Der Fuchs Geht Um Spiel

Hallo! Planning a trip to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland? Want to experience a traditional, fun-filled game with the locals? Then you absolutely must learn about "Der Fuchs geht um"! This classic children's game, which translates to "The Fox is on the Prowl," is a fantastic way to engage with the culture and enjoy some playful competition. Think of it as a cross between tag and hide-and-seek, but with a distinctly German twist!

What is "Der Fuchs geht um"?

"Der Fuchs geht um" is a simple yet engaging game that's been enjoyed by generations of German-speaking children. It's played outdoors, typically in a field, park, or forest – anywhere with enough space for running and hiding. The game involves one player designated as the "Fuchs" (Fox) and the remaining players as the "Hühner" (Chickens).

The Objective

The goal of the Chickens is to avoid being tagged by the Fox. The Fox, on the other hand, tries to catch as many Chickens as possible before the game ends or a pre-determined number of Chickens are caught. It's all about agility, strategy, and a good dose of laughter!

How to Play: A Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty of "Der Fuchs geht um" lies in its simplicity. Here's a breakdown of the rules to get you started:

Choosing the Fox: The first step is to decide who will be the Fox. This can be done in various ways: drawing straws, playing "Schnick, Schnack, Schnuck" (Rock, Paper, Scissors), or simply volunteering. Remember, being the Fox is a coveted role!
The Fox's Lair: The Fox needs a designated "Bau" (Lair) – a safe zone where they can start and return to. This could be a tree, a bench, or any easily identifiable spot.
The Counting Phase: The Fox stands in their lair and counts to a pre-agreed number, usually between 50 and 100. This gives the Chickens time to run and hide. The Fox typically closes their eyes during the counting phase and might even chant a specific rhyme. This is where some regional variations come into play! Often the rhyme is something along the lines of "Fuchs, du hast die Gans gestohlen, gib sie wieder her, sonst holt dich der Jäger mit dem Schießgewehr!" (Fox, you stole the goose, give it back, or the hunter will get you with the rifle!).
"Der Fuchs geht um!": Once the Fox has finished counting, they shout, "Der Fuchs geht um!" This signals the start of the chase. The Fox emerges from their lair and starts hunting the Chickens.
The Chase: The Chickens must try to avoid being tagged by the Fox. If a Chicken is tagged, they are "caught" and usually have to go to a designated area or help the Fox catch other Chickens. Some variations require caught Chickens to join hands and form a chain to help the Fox.
End of the Game: The game can end in several ways:
- The Fox catches all the Chickens.
- A pre-determined time limit is reached.
- A set number of Chickens are caught.
Once the game is over, a new Fox is chosen, and the fun starts all over again!

Variations and Regional Differences

Like many traditional games, "Der Fuchs geht um" has several variations depending on the region. Here are a few examples:

The Goose Version: In some regions, the game is called "Fuchs, du hast die Gans gestohlen" (Fox, you stole the goose). The Fox might even have to "protect" a designated object (representing the goose) from the Chickens.
The Chain Fox: As mentioned earlier, when a Chicken is caught, they join hands with the Fox to form a chain. This makes it harder for the remaining Chickens to escape.
Safe Zones: Some variations include designated "safe zones" where Chickens cannot be tagged. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Rhyme Variations: The rhyme the Fox chants while counting can vary significantly from region to region.

Tips for Playing "Der Fuchs geht um"

To make the most of your "Der Fuchs geht um" experience, consider these tips:

Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of running!
Choose a safe playing area: Make sure the area is free of obstacles and hazards.
Agree on the rules beforehand: Discuss the rules and any variations you want to include before the game starts.
Have fun!: "Der Fuchs geht um" is all about enjoying the outdoors and having a good time.

Why Play "Der Fuchs geht um"?

Besides being a lot of fun, playing "Der Fuchs geht um" offers several benefits:

Physical Activity: It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
Social Interaction: It encourages teamwork, communication, and social interaction.
Cultural Immersion: It provides a glimpse into German-speaking culture and traditions.
Language Practice: If you're learning German, it's a fun way to practice your vocabulary and pronunciation.

"Der Fuchs geht um" as a Tourist: Embrace the Experience!

As a tourist or expat, playing "Der Fuchs geht um" is an amazing opportunity to connect with locals and experience German culture firsthand. Don't be afraid to join in a game if you see children playing in a park or field. Most people will be happy to explain the rules and welcome you into the game. It's a fantastic way to break the ice, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Pro Tip: Before joining, politely ask if you can play. A simple "Darf ich mitspielen?" (May I join?) will go a long way.

"Playing 'Der Fuchs geht um' was one of the highlights of my trip to Germany! It was so much fun to run around and laugh with the local kids. It felt like I was truly experiencing the culture in a way I never could have just by visiting museums." - Sarah, a traveler from the US

Essential German Phrases for "Der Fuchs geht um"

To fully immerse yourself in the game, here are some useful German phrases:

Der Fuchs geht um! (The Fox is on the prowl!)
Ich bin der Fuchs! (I am the Fox!)
Ich bin frei! (I am safe! - if using safe zones)
Hilfe! (Help!)
Gefangen! (Caught!)
Darf ich mitspielen? (May I join?)
Nochmal! (Again!)
Viel Spaß! (Have fun!)

Finding a Game: Where to Look

While it's difficult to predict exactly *when* and *where* you'll find a game of "Der Fuchs geht um" being played, here are some places to keep an eye out:

Parks and Playgrounds: These are prime locations, especially during weekends and after school hours.
Schoolyards (after school): You might see children playing in the schoolyard after school has ended.
Community Events: Keep an eye out for local festivals or community events where traditional games might be played.
Rural Areas: You're more likely to see children playing traditional games in smaller towns and villages.

Beyond "Der Fuchs geht um": Exploring Other German Games

If you enjoy "Der Fuchs geht um," you might also be interested in learning about other traditional German games. Some popular options include:

Blinde Kuh (Blind Cow): A game similar to Blind Man's Bluff.
Topfschlagen (Pot Hitting): A fun party game where participants try to find a hidden pot by following sounds.
Himmel und Hölle (Heaven and Hell): A hopscotch variation.

Conclusion: Embrace the Playfulness!

"Der Fuchs geht um" is more than just a game; it's a window into German culture and a chance to experience the joy of play. So, pack your comfortable shoes, brush up on your German phrases, and be ready to embrace the playfulness of "Der Fuchs geht um" on your next trip to Germany, Austria or Switzerland. You might just find yourself having the time of your life!

Have fun playing!