

In der Grammatik gibt es drei Geschlechter.

In grammar, there are three genders.

Plural 'Geschlechter'.

Die Gleichberechtigung der Geschlechter ist ein Ziel der Politik.

Gender equality is a goal of politics.

Genitive plural 'der Geschlechter'.

Früher waren die Geschlechterrollen sehr starr.

In the past, gender roles were very rigid.

Compound noun 'Geschlechterrollen'.

Man sollte niemanden wegen seines Geschlechts diskriminieren.

One should not discriminate against anyone because of their gender.

Genitive singular 'seines Geschlechts' after 'wegen'.

Das soziale Geschlecht unterscheidet sich vom biologischen.

Social gender differs from biological sex.

Adjective 'soziale' and 'biologischen'.

Die Studie untersucht die Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern.

The study examines the differences between the genders.

Dative plural after 'zwischen'.

In vielen Sprachen ist das grammatische Geschlecht kompliziert.

In many languages, grammatical gender is complicated.

Subject position.

Die Erziehung hängt oft vom Geschlecht ab.

Upbringing often depends on gender.

Dative after 'von'.

Es gibt eine Debatte über das dritte Geschlecht.

There is a debate about the third gender.

Prepositional phrase 'über das dritte Geschlecht'.

Die Kategorie 'Geschlecht' wird in der Soziologie kritisch hinterfragt.

The category of 'gender' is critically questioned in sociology.

Noun in quotation marks used as a concept.

Geschlechtergerechte Sprache ist ein aktuelles Thema.

Gender-equitable language is a current topic.

Adjective 'geschlechtergerecht'.

Das Geschlecht beeinflusst die Karrierechancen auf dem Arbeitsmarkt.

Gender influences career opportunities in the labor market.

Subject 'Das Geschlecht'.

Es ist wichtig, die Vielfalt der Geschlechter anzuerkennen.

It is important to recognize the diversity of genders.

Genitive plural 'der Geschlechter'.

Die biologischen Merkmale bestimmen das Geschlecht bei der Geburt.

Biological characteristics determine the sex at birth.

Direct object.

Das grammatische Geschlecht stimmt nicht immer mit dem Sexus überein.

Grammatical gender does not always match the biological sex.

Comparison between 'Geschlecht' and 'Sexus'.

Der Einfluss des Geschlechts auf das Konsumverhalten ist groß.

The influence of gender on consumer behavior is significant.

Genitive 'des Geschlechts'.

Sie identifiziert sich nicht mit ihrem zugewiesenen Geschlecht.

She does not identify with her assigned gender.

Dative after 'mit'.

Das Haus Bourbon war ein bedeutendes europäisches Geschlecht.

The House of Bourbon was a significant European lineage.

Meaning 'lineage/dynasty'.

Er stammt aus einem alten sächsischen Geschlecht.

He comes from an old Saxon lineage.

Prepositional phrase 'aus einem ... Geschlecht'.

Die Geschichte dieses Geschlechts reicht bis ins 12. Jahrhundert zurück.

The history of this lineage dates back to the 12th century.

Genitive 'dieses Geschlechts'.

Schiller beschreibt das Menschengeschlecht in seinen Werken.

Schiller describes the human race in his works.

Compound 'Menschengeschlecht' (mankind).

Die Fortpflanzung dient dem Erhalt des Geschlechts.

Reproduction serves the preservation of the species/lineage.

Genitive 'des Geschlechts'.

In der Genealogie wird jedes Geschlecht genau dokumentiert.

In genealogy, every lineage is precisely documented.

Subject in a passive sentence.

Das weibliche Geschlecht wurde historisch oft benachteiligt.

The female sex was historically often disadvantaged.

Historical sociological context.

Sie ist die letzte Vertreterin ihres Geschlechts.

She is the last representative of her lineage.

Genitive 'ihres Geschlechts'.

Die Dekonstruktion des Geschlechts ist ein zentraler Aspekt der Queer-Theorie.

The deconstruction of gender is a central aspect of queer theory.

Academic genitive construction.

Das Geschlecht als soziale Konstruktion wird in diesem Essay analysiert.

Gender as a social construction is analyzed in this essay.

Conceptual use of the word.

Das Schicksal des gesamten Geschlechts hing von dieser Entscheidung ab.

