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A1 noun #1,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

der Kreis

Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces der Kreis en 30 secondes

Explication der Kreis in your Level:

At the A1 level, der Kreis is introduced as a basic shape. Learners focus on identifying it alongside 'das Quadrat' (square) and 'das Dreieck' (triangle). The primary goal is to use it in simple sentences like 'Das ist ein Kreis' or 'Der Kreis ist rot'. You learn that it is a masculine noun and that its plural is 'die Kreise'. At this stage, you might also encounter it in the context of 'Sitzkreis' (sitting in a circle) in a classroom setting. The focus is on physical objects and simple descriptions. You should be able to draw a circle when asked and recognize the word in basic texts about shapes or colors. It is a building block for describing the world around you in simple German.

At the A2 level, the use of der Kreis expands to include basic social contexts and administrative terms. You might learn about 'der Freundeskreis' (circle of friends) or 'der Familienkreis' (family circle). You start to use prepositions with the word, such as 'im Kreis' (in a circle). You might also encounter the word in the context of regional geography, understanding that Germany is divided into 'Kreise'. The vocabulary becomes more functional, allowing you to describe who you spend time with or where you live in a more specific way. You will also begin to see compound words like 'Kreisstadt' (district town).

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At the B1 level, you begin to use der Kreis in more idiomatic and abstract ways. You learn expressions like 'sich im Kreis drehen' (to go in circles/make no progress) and 'den Kreis schließen' (to come full circle). You can discuss administrative structures in more detail, understanding the role of the 'Landkreis' in German politics. Your ability to use the word in professional contexts grows, such as 'Fachkreise' (professional circles). You are expected to understand the word in a variety of texts, from news reports about regional issues to stories about social relationships. The focus shifts from the physical shape to the metaphorical and structural meanings of the word.

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At the B2 level, der Kreis is used with nuance and precision. You can participate in discussions about 'politische Kreise' (political circles) or 'literarische Kreise' (literary circles). You understand the subtle differences between 'Kreis', 'Bezirk', and 'Bereich'. You can use the word in complex sentences and understand its role in formal administrative language. You might analyze how the concept of a circle is used in literature or philosophy. Your vocabulary includes more sophisticated compounds like 'Kreislaufwirtschaft' (circular economy) or 'Wählerkreis' (constituency). You are comfortable using the word in both formal and informal registers, adjusting your usage based on the audience.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and sociological implications of der Kreis. You can discuss the 'Kreisauer Kreis' (a famous resistance group in Nazi Germany) and understand the weight the word carries in historical contexts. You use the word in highly abstract ways, discussing 'Wirkungskreise' (spheres of influence) or 'Interessentenkreise' (circles of interested parties). Your command of idioms is near-native, and you can use 'Kreis' to express complex ideas about social dynamics and systemic structures. You can read academic papers or legal documents that use 'Kreis' in an administrative sense without any difficulty. The word is no longer just a shape but a versatile tool for high-level communication.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of der Kreis is complete. You can appreciate and use the word in its most poetic and philosophical senses. You understand the etymological roots and how they influence modern usage. You can navigate the most complex administrative jargon involving 'Kreisumlagen' (district levies) or 'Kreisgebietsreformen' (district reforms). You can use the word to convey subtle irony or deep metaphorical meaning in creative writing or oratory. Whether discussing the 'Teufelskreis' (vicious circle) of economic policy or the 'Gestaltungskreis' of an artist, you use the word with absolute precision and cultural awareness. You are a master of the 'Kreis' in all its geometric, social, and political dimensions.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

der Kreis en 30 secondes

Der Kreis is a masculine noun meaning circle, district, or social group.
It is used in geometry, politics, and daily social life (e.g., Freundeskreis).
The plural is 'die Kreise' and it follows standard masculine declension.
Common idioms include 'sich im Kreis drehen' (to go in circles).

