das  Erstaunen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛʁˈʃtaʊ̯nən/

😮 What exactly does "das Erstaunen" mean?

Das Erstaunen describes a feeling of great surprise or astonishment about something unexpected, new, or impressive. It's the reaction when something exceeds one's expectations or deviates completely from them.

It is the nominalization (Substantivierung) of the verb erstaunen (to astonish, to be amazed). Therefore, it is capitalized and used with the article "das".

Typically, "das Erstaunen" is used in the singular. The plural ("die Erstaunen") is very uncommon and is mostly found in poetic or philosophical language to describe different types or instances of astonishment.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Erstaunen

"Das Erstaunen" is a nominalized verb (from erstaunen) and therefore takes the neuter article "das". It is often used without an article or with the definite article "das". It almost exclusively appears in the singular.

Example Sentences

1. Sein Gesicht zeigte pures Erstaunen, als er das Geschenk sah.
   (His face showed pure astonishment when he saw the gift.)
2. Zu meinem großen Erstaunen war die Prüfung einfacher als gedacht.
   (To my great astonishment, the exam was easier than expected.)
3. Das plötzliche Verschwinden des Magiers löste allgemeines Erstaunen aus.
   (The magician's sudden disappearance caused general amazement.)
4. Sie konnte ihr Erstaunen kaum verbergen.
   (She could hardly hide her astonishment.)
5. Das Gefühl des Erstaunens über die Schönheit der Natur überwältigte ihn.
   (The feeling of amazement at the beauty of nature overwhelmed him.)

💬 How to use "Erstaunen"?

"Das Erstaunen" is used to express a state or feeling of great surprise. It describes the reaction to something unexpected or remarkable.

• Context: Often in situations where something exceeds expectations (positively or negatively) or is hard to believe.
• Phrases: Common phrases include "zu jemandes (großem) Erstaunen" (to someone's (great) astonishment), "sein Erstaunen zeigen/verbergen" (to show/hide one's astonishment), "in Erstaunen versetzen" (to amaze someone).
• Comparison: While Überraschung (surprise) can often be more neutral or short-lived, Erstaunen usually implies deeper wonder or bewilderment. Verblüffung (bafflement, stupefaction) is very similar to Erstaunen, perhaps emphasizing the element of incomprehension even more strongly.
• Related words: The verb is erstaunen (to be astonished), the adjective/participle is erstaunt (astonished), and the adverb/adjective is erstaunlich (astonishing, amazing).

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Nominalized verbs in German are usually neuter ("das"). Think of: Das Laufen (running), das Sehen (seeing), das Sprechen (speaking)... and also das Erstaunen. The article "das" fits the abstract feeling.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone being so surprised they become "stark" (stiff) and just "stare" in awe – that's hinted at in Er-staun-en. It sounds a bit like English "astonishment". You're so surprised you're almost stunned.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with Erschtaunen (misspelling) or non-existent words like Erstauen.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist die Steigerung von Erstaunen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Verblüffung!"
Lehrer: "Und die Steigerung davon?"
Fritzchen: "Wenn Papa plötzlich die Hausaufgaben macht!"

Teacher asks: "What's the comparative/next level up from astonishment (Erstaunen)?"
Little Fritz says: "Bafflement (Verblüffung)!"
Teacher: "And the level up from that?"
Fritz: "When Dad suddenly does the homework!"

📜 Poem about Amazement

Ein Blick, ein Wort, ein Augenblick,
Die Welt hält an, kein Blick zurück.
Das Herz schlägt schnell, der Atem stockt,
Von Neuem tief ins Sein gelockt.
Das Erstaunen, klar und rein,
Lässt uns ganz im Moment nur sein.

A glance, a word, a moment's time,
The world stands still, no backward climb.
The heart beats fast, the breath does cease,
Lured deep within to find release.
Amazement (Das Erstaunen), clear and pure,
Lets us reside in the moment, secure.

🧩 Who am I? A Riddle

Ich komme schnell, ganz unerwartet,
Wenn etwas Neues für dich startet.
Ich öffne Augen, manchmal Mund,
Und mache sprachlos für 'ne Stund'.
Ich bin ein Gefühl, groß und tief,
Wenn etwas anders als erwartet lief.

Was bin ich? (Lösung/Solution: Das Erstaunen)

I come quickly, quite unexpected,
When something new for you has started.
I open eyes, sometimes the mouth,
And render speechless for an hour's drouth.
I am a feeling, large and deep,
When things turned out differently from the expected leap.

What am I?
(Solution: Amazement / Das Erstaunen)

✨ Other Information

Word Formation: As mentioned, "das Erstaunen" is a nominalization (Substantivierung) of the verb erstaunen. The prefix er- in German often indicates the beginning or achievement of a state, so here it means entering the state of amazement.

Cultural Aspects: The feeling of astonishment (Erstaunen) is often considered an important impulse for curiosity, learning, and philosophical thought. Even the ancient Greek philosophers saw astonishment as the beginning of philosophy.