The fate of the entire race/lineage depended on this decision.

High literary style.

Die ontologische Relevanz des Geschlechts wird oft debattiert.

The ontological relevance of gender is often debated.

Highly formal academic register.

In den Mythen wird das Geschlecht der Götter oft ambivalent dargestellt.

In myths, the gender of the gods is often portrayed ambivalently.

Literary analysis.

Die binäre Ordnung der Geschlechter wird zunehmend infrage gestellt.

The binary order of genders is increasingly being questioned.

Sociological plural usage.

Ein edles Geschlecht zu begründen, war das Ziel vieler Monarchen.

Establishing a noble lineage was the goal of many monarchs.

Infinitive clause as subject.

Das Wort 'Geschlecht' evoziert sowohl biologische als auch dynastische Assoziationen.

The word 'Geschlecht' evokes both biological and dynastic associations.

Meta-linguistic commentary.

Collocations courantes

männliches Geschlecht

weibliches Geschlecht

grammatisches Geschlecht

beide Geschlechter

adliges Geschlecht

schwaches Geschlecht

starkes Geschlecht

drittes Geschlecht

Geschlecht angeben

Menschengeschlecht

Phrases Courantes

von Geschlecht zu Geschlecht

— From generation to generation. Used to describe traditions or traits passed down.

Diese Geschichte wurde von Geschlecht zu Geschlecht weitergegeben.

das schöne Geschlecht

— The 'fair sex' (women). An old-fashioned, chivalrous, but now often seen as patronizing term.

Er machte dem schönen Geschlecht gerne Komplimente.

ein aussterbendes Geschlecht

— A dying lineage. A family line that has no more heirs.

Mit seinem Tod erlischt ein aussterbendes Geschlecht.

gleiches Geschlecht

— Same sex. Often used in legal or marital contexts.

Paare gleichen Geschlechts dürfen heiraten.

nach Geschlecht getrennt

— Separated by gender. Common in schools or sports.

Die Umkleiden sind nach Geschlecht getrennt.

das andere Geschlecht

— The opposite sex. Referring to men if you are a woman, and vice versa.

Wie denkt das andere Geschlecht darüber?

eines Geschlechts sein

— To be of the same lineage/family.

Sie sind alle eines Geschlechts.

das menschliche Geschlecht

— The human race. A formal way to say 'humanity'.

Die Zukunft des menschlichen Geschlechts ist ungewiss.

Geschlecht und Alter

— Gender and age. Standard demographic variables.

Bitte nennen Sie Geschlecht und Alter.

unbekanntes Geschlecht

— Unknown gender. Used when the sex of a baby or animal hasn't been determined.

Das Tier hat noch ein unbekanntes Geschlecht.

Souvent confondu avec

das Geschlecht vs schlecht

Adjective meaning 'bad'. Sounds similar but lacks the 'Ge-' prefix and the noun capitalization.

das Geschlecht vs das Gesicht

Noun meaning 'face'. Also neuter, but has a different vowel and ending.

das Geschlecht vs die Geschichte

Noun meaning 'history' or 'story'. Feminine, longer, and very common.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Das starke Geschlecht"

— A traditional, now often ironic idiom for men.

Hier zeigt sich das starke Geschlecht von seiner weichen Seite.

informal/ironic

"Das schwache Geschlecht"

— A traditional, now mostly rejected idiom for women.

Von wegen schwaches Geschlecht! Sie hat den Marathon gewonnen.

informal/ironic

"Ein altes Geschlecht"

— Refers to a family with a long, often noble history.

Die von Meiers sind ein altes Geschlecht.

formal

"Das Menschengeschlecht"

— Mankind. Used in high literature to discuss the human condition.

Das Menschengeschlecht strebt nach Wissen.

literary

"Geschlechterkampf"

— The 'battle of the sexes'.

Der Film thematisiert den ewigen Geschlechterkampf.

journalistic

"Vom anderen Geschlecht sein"

— To belong to the opposite gender.

Sie wollte wissen, wie es ist, vom anderen Geschlecht zu sein.

neutral

"Eines edlen Geschlechts"

— Of noble birth.

Er war ein Ritter eines edlen Geschlechts.

literary

"Die Krone der Geschlechter"

— A very rare, archaic way to praise someone's lineage.

