das  Ärgernis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɛʁɡɐnɪs/

🤔 What does "das Ärgernis" mean?

Das Ärgernis (noun, neuter) refers to a thing, person, or circumstance that causes annoyance, displeasure, vexation, or offense. It's something that disturbs, bothers, or is perceived as unpleasant. It can relate to small everyday disturbances or larger problems or grievances.

• It's a noun derived from the verb ärgern (to annoy, to anger).
• The article is always das. There are no other articles for this word. ⚠️

📚 Grammar in Detail: Declension of das Ärgernis

"Das Ärgernis" is a noun of neuter gender. It belongs to the group of nouns ending in -nis, which usually form their plural with the ending -nisse. The declension follows a regular pattern for this group.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Lärm von der Baustelle ist ein ständiges Ärgernis für die Anwohner.
   (The noise from the construction site is a constant nuisance for the residents.)
2. Wegen des öffentlichen Ärgernisses wurde die Polizei gerufen.
   (The police were called because of the public nuisance.)
3. Man sollte solchen Ärgernissen keine Beachtung schenken.
   (One shouldn't pay attention to such annoyances.)
4. Sie beseitigte schnell die kleinen Ärgernisse des Alltags.
   (She quickly removed the small annoyances of everyday life.)

🗣️ Everyday Usage: When to use "Ärgernis"?

"Das Ärgernis" is used to describe a source of vexation or inconvenience. The tone can range from mild irritation to strong displeasure.

• Everyday situations: Small disturbances like a delayed train, a stain on clothing, or loud neighbors can be called an "Ärgernis".
• Public sphere: In the context of laws and regulations, one often speaks of an "öffentliches Ärgernis" (public nuisance, e.g., disturbing the peace, indecent behavior).
• Formal context: In reports or complaints, the term is used to point out grievances or problems (e.g., "Das größte Ärgernis ist die mangelnde Kommunikation." - The biggest annoyance is the lack of communication.).

Distinction from "Ärger": While das Ärgernis is the cause or object of the anger (i.e., the annoying thing or situation itself), der Ärger (masculine) describes the feeling of being annoyed or angry.

Example: Der Stau (das Ärgernis - the traffic jam, the nuisance) verursacht bei mir großen Ärger (causes me great anger/annoyance - the feeling).

💡 Memory Aids for "das Ärgernis"

For the article "das": Many German nouns ending in -nis that denote a thing or abstract concept are neuter (das), like das Geheimnis (the secret), das Zeugnis (the certificate), das Ergebnis (the result). Think: Something abstract or a result, like an annoyance, often takes 'das'. Or remember the end: It ends in '-nis', which sounds a bit like 'it's neutral', so 'das'.

For the meaning: The word comes from ärgern (to annoy). An Ärgernis is the thing that causes the Ärger (annoyance). Focus on the 'nis' as representing the 'thing' itself.

🔄 Similar Words: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Confusion Alert:

Be careful not to confuse das Ärgernis (the source/cause of annoyance) with der Ärger (the feeling of anger/annoyance).

😂 A Little Chuckle

Warum ist ein kaputter Wecker ein doppeltes Ärgernis?

Erstens weckt er dich nicht pünktlich, und zweitens kannst du ihn nicht mal wütend gegen die Wand werfen, weil er ja schon kaputt ist!

Translation:

Why is a broken alarm clock a double nuisance (Ärgernis)?

First, it doesn't wake you up on time, and second, you can't even angrily throw it against the wall because it's already broken! 😉⏰

📜 A Short Poem

Ein Fleck auf dem Hemd, welch ein Graus,
Der Bus fährt weg, direkt vor dem Haus.
Der Schlüssel verlegt, die Suche beginnt,
Ein kleines Ärgernis, das Zeit gewinnt.
Man atmet tief durch, zählt leise bis zehn,
Solche Momente muss man übersteh'n.

Translation:

A stain on the shirt, what a horror,
The bus drives off, right outside the door.
The key misplaced, the search begins,
A small nuisance that gains time.
One breathes deeply, counts softly to ten,
Such moments one must overcome again.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin keine Person, doch bringe Verdruss,
Bin oft eine Sache, ein ärgerlicher Kuss.
Manchmal bin ich laut, manchmal nur klein,
Doch immer etwas, das stört – wer mag ich sein?

Lösung: Das Ärgernis

Translation:

I am not a person, but bring displeasure,
Am often a thing, an annoying kiss [metaphorical].
Sometimes I am loud, sometimes just small,
But always something that disturbs – who might I be?

Solution: Das Ärgernis (the nuisance/annoyance)

🧩 More About "Ärgernis"

Word Formation (Wortbildung): The word "Ärgernis" is formed by taking the stem of the verb "ärgern" (to annoy) and adding the suffix "-nis". This suffix is often used in German to create nouns from verbs or adjectives, denoting a state, result, or thing (e.g., das Ergebnis - result, das Geheimnis - secret).

Legal Context (Rechtlicher Kontext): The term "Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses" (causing a public nuisance) is a criminal offense in Germany (§ 183a StGB), referring to acts likely to significantly bother or endanger the public, particularly sexual acts in public.