das  Angesicht

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaŋəˌzɪçt/

🧐 What does "das Angesicht" mean?

Das Angesicht (neuter gender) is an elevated or poetic term for a person's face (das Gesicht). It can also mean the front side, or the mere presence or confrontation with something.

• Meaning 1: The human face, often emphasizing expression or dignity (synonym: das Antlitz). Example: Ihr heiteres Angesicht erfreute alle. (Her cheerful countenance pleased everyone.)
• Meaning 2: The presence or sight of something, often used in fixed phrases describing a confrontation or situation. Example: Im Angesicht der Gefahr bewahrte er Ruhe. (In the face of danger, he remained calm.)

🚨 Attention: In everyday language, the word das Gesicht is usually used. Das Angesicht often sounds more formal, literary, or solemn.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "das Angesicht"

Angesicht is a noun with the article das. It belongs to the strong declension group.

Note: The plural die Angesichter is rare and used almost exclusively in poetic or religious language.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Angesicht des alten Mannes war von Falten durchzogen.
   (The old man's face was lined with wrinkles.)
2. Wir standen uns von Angesicht zu Angesicht gegenüber.
   (We stood face to face.)
3. Im Angesicht dieser Beweise musste er gestehen.
   (In the face of this evidence, he had to confess.)
4. Man sah die Freude in ihrem Angesicht.
   (You could see the joy in her face/countenance.)

💡 How is "Angesicht" used?

Das Angesicht is more commonly found in written language, literature, poetry, or formal contexts. It often sounds more elevated than the neutral word das Gesicht.

It is particularly common in fixed expressions:

• im Angesicht von (+ Genitive or Dative): in the face of, considering...
  Example: Im Angesicht des nahenden Sturms suchten sie Schutz. (In the face of the approaching storm, they sought shelter.)
• von Angesicht zu Angesicht: face to face, in person.
  Example: Sie wollten die Sache von Angesicht zu Angesicht klären. (They wanted to sort things out face to face.)
• jemandem ins Angesicht lügen/sagen: to lie/say something straight to someone's face, boldly.
  Example: Er hat mir frech ins Angesicht gelogen! (He blatantly lied to my face!)
• das wahre Angesicht zeigen: to show one's true colours/nature.
  Example: In der Krise zeigte er sein wahres Angesicht. (In the crisis, he showed his true face.)

Comparison:

• Das Gesicht: Neutral, common term for the body part. (Er wäscht sich das Gesicht. - He washes his face.)
• Das Angesicht: Elevated, poetic, often for the expression or in fixed phrases. (Das Angesicht der Wahrheit ist manchmal hart. - The face of truth is sometimes harsh.)
• Das Antlitz: Very elevated, poetic, often with religious or reverent connotations. (Das Antlitz des Engels leuchtete. - The angel's countenance shone.)

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Remember the more common word das Gesicht (face). Das Angesicht is like a more formal version, but it keeps the same article, das.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Angesicht" sounds a bit like "looking at" something (ansehen). It's what you look at – the face itself, or the situation you are facing.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Die Ansicht: view, opinion
• Angesichts: preposition (in view of, considering)

😂 A Little Joke

Auf Deutsch: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir einen Satz mit 'Angesicht' bilden?"
Fritzchen: "Klar! Meine Schwester hat morgens immer zwei Angesichter – eins vor und eins nach dem Kaffee!"

In English: The teacher asks, "Fritzchen, can you make a sentence with 'Angesicht'?"
Fritzchen: "Sure! My sister always has two faces (Angesichter) in the morning – one before and one after coffee!"

📜 Poem about the Word

Auf Deutsch:
Im Spiegel siehst du es gar fein,
mal voller Freude, mal voll Pein.
Das Angesicht, so klar und licht,
erzählt von dir, von Zuversicht.

Doch auch im Sturm, im wilden Braus,
im Angesicht von Not und Graus,
zeigt sich der Mut, die inn're Kraft,
was wahre Stärke wirklich schafft.

In English Translation:
In the mirror, you see it so fine,
sometimes full of joy, sometimes full of pain.
The countenance, so clear and bright,
tells of you, of confidence and light.

But also in the storm, in the wild roar,
in the face of need and dread and gore,
courage reveals itself, the inner might,
what true strength really brings to light.

🧩 Riddle Time

Auf Deutsch:
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch kann ich sprechen,
durch Freude, Trauer, Wut und Schrecken.
Man trifft sich mit mir, steht mir gegenüber,
mal ernst, mal heiter, mal auch trüber.

Man sagt, die Wahrheit zeig ich oft,
wenn jemand ehrlich ist und hofft.
In gehobener Sprache wirst du mich finden,
um Würde oder Blick zu künden.

Was bin ich? ... Das Angesicht

In English Translation:
I have no mouth, yet I can speak,
through joy, sorrow, anger, and shrieks.
People meet with me, stand opposite me,
sometimes serious, sometimes cheerful, sometimes gloomy.

They say I often show the truth,
when someone is honest and has hope, forsooth.
In elevated language, you will find me,
to announce dignity or sight, you see.

What am I? ... The face / countenance (Das Angesicht)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word Angesicht is composed of the prefix/preposition an (at, on, to) and the noun Gesicht (face). The original meaning was likely "that which one looks at" or "the sight/view".

Cultural Significance:

In many cultures, including German-speaking ones, the face (Angesicht or Gesicht) plays a significant role regarding honor, expression, and identity. Idioms like sein Gesicht wahren (to save face) reflect this importance.