The German noun der Kreis is a fundamental term that primarily describes a circle—a perfectly round geometric shape where every point on the edge is equidistant from the center. In a basic mathematical sense, it is the cornerstone of geometry, representing infinity, unity, and perfection. However, the meaning of 'Kreis' extends far beyond simple shapes. In German society and administration, it refers to a 'district' or 'county' (Landkreis), which is a key level of local government. Furthermore, it describes social structures, such as a 'Freundeskreis' (circle of friends) or a 'Fachkreis' (professional circle).

Geometric Definition: A closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a fixed point.

Wir sitzen alle in einem Kreis um das Lagerfeuer.

In philosophical terms, the circle represents the cyclical nature of life, seasons, and time. When you speak of 'der Kreis des Lebens' (the circle of life), you are using a metaphor that is deeply understood in German culture.

Administrative Context: Germany is divided into 'Landkreise', which are administrative districts responsible for local governance.

Der Kreis Pinneberg liegt in Schleswig-Holstein.

Ein Kreis hat keine Ecken.

Social Context: It refers to a group of people sharing interests or bonds, like 'Familienkreis'.

Sie feierte ihren Geburtstag im kleinen Kreis.

Die Kinder laufen im Kreis.

To truly master this word, one must understand that it is not just a shape but a way of organizing space, people, and political power in the German-speaking world. Whether you are drawing on a chalkboard or discussing regional politics, 'der Kreis' is an indispensable noun.

Using der Kreis correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and its various idiomatic applications. As a masculine noun, it takes the articles 'der' (nominative), 'den' (accusative), 'dem' (dative), and 'des' (genitive). When you want to describe moving in a circular motion, the phrase 'im Kreis' is used. For example, 'sich im Kreis drehen' means to spin in circles, but it can also metaphorically mean to make no progress in a discussion.

Motion Phrases: 'Im Kreis laufen' (to walk in circles) or 'einen Kreis ziehen' (to draw a circle).

Wir drehen uns bei dieser Diskussion nur im Kreis.

In professional settings, you might hear 'Fachkreise', referring to experts in a specific field. If you are filling out forms in Germany, you might see 'Kreis' as a field for your administrative district. It is crucial to distinguish between 'Stadtkreis' (urban district) and 'Landkreis' (rural district).

Administrative Usage: Used to specify the regional authority responsible for certain public services.

Die Genehmigung wird vom Kreis erteilt.

Bitte zeichnen Sie einen Kreis auf das Papier.

Metaphorical Usage: 'Den Kreis schließen' means to bring something to a full conclusion or to complete a cycle.

Damit schließt sich der Kreis unserer Reise.

Er gehört zum inneren Kreis der Macht.

Mastering 'Kreis' requires paying attention to the context—is it geometry, politics, or social life? Each context dictates a slightly different nuance in translation and usage.

You will encounter der Kreis in a multitude of environments, ranging from the very formal to the deeply personal. In a German school, 'Kreis' is one of the first words learned in geometry class. Teachers will ask students to calculate the 'Flächeninhalt eines Kreises' (area of a circle). In the news, you will frequently hear about 'Kreistage' (district councils) or 'Kreisstädte' (district capitals), especially during election seasons.

In the News: Reports on regional development, local infrastructure, and district-level politics.

Der Kreis hat neue Radwege geplant.

At social gatherings, someone might say they prefer to celebrate 'im engsten Kreis' (in the closest circle), meaning only with family and very close friends. In sports, particularly in the Olympic context, the 'olympischen Ringe' are often referred to as 'Kreise' in casual conversation, though 'Ringe' is the official term.

Social Gatherings: Used to define the intimacy or scale of an event.

Wir feiern Weihnachten im Kreis der Familie.

In akademischen Kreisen wird das Thema viel diskutiert.

Professional Context: Refers to specific groups of experts or professionals ('Expertenkreise').

Diese Information ist nur für einen kleinen Kreis bestimmt.

