das  Faible

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɛblə/

🧐 What Exactly is 'das Faible'?

Das Faible [ˈfɛːbl̩] is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum) and signifies a special liking, a penchant, an inclination, or a kind of weakness for a particular thing, person, or activity. It's a loanword adopted from French.

It often describes an affection that might not be entirely rationally explained but is strongly felt. You simply 'have a Faible' for it.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar & Declension of 'das Faible'

The word 'Faible' is a noun with the article das. It is declined as follows:

Singular

Plural

The plural is 'die Faibles', but it's used less frequently.

Examples for 'das Faible'

1. Er hat ein Faible für schnelle Autos. (He has a penchant for fast cars.)
2. Ihr Faible für alte Filme ist bekannt. (Her fondness for old movies is well-known.)
3. Mein geheimes Faible sind kitschige Liebesromane. (My secret weakness is cheesy romance novels.)
4. Trotz seiner sonstigen Zurückhaltung hatte er ein unerwartetes Faible für laute Rockmusik. (Despite his usual reserve, he had an unexpected liking for loud rock music.)

💡 How to Use 'das Faible'?

'Das Faible' is most commonly used in the phrase 'ein Faible für etwas/jemanden haben' (to have a liking/penchant for something/someone). It expresses a personal, often emotional affection that goes beyond mere interest.

• Context: Often found in discussions about personal taste, hobbies, preferences for certain styles (art, music, fashion), or even types of people.
• Nuance: Sometimes implies a slight, affectionate 'weakness', something one can't resist. It's stronger than 'Interesse haben' (to have interest) but less formal than 'Vorliebe' (preference).
• Comparison: While a 'Vorliebe' (preference) is often more rational, 'Faible' has a more subjective, sometimes even slightly irrational component. It's not a 'Fähigkeit' (ability) or 'Talent'.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article 'das'

Think of das Hobby or das Interesse – both are neuter things you can have an inclination for, just like das Faible.

Meaning 'Liking/Penchant'

'Faible' sounds a bit like 'fable' – you have a faible for things you personally find 'fabulous'! Or think of the French 'faible' (weak) – you have a 'weak spot' for something, hence, a Faible.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with 'Talent' or 'Begabung' (talent, gift).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker ein Faible für negative Zahlen?
Weil er sie irgendwie unter Null findet! 😉

(Why does the mathematician have a faible for negative numbers? Because he finds them somehow 'below zero' / 'sub-par'!)

✍️ A Poem About 'das Faible'

Ein Faible, zart und leis,
für Schokolade, alten Greis,
für Bücherstaub und Katzenschnurren,
lässt Herzen leise murren.
Nicht Zwang, nicht Pflicht, nur Neigung pur,
folgt man der inneren Spur.
Das Faible, süß und fein,
lässt uns besonders sein.

(A penchant, tender and low,
for chocolate, old folks, you know,
for dusty books and purring cats,
makes hearts softly murmur perhaps.
Not force, not duty, just inclination pure,
following the inner lure.
Das Faible, sweet and fine,
lets us uniquely shine.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin sächlich, komm aus Frankreich her,
beschreibe Zuneigung, oft sonderbar und sehr.
Hab ich dich für Schokolade, schnelle Autos, alte Kunst,
liegt's nicht am Verstand, mehr an der Gunst.

Was bin ich?

(I am neuter, I come from France,
Describing affection, often strange and quite intense.
If you have me for chocolate, fast cars, old art's grace,
It's not about reason, more about favour's space.

What am I?)
(Answer: das Faible)

🌍 Origin & Other Info

The word 'Faible' comes directly from French. The French adjective 'faible' means 'weak'. The German meaning of 'liking' or 'penchant' likely developed from the idea of having a 'weakness' for something – a point where one easily gives in or is particularly susceptible to the charm of something.