das
Durchhaltevermögen
💪 What does 'Durchhaltevermögen' mean?
Das Durchhaltevermögen [-fɛɐ̯ˈmøːɡn̩] is a German noun describing the ability of a person to stick to a task, goal, or conviction despite difficulties, resistance, or fatigue. It's the strength not to give up, even when things get tough.
It is a neuter noun, so the article is das.
It can be translated as:
- Endurance
- Perseverance
- Stamina
- Tenacity
- Staying power
🚨 There is only this one article and this one meaning for the word.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
📐 Grammar of 'das Durchhaltevermögen'
The word "Durchhaltevermögen" is a neuter noun. It's mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract quality. A plural form is very uncommon and rarely used stylistically.
Declension Singular
Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | No Article |
---|---|---|---|
Nominative (Subject) | das Durchhaltevermögen | ein Durchhaltevermögen | Durchhaltevermögen |
Genitive (Possessive) | des Durchhaltevermögens | eines Durchhaltevermögens | Durchhaltevermögens |
Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Durchhaltevermögen | einem Durchhaltevermögen | Durchhaltevermögen |
Accusative (Direct Object) | das Durchhaltevermögen | ein Durchhaltevermögen | Durchhaltevermögen |
💡 Example Sentences
- Der Marathonläufer bewies großes Durchhaltevermögen.
(The marathon runner showed great stamina.) - Ohne ihr Durchhaltevermögen hätte sie das Studium nicht geschafft.
(Without her perseverance, she wouldn't have finished her studies.) - Es erfordert viel Durchhaltevermögen, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.
(It requires a lot of endurance to learn a new language.) - Das Team zeigte trotz des Rückstands beeindruckendes Durchhaltevermögen.
(The team showed impressive staying power despite being behind.)
🏋️♀️ How to use 'Durchhaltevermögen'?
"Durchhaltevermögen" is used to describe the mental and often physical strength needed to stick with something over a longer period, especially when it's difficult or tedious.
- In sports: Athletes need Durchhaltevermögen for long competitions or tough training. (e.g., marathons, triathlons)
- At work: To complete projects, achieve career goals, or get through difficult phases. (e.g., during long negotiations, complex tasks)
- In education: When studying for exams, writing a thesis, or mastering a difficult subject. (e.g., during exam stress)
- In personal life: When pursuing personal goals, overcoming crises, or managing challenges. (e.g., sticking to a diet, quitting smoking)
It's a somewhat formal or elevated word, but it's understood in everyday conversation. Synonyms like Ausdauer (endurance) or Zähigkeit (toughness) might sound more natural depending on the context.
🧠 Memory Aids for Durchhaltevermögen
- For the article (das): Think of "das Vermögen" (the asset, the fortune, the capability). Durchhaltevermögen is a type of capability – an inner asset to keep going. And Vermögen is neuter (das). Therefore: das Durchhaltevermögen.
- For the meaning: Break down the word: "durchhalten" (to persevere, to hold out) + "Vermögen" (capability, power, means). It's literally the 'capability to persevere'. Imagine you have to go durch (through) a long, hard task and need special Vermögen (power/ability) to halten (hold) on.
"Having das Vermögen to hold (halten) on durch (through) thick and thin – that's das Durchhaltevermögen!"
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Ausdauer: Very similar, often used in a sporting context (endurance).
- Beharrlichkeit: Emphasis on sticking to a goal or opinion, often against resistance (persistence).
- Zähigkeit: Emphasis on resilience, even under pain or hardship (toughness, tenacity).
- Standhaftigkeit: Similar to Beharrlichkeit, often in a moral or character sense (steadfastness).
- Geduld: The ability to wait calmly or endure difficulties without complaining (patience). Closely related but not identical.
- Stehvermögen: More colloquial, emphasizes the ability to withstand stress (staying power).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Aufgeben: The act of stopping an activity or goal (giving up).
- Schwäche: Lack of strength or resilience (weakness).
- Nachgiebigkeit: The tendency to give in or give up quickly (compliance, yielding).
- Wankelmut: Instability, tendency to quickly change one's mind or intention (fickleness).
- Ermüdung / Erschöpfung: The state of having no more strength (fatigue / exhaustion), which can lead to a lack of Durchhaltevermögen.
⚠️ Caution: Although similar, synonyms often have slightly different connotations or areas of application.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat die Schnecke so viel Durchhaltevermögen?
Weil sie immer an ihrem Ziel kleben bleibt! 🐌
---
Why does the snail have so much perseverance/staying power?
Because it always sticks to its goal! (Pun: 'kleben bleiben' means both 'to stick to' physically and 'to stick with' a goal).
📜 Poem about Durchhaltevermögen
Wenn der Weg wird steil und schwer,
und die Kraft scheint nicht mehr,
dann zähl auf das Vermögen in dir,
das flüstert: "Gib nicht auf, bleib hier!"
Durchhalten, auch wenn Stürme weh'n,
fest wie ein Fels im Sturme steh'n.
Das Durchhaltevermögen, stark und rein,
lässt dich am Ende Sieger sein.
---
When the path gets steep and hard,
And strength seems disregard,
Then count on the power within you, near,
That whispers: "Don't give up, stay here!"
Persevere, though tempests blow,
Stand firm like rock, where wild winds go.
Das Durchhaltevermögen, strong and pure,
Will make you victor, that's for sure.
❓ Riddle
Ich bin kein Geld und doch ein Vermögen,
ich helfe dir über Berge und durch Bögen.
Ich wachse, wenn du nicht aufgibst im Streit,
und trage dich durch die schwierigste Zeit.
Mit 'das' steh ich vorn, ganz klar.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung/Solution: Das Durchhaltevermögen)
---
I'm not money, yet a 'Vermögen' (fortune/capability),
I help you over mountains and through arches (challenges).
I grow when you don't give up the fight,
And carry you through the toughest plight.
With 'das' I stand in front, it's clear.
What am I?
(Answer: Das Durchhaltevermögen)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition
The word "Durchhaltevermögen" is a compound noun, composed of:
- The verb "durchhalten" (infinitive stem: durchhalte) - meaning 'to persevere', 'to endure', 'to see something through'.
- The noun "das Vermögen" - meaning 'ability', 'capability', 'capacity', 'fortune', 'assets'.
So, it literally describes the 'capability for persevering'.
Cultural Significance
In German culture, qualities like diligence (Fleiß), discipline (Disziplin), and indeed Durchhaltevermögen are often viewed positively and considered important for success in life.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Durchhaltevermögen?
The correct article for "Durchhaltevermögen" is das. It is a neuter noun and means endurance, perseverance, or stamina.