Der Kreis schließt sich am Ende der Geschichte.

Whether you are reading a map, attending a wedding, or studying for a math test, 'der Kreis' is a word that will appear constantly in your German immersion journey.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with der Kreis is confusing its gender. Since many shapes in other languages might be feminine, learners often mistakenly say 'die Kreis'. It is strictly masculine: 'der Kreis'. Another common error is the confusion between 'Kreis' and 'Bezirk'. While both can mean 'district', 'Bezirk' is typically used for city boroughs (like in Berlin), whereas 'Kreis' or 'Landkreis' refers to larger regional administrative units.

Gender Confusion: Mistaking 'der Kreis' for 'die Kreis' or 'das Kreis'.

Falsch: Ich wohne in die Kreis. Richtig: Ich wohne im Kreis.

Learners also struggle with the idiom 'sich im Kreis drehen'. They might translate it literally from English as 'in Kreisen gehen', but the standard German expression is 'sich im Kreis drehen'. Another nuance is the plural form; some might try to say 'Kreise' when they mean 'Ringe' (rings). While a ring is a circle, in specific contexts like jewelry or the Olympics, 'Ring' is the correct term.

Vocabulary Nuance: Using 'Kreis' when 'Ring' or 'Runde' would be more appropriate.

Wir laufen eine Runde (not 'einen Kreis') im Park.

Er hat einen Ring am Finger, keinen Kreis.

Prepositional Errors: Using 'in' without the correct case (Dative for location: 'im Kreis').

Die Kinder spielen im Kreis.

Der Kreis der Verdächtigen wird kleiner.

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

Understanding der Kreis also means knowing how it differs from related words like 'Ring', 'Runde', 'Zyklus', and 'Bereich'. A 'Ring' is a physical object or a shape with a hole in the middle, whereas a 'Kreis' is the geometric concept or a solid round area. 'Runde' often refers to a lap in a race or a round of drinks, focusing on the completion of a path. 'Zyklus' is used for abstract or biological cycles, like 'der Wasserkreislauf' (the water cycle), though 'Kreislauf' itself is a compound of 'Kreis'.

Kreis vs. Ring: A 'Kreis' is the mathematical shape; a 'Ring' is a physical circular object with an opening.

Ein Ehering ist ein Ring, kein Kreis.

'Bereich' means 'area' or 'field' and is more abstract than 'Kreis'. If you are talking about your field of expertise, you could use 'Fachbereich' or 'Fachkreis'. 'Bezirk' is specifically for administrative districts in cities.

Kreis vs. Runde: 'Runde' implies movement along a circular path or a sequence of events.

Wir drehen eine Runde um den Block.

Der Kreis der Bekannten ist groß.

Kreis vs. Zyklus: 'Zyklus' is often more scientific or formal than 'Kreis'.

Der Kreislauf der Natur ist faszinierend.

Die Planeten bewegen sich in einem Kreis (oder einer Ellipse).

By distinguishing these terms, you will avoid the 'one-word-fits-all' trap and express yourself with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Masculine Nouns

Dative Prepositions (im)

Compound Nouns

Genitive Case

Plural Formation

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Exemples par niveau

Das ist ein Kreis.

That is a circle.

Nominative case, masculine singular.

Der Kreis ist blau.

The circle is blue.

Subject of the sentence.

Ich male einen Kreis.

I am painting a circle.

Accusative case (einen Kreis).

Ein Kreis ist rund.

A circle is round.

Indefinite article.

Hier sind zwei Kreise.

Here are two circles.

Plural form (Kreise).

Der Kreis hat keine Ecken.

The circle has no corners.

Simple present tense.

Wir sitzen im Kreis.

We are sitting in a circle.

Dative case after 'im' (in dem).

Ist das ein Kreis?

Is that a circle?

Question structure.

Mein Freundeskreis ist klein.

My circle of friends is small.

Compound noun: Freund + es + Kreis.