Sie galt als die Krone ihres Geschlechts.

archaic

"Geschlechterfolge"

— The sequence of generations.

Die Geschlechterfolge wurde genau aufgezeichnet.

formal

"Im Schutze des Geschlechts"

— Under the protection of one's family/clan (archaic).

Er stand im Schutze seines Geschlechts.

archaic

Facile à confondre

das Geschlecht vs Genus

Both mean grammatical gender.

Genus is the technical linguistic term; Geschlecht is the general term.

Bestimmen Sie das Genus dieses Nomens.

das Geschlecht vs Sexus

Both mean biological sex.

Sexus is used in biology and medicine to be very specific.

Der Sexus des Fötus ist erkennbar.

das Geschlecht vs Gattung

Both can mean 'type' or 'kind'.

Gattung is used for biological genus (animals/plants) or literary genres.

Der Hund gehört zur Gattung Canis.

das Geschlecht vs Art

Both can mean 'species' or 'kind'.

Art is the standard word for biological species or 'way/manner'.

Das ist eine seltene Art von Vogel.

das Geschlecht vs Gender

Used as a loanword in German.

Gender refers specifically to the social/cultural identity, whereas Geschlecht is broader.

Gender-Mainstreaming ist eine politische Strategie.

Structures de phrases

Mein Geschlecht ist [X].

Mein Geschlecht ist weiblich.

Das Wort [Nomen] hat das [Adjektiv] Geschlecht.

Das Wort 'Haus' hat das sächliche Geschlecht.

Wegen meines/seines/ihres Geschlechts...

Wegen ihres Geschlechts bekam sie den Job nicht.

Die Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern sind...

Die Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern sind minimal.

Er entstammt einem [Adjektiv] Geschlecht.

Er entstammt einem uralten Geschlecht.

Das [X] Geschlecht erlosch im Jahr [Y].

Das adlige Geschlecht erlosch im Jahr 1920.

Die Konstruktion des Geschlechts...

Die Konstruktion des Geschlechts erfolgt durch Sprache.

Das Menschengeschlecht als Ganzes...

Das Menschengeschlecht als Ganzes muss umdenken.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in bureaucracy, education, and social sciences.

Erreurs courantes

Der Geschlecht → Das Geschlecht
The word is neuter, not masculine. This is a very frequent error for beginners.
Die Geschlechte → Die Geschlechter
The plural requires the '-er' ending. 'Geschlechte' is not a word.
Using 'Geschlecht' for animal species. → Die Art / Die Spezies
While 'Geschlecht' meant 'kind' historically, today we use 'Art' for biological species.
Wegen dem Geschlecht → Wegen des Geschlechts
In formal German, 'wegen' requires the genitive case.
Confusing 'Geschlecht' with 'Geschichte'. → Geschlecht (Gender) / Geschichte (History)
They look similar but have different genders and meanings.

Astuces

Neuter Rule

Remember that 'das Geschlecht' is neuter. This is consistent across all its meanings, whether you are talking about a person, a word, or a family.

Compound Power

If you see a long word starting with 'Geschlechts-', it almost always relates to sex or gender. For example, 'Geschlechtsmerkmal' (gender characteristic).

The Third Option

Always look for the 'd' in 'm/w/d' on German websites. It shows how the concept of 'Geschlecht' is legally expanding in Germany.

Noble Houses

When reading about European history, 'das Geschlecht' is the word for those famous families like the Habsburgs or Romanovs.

Soft 'ch'

Make sure your 'ch' sound is soft. If it sounds like you are clearing your throat, it's too harsh. It should sound like a cat hissing.

Genitive Usage

In essays, use 'des Geschlechts' to sound more academic. 'Die Rolle des Geschlechts' is a very common phrase.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Geschlecht' in a museum, think 'family'. If you hear it in a school, think 'grammar'. If you hear it in a hospital, think 'biology'.

The 'Ge-' Prefix

The 'Ge-' prefix often indicates a collective noun. 'Geschlecht' is a collection of people in a family or a category of words.

Equality

The phrase 'Gleichberechtigung der Geschlechter' is the key term for gender equality. Use it in B1/B2 exams.

Genus vs. Geschlecht

Use 'Genus' if you want to sound like a language expert. Use 'Geschlecht' if you are just talking about 'der, die, das' normally.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the word 'schlecht' (bad). If you get someone's 'Geschlecht' (gender) wrong on a form, it is 'schlecht' (bad)!

