Is it der, die, or das Schlusslicht?
The noun (Substantiv/Nomen) Schlusslicht is neutral in German. Therefore, the correct definite article in the nominative singular is das. So, you say: das Schlusslicht.
Schlusslicht
(taillight)
Learning Rule for Schlusslicht
Nouns ending in -icht are usually neuter. Found in abstract or collective nouns This word is composed and its gender is always determined by the root word.
Meaning of Schlusslicht
Das hinterste Licht eines Fahrzeugs; im übertragenen Sinne: der Letzte, der Schlechteste in einer Gruppe.
The rearmost light of a vehicle; figuratively: the last, the worst in a group.
Examples of Schlusslicht
Das Auto hatte ein defektes Schlusslicht. / In der Tabelle sind sie das Schlusslicht.
The car had a defective taillight. / They are at the bottom of the table.
Often used together with Schlusslicht
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Do you want to know which other rules German neutral words follow?
German grammatical gender can be tricky at first, as it doesn't always seem logical - like with the neuter 'das Mädchen' (the girl). But here's the good news: Even though you won't find a rule for every word and some things just need to be memorized, there are quite a few helpful patterns and rules! These are real guideposts and can make your life significantly easier. So it's definitely worth knowing them!
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -chen are always neuter. This diminutive suffix makes things small or cute
Examples:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -lein are always neuter. This diminutive suffix makes things small or cute
Examples:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -il are usually neuter. Found in technical or scientific terms
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -it are usually neuter. Found in technical or scientific terms
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -ma are usually neuter. Found in abstract or technical terms
Examples:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -ment are usually neuter. Found in abstract or technical terms
Examples:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -tel are usually neuter. Found in fractional or diminutive terms
Examples:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -tum are usually neuter. Found in abstract or collective nouns
Examples:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -um are usually neuter. Found in abstract or technical terms
Examples:
Learning Rule
Words with Ge- prefix: Often neuter, especially in collective or abstract nouns
Examples:
Exceptions:
Learning Rule
Nouns ending with -nis and -sal: About 70% are neuter, often abstract or collective
Examples:
Learning Rule
Foreign Loan Words (-al, -an, -ar, -är, -at, -ent, -ett, -ier, -iv, -o, -on): Often neuter, especially in technical or abstract terms
Learning Rule
Alphabet Letters and Music Notes: Always neuter in German
Learning Rule
Continents, Cities, Provinces, and Countries: Typically neuter, except for specific exceptions
Exceptions:
Learning Rule
Gerunds and Parts of Speech as Nouns: Always neuter in German
Examples:
Learning Rule
Hospitality Establishments: Names of hotels, restaurants, and cinemas are neuter
Learning Rule
Learning Rule
Nouns ending in -gut are usually neuter. Often describing goods or assets
Master German Gender with Blitzwort
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