Er wohnt in einem anderen Kreis.

He lives in a different district.

Dative case (einem anderen Kreis).

Wir feiern im Familienkreis.

We are celebrating in the family circle.

Prepositional phrase 'im Familienkreis'.

Die Kinder laufen im Kreis.

The children are running in a circle.

Indicates motion within a shape.

Der Kreis Pinneberg ist groß.

The district of Pinneberg is large.

Proper noun usage.

Siehst du den Kreis dort?

Do you see the circle there?

Accusative case (den Kreis).

Wir bilden einen Kreis.

We are forming a circle.

Verb 'bilden' with accusative.

Der Kreis ist ein Symbol.

The circle is a symbol.

Abstract noun usage.

Wir drehen uns im Kreis.

We are going in circles (making no progress).

Idiomatic expression.

Damit schließt sich der Kreis.

With that, the circle closes (comes full circle).

Reflexive verb 'sich schließen'.

In Fachkreisen ist er bekannt.

He is well-known in professional circles.

Plural dative (Fachkreisen).

Der Kreis der Verdächtigen ist klein.

The circle of suspects is small.

Genitive construction (der Verdächtigen).

Er gehört zum inneren Kreis.

He belongs to the inner circle.

Dative after 'zu'.

Die Kreisverwaltung ist zuständig.

The district administration is responsible.

Compound noun: Kreis + Verwaltung.

Wir müssen den Kreis erweitern.

We need to expand the circle.

Metaphorical use for social groups.

Ein Teufelskreis ist schwer zu durchbrechen.

A vicious circle is hard to break.

Compound: Teufel + s + Kreis.

Die politische Elite verkehrt in exklusiven Kreisen.

The political elite moves in exclusive circles.

Formal register.

Der Kreis schließt sich nach vielen Jahren.

The circle closes after many years.

Temporal context.

In akademischen Kreisen wird dies bestritten.

In academic circles, this is disputed.

Passive-like structure.

Die Kreisreform war sehr umstritten.

The district reform was very controversial.

Political vocabulary.

Wir bewegen uns in einem Teufelskreis.

We are moving in a vicious circle.

Dative case.

Der Kreis der Empfänger wurde festgelegt.

The circle of recipients was determined.

Genitive plural.

Er zieht weite Kreise.

It is having far-reaching consequences (drawing wide circles).

Idiom: 'weite Kreise ziehen'.

Die Zuständigkeit liegt beim Kreis.

The responsibility lies with the district.

Administrative dative.

Der Kreisauer Kreis leistete Widerstand.

The Kreisau Circle offered resistance.

Historical proper noun.

Diese Entscheidung zieht weite Kreise in der Wirtschaft.

This decision is having far-reaching effects in the economy.

Metaphorical extension.

Er ist im engsten Kreis der Vertrauten.

He is in the innermost circle of confidants.

Superlative adjective.

Die Kreisumlage belastet die Gemeinden.

The district levy burdens the municipalities.

Technical financial term.

In literarischen Kreisen gilt sie als Genie.

In literary circles, she is considered a genius.

Sociological context.

Der Kreis der Betroffenen ist unklar.

The circle of those affected is unclear.

Genitive plural with participle.

Es ist ein geschlossener Kreis.

It is a closed circle.

Adjectival description.

Wir müssen den Kreis der Möglichkeiten ausloten.

We must explore the range of possibilities.

Abstract metaphorical use.

Die ontologische Bedeutung des Kreises ist zentral.

The ontological significance of the circle is central.

High academic register.

In erlauchten Kreisen pflegt man diesen Umgang.

In illustrious circles, such manners are maintained.

Archaic/Elevated adjective 'erlaucht'.

Die Dialektik des Kreises führt zur Erkenntnis.

The dialectic of the circle leads to insight.

Philosophical terminology.

Der Kreis als Symbol der Ewigkeit.

The circle as a symbol of eternity.

