01
maskulin
masculine
Having or expressing qualities that are typically considered male; related to men.
example
Er hat eine sehr tiefe, maskuline Stimme.
He has a very deep, masculine voice.
maskulin
masculine
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'maskulin' (masculine) from the context. If people are talking about grammar, nouns, or articles, it refers to grammatical gender. If it is about people, qualities, or appearance, the meaning is 'male' or 'masculine'.
EXAMPLE
Das Wort „Stuhl“ ist maskulin.
The word 'Stuhl' (chair) is masculine.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'männlich' (male/masculine), 'maskulin' (masculine) is often used to describe certain features. Typical combinations are 'maskuline Züge' (masculine features), 'eine maskuline Stimme' (a masculine voice), or 'ein maskuliner Duft' (a masculine scent).
EXAMPLE
Das Parfum hat eine schwere, maskuline Note.
The perfume has a heavy, masculine note.
Grammatical term
In this meaning, 'maskulin' (masculine) is a technical term from linguistics. It is used almost exclusively in sentences dealing with grammar, to name the masculine gender of a noun.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer erklärte, warum „der Junge“ maskulin ist.
The teacher explained why 'der Junge' (the boy) is masculine.
Compare with
maskulin vs weiblich
female / feminine
'weiblich' and 'maskulin' can be understood as opposites, but they do not always fit together equally well. 'weiblich' is a neutral word for the female sex/gender or for the grammatical gender with 'die'. 'maskulin' means 'masculine' or 'having a masculine effect' and is often used for style, appearance, or grammar. Learners may confuse them because 'maskulin' corresponds to the masculine gender in grammar. In everyday language, the direct opposite of 'weiblich' is usually more naturally 'männlich'. 'Maskulin' sounds more formal or describes a masculine effect.
maskulin
Das Wort „Tisch“ ist in der Grammatik maskulin.
The word 'Tisch' is masculine in grammar.
weiblich
In der Liste steht, ob die Teilnehmenden männlich oder weiblich sind.
The list shows whether the participants are male or female.
In real life
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