Association visuelle

Imagine a family tree (lineage) where every leaf has a 'der, die, or das' label (grammar) and a male/female symbol (sex).

Word Web

Biologie Grammatik Familie Stammbaum Mann Frau Divers Genus

Défi

Try to find three items in your room and say their 'grammatisches Geschlecht' out loud using the word 'Geschlecht'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German 'geslehte' and Old High German 'gislahti'. It is related to the verb 'schlagen' (to strike/hit), originally referring to what has been 'struck' or 'cast' in a certain mold.

Sens originel : Originally meant 'kind', 'species', or 'type'—something that shares a common nature or origin.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

When asking for someone's gender, 'Geschlecht' is neutral, but always be aware that social gender identity is a sensitive and evolving topic in German-speaking societies.

English has separate words for 'sex', 'gender', 'lineage', and 'genus'. German uses 'Geschlecht' for all, which can feel less precise to English speakers but more interconnected to Germans.

Judith Butler's 'Gender Trouble' is translated in German as 'Das Unbehagen der Geschlechter'. Thomas Mann's 'Buddenbrooks' chronicles the decline of a 'Geschlecht' (lineage). The German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) states: 'Niemand darf wegen seines Geschlechtes... benachteiligt oder bevorzugt werden'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Doctor

Biologisches Geschlecht
Geschlechtskrankheit
Geschlechtsorgane
männlich/weiblich

Filling out Forms

Geschlecht: divers
Bitte ankreuzen
Angabe des Geschlechts
Pflichtfeld

German Class

Grammatisches Geschlecht
Das Genus bestimmen
Maskulin, Feminin, Neutrum
Artikelzuordnung

History Museum

Ein altes Geschlecht
Stammbaum
Adelsgeschlecht
Nachfahre eines Geschlechts

Sociology Seminar

Geschlechterrollen
Soziales Geschlecht
Geschlechtergerechtigkeit
Binäres System

Amorces de conversation

"Wusstest du, dass 'Mädchen' ein sächliches Geschlecht hat?"

"Ist das Geschlecht heutzutage noch wichtig für die Berufswahl?"

"Welche Geschlechterrollen findest du veraltet?"

"Kennst du die Geschichte deines eigenen Geschlechts (deiner Familie)?"

"Was hältst du von geschlechtergerechter Sprache in den Medien?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe, wie dein Geschlecht dein Leben bisher beeinflusst hat.

Denke über ein berühmtes Adelsgeschlecht nach. Warum sind sie heute noch bekannt?

Warum ist das grammatische Geschlecht im Deutschen so schwierig für Lerner?

Wie hat sich die Wahrnehmung der Geschlechter in den letzten 50 Jahren verändert?

Sollte das Geschlecht in Pässen abgeschafft werden? Warum oder warum nicht?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Mostly yes, but with a twist. In German, 'Geschlecht' covers both biological sex and social gender. However, academics often use the English word 'Gender' to specifically discuss social roles, while 'Geschlecht' remains the standard for everything else.

The plural is 'die Geschlechter'. For example: 'Es gibt viele Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern' (There are many differences between the genders).

You can say either 'das grammatische Geschlecht' or simply 'das Genus'. Both are correct, but 'Genus' is more technical.

Historically, the word meant 'kind' or 'origin'. Therefore, people of the same 'kind' (family) were referred to as a 'Geschlecht'. This is still used today for noble families (Adelsgeschlechter).

Neither! It is a neuter noun: 'das Geschlecht'. This is ironic, as the word for gender itself is neuter.

It stands for 'männlich, weiblich, divers' (male, female, diverse). It is a legal requirement in Germany to be inclusive of all 'Geschlechter' in job postings.

Not directly. The act is called 'Geschlechtsverkehr'. Using just 'Geschlecht' for the act would be incorrect.

It is a formal, literary term for 'mankind' or 'the human race'. You will find it in old books or philosophical texts.

Etymologically, no. 'Geschlecht' comes from 'schlagen' (to strike), while 'schlecht' originally meant 'straight' or 'simple' before it changed to mean 'bad'.

In a formal context, you would ask: 'Darf ich nach Ihrem Geschlecht fragen?' or simply provide a form with the label 'Geschlecht'.

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