Symbolic analysis.

Die Kreisgebietsreform erforderte diplomatische Finesse.

The district territory reform required diplomatic finesse.

Complex administrative compound.

Er hat seinen Wirkungskreis erheblich erweitert.

He has significantly expanded his sphere of influence.

Compound: Wirkung + s + Kreis.

Das Werk schließt den Kreis seiner Schaffensphasen.

The work completes the cycle of his creative phases.

Metaphorical conclusion.

In esoterischen Kreisen wird das Symbol verehrt.

In esoteric circles, the symbol is revered.

Specific social context.

Collocations courantes

großer Kreis

kleiner Kreis

innerer Kreis

im Kreis

einen Kreis ziehen

den Kreis schließen

im Kreis drehen

Landkreis

Freundeskreis

Familienkreis

Phrases Courantes

im Kreis laufen

im Kreis sitzen

einen Kreis malen

der Kreis schließt sich

im engsten Kreis

in Fachkreisen

der Kreis der Verdächtigen

ein Teufelskreis

weite Kreise ziehen

im Kreis der Familie

Souvent confondu avec

der Kreis vs Bezirk

der Kreis vs Ring

der Kreis vs Runde

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sich im Kreis drehen"

"Den Kreis schließen"

"Weite Kreise ziehen"

"Im engsten Kreis"

"Ein Teufelskreis"

"In Fachkreisen bekannt sein"

"Den Kreis der Verdächtigen einengen"

"Über den eigenen Kreis hinaus"

"Im kleinen Kreis feiern"

"Den inneren Kreis erreichen"

Facile à confondre

der Kreis vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

distinction

Kreis (shape/district) vs. Ring (object).

Erreurs courantes

Using 'die Kreis' instead of 'der Kreis'.
Confusing 'Kreis' with 'Kiez' (neighborhood).
Saying 'in Kreisen gehen' instead of 'im Kreis laufen'.
Using 'Kreis' for a finger ring.
Forgetting the plural 'e' (Kreise).

Astuces

Gender

Always remember 'der'. Shapes like Kreis, Punkt, and Strich are masculine.

Compounds

Learn 'Freundeskreis' early; it's very useful for social talk.

Plates

Look at German car plates to see the Kreis abbreviations.

Progress

Use 'im Kreis drehen' when a meeting is going nowhere.

Math

A circle has a 'Mittelpunkt' (center) and 'Radius'.

Intimacy

'Im kleinen Kreis' implies a private, cozy setting.

Spelling

Watch the 'ei'—it's 'Kreis', not 'Kries'.

News

Listen for 'Kreis' in regional weather or news reports.

Fluency

Practice saying 'Der Kreis schließt sich' to end a story.

Review

Draw a circle and write 'der Kreis' inside it to remember.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Middle High German 'kreiz', meaning 'circle' or 'boundary'.

Contexte culturel

Sitzkreis is common in kindergartens.

Germany has 294 Landkreise.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Wie groß ist dein Freundeskreis?"

"In welchem Kreis wohnst du?"

"Kannst du einen perfekten Kreis zeichnen?"

"Was bedeutet 'der Kreis des Lebens' für dich?"

"Kennst du einen Teufelskreis?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deinen engsten Freundeskreis.

Warum drehen wir uns manchmal in Diskussionen im Kreis?

Welche Bedeutung hat der Kreis in der Natur?

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Kreis und einem Quadrat?

Wie wichtig ist die Kreisverwaltung für eine Stadt?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is always 'der Kreis' in German.

It is a rural administrative district in Germany.

It is 'ein Teufelskreis'.

The plural is 'die Kreise'.

Yes, 'Landkreis' is often translated as 'county'.

It means to make no progress or to literally spin.

Yes, it is a compound noun.

A circle of chairs or people sitting on the floor.

Only in the plural (Kreise) or sometimes in old dative (im Kreise).

The capital city of an administrative district.

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