Yvonne Brittany
Greetings! If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to say “that one” in German, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding how to express such a simple concept can make a significant difference in your German language skills. In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways to say “that one” in German, with additional tips, examples, and some regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Formal Ways to Say “That One”
1. Jene(r/s)
When you want to convey formality or distance, “jene(r/s)” is the perfect fit. It can be used as pronouns or adjectives, and the ending of the word (e, en, es) changes according to the noun’s gender and case.
Example:
– Welches Buch mögen Sie? – Ich meine jenes Buch. (Which book do you like? – I mean that one book.)
2. Der/die/das da
Using “der/die/das da” is another formal option. It simply means “that one there” and emphasizes clear communication while maintaining politeness. The word “da” refers to the object’s relative position to the speaker.
Example:
– Ich möchte das Buch dort kaufen. – Welches? Das da. (I want to buy the book over there. – Which one? That one there.)
3. Der/die/dasjenige
“Thejenige” is a more sophisticated way to refer to “that one.” It is used as a pronoun and always accompanied by a definite article (der, die, das) and declined according to the gender and case.
Example:
– Ich möchte den Pullover kaufen, derjenige da ist schön. (I want to buy the sweater; that one there is beautiful.)
Informal Ways to Say “That One”
1. Der/die/das da
Just as in formal situations, “der/die/das da” can be used informally. It’s a versatile and common phrase used to point out objects in everyday conversations.
Example:
– Welche Schuhe magst du? – Die da drüben! (Which shoes do you like? – Those over there!)
2. Der/die/das (hier)
Informally, you can simply use “der/die/das” without specifying “da” to refer to “that one.” By adding “hier” after the article, you can emphasize that the object is closer to the speaker.
Example:
– Kann ich das Buch haben? – Ja, nimm das hier. (Can I have the book? – Yes, take that one here.)
3. Das
In casual conversations, Germans often drop the article altogether, using just “das” to mean “that one.” Though it may seem informal, it’s widely used in everyday speech.
Example:
– Gibt es mehrere Bücher? – Ja, aber das gefällt mir am besten. (Are there multiple books? – Yes, but that one is my favorite.)
Regional Variations
In German, various regions have their own unique vocabulary and phrasing. While standard German is understood throughout the country, it’s interesting to note some regional variations in saying “that one.” Here are a few examples:
- Der/die/das (Do)-de – Commonly used in the Southwestern dialects.
- Der/die/das (Do)-mer – Occasionally heard in the Northeastern dialects, especially around Berlin.
- Die/das Hä – Used in parts of Southern Germany, especially Bavaria.
Remember, these regional variations are not necessary for everyday communication in standard German, but it’s intriguing to explore the rich diversity of the language.
Final Tips
1. Context Matters: Always consider the context and adjust your expression accordingly. Formality, politeness, and proximity are crucial parameters.
2. Pointing Gestures: In addition to verbal expressions, pointing at the object you’re referring to can be particularly helpful in conveying your message more clearly.
3. Practice: The more you practice using these phrases, the more comfortable you’ll become in different social settings. Try to have conversations with native German speakers whenever possible.
Now armed with both formal and informal ways to say “that one,” you’re ready to master this essential phrase in German. Happy conversing!
