das  Dementi

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/dəmə̃nˈtiː/

🗣️ What does 'das Dementi' mean?

Das Dementi (noun, neuter) means an official or public denial, contradiction, or retraction of an assertion, rumor, or piece of news. It's a formal way to negate something or clarify that a particular statement is untrue.

It is frequently used in the context of politics, media, and public affairs.

⚠️ Attention: Although it ends in '-i', it is neuter (das Dementi), not feminine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar & Declension: 'Das Dementi' in Detail

The noun 'Dementi' is neuter (sächlich). The plural form ('die Dementis') is possible but rather uncommon. Usually, the singular form is used, or a paraphrase is employed.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Pressesprecherin veröffentlichte umgehend ein Dementi zu den Gerüchten. (The press spokesperson immediately published a denial regarding the rumors.)
• Trotz des klaren Dementis des Ministers hielten sich die Spekulationen. (Despite the minister's clear denial, the speculations persisted.)
• Auf die Anfrage folgte nur ein knappes Dementi. (The inquiry was met with only a brief denial.)

💡 Usage and Context

Das Dementi is typically used in formal or official contexts:

• Politics: Governments or politicians issue denials (Dementis) regarding accusations or reports.
• Media: Newspapers or broadcasters publish denials (Dementis) concerning false reports.
• Companies: Firms issue denials (Dementis) about rumors regarding their business situation or products.
• Public Figures: Celebrities issue denials (Dementis) about reports concerning their private lives.

It implies a clear and often emphatic rejection. Unlike a simple negation ('Nein, das stimmt nicht' - 'No, that's not true'), das Dementi carries a more official weight.

Distinction from similar terms:

• Widerspruch (contradiction, objection): Can be more general, also a difference of opinion.
• Ablehnung (rejection, refusal): Often refers to a proposal or request.
• Bestreitung (denial, dispute): Similar, but 'Dementi' is often more public and formal.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Here are a couple of ideas to help remember 'das Dementi':

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das Statement or das Kommuniqué – other neuter German words for official communications. A Dementi is essentially an official 'No' statement.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone emphatically saying "Definitely mentioned it? Time to deny!" – This strong denial is a Dementi.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• Demenz: Dementia (a medical condition). Sounds similar, but has a completely different meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Journalist den Politiker: "Stimmt es, dass Sie Bestechungsgelder angenommen haben?"
Antwortet der Politiker empört: "Das ist eine unerhörte Unterstellung! Ich erwarte morgen früh ein offizielles Dementi von Ihnen – auf meinem neuen Schreibtisch aus Mahagoni!"

(Journalist asks the politician: "Is it true that you accepted bribes?"
The politician replies indignantly: "That's an outrageous insinuation! I expect an official denial (Dementi) from you tomorrow morning – on my new mahogany desk!")

✒️ A Short Poem about Dementi

Ein Gerücht, es macht die Runde,
fliegt von Mund zu Munde.
Doch offiziell, ganz klar und schlicht,
kommt das Dementi ans Licht.
"Nicht wahr!", so tönt es laut,
hat die Wahrheit neu gebaut.

(A rumor, it makes the rounds,
flies from mouth to mouth.
But officially, quite clear and plain,
the denial (das Dementi) comes to light.
"Not true!", it sounds out loud,
having rebuilt the truth.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin kein Ja, ich bin ein Nein,
doch meistens nicht im trauten Heim.
Offiziell und oft gedruckt,
hab' ich schon manchen Plan zerpflückt.
Ich stelle klar, was falsch erschien.
Wer oder was bin ich?

(I am not a yes, I am a no,
but usually not in a cozy home.
Official and often printed,
I've thwarted many a plan.
I clarify what seemed false.
Who or what am I?)

Solution: das Dementi (the denial)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word 'Dementi' comes from the French verb démentir, which means 'to give the lie to', 'to contradict', or 'to deny'. The French noun is le démenti.

Cultural Note: In Germany, an official Dementi often carries significant weight in public perception, especially when it comes from a trustworthy source.