das  Geheimnis

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈhaɪ̯mnɪs/

🤫 What does 'das Geheimnis' mean?

Das Geheimnis (noun, neuter) refers to a piece of information, knowledge, or a circumstance that is known only to one or a few people and should not or must not be passed on. It can be something personal, confidential, or even an unsolved mystery (Rätsel).

• Main meaning: A hidden thing or piece of information not generally known.
• Further nuance: A mystery, something inexplicable or puzzling.

The only article for this word is das. There are no other articles with different meanings for Geheimnis.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar in Detail: Declension of 'das Geheimnis'

The word 'Geheimnis' is a neuter noun and follows the strong declension pattern. Note the extra 'es' in the genitive singular (des Geheimnisses).

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominativ: Das Geheimnis wurde gelüftet.
   (The secret was revealed.)
2. Genitiv: Der Inhalt des Geheimnisses war schockierend.
   (The content of the secret was shocking.)
3. Dativ: Sie kam dem Geheimnis auf die Spur.
   (She got onto the track of the secret / She started to uncover the secret.)
4. Akkusativ: Er konnte das Geheimnis nicht für sich behalten.
   (He couldn't keep the secret to himself.)
5. Plural Nominativ: Die Geheimnisse des alten Schlosses sind faszinierend.
   (The secrets of the old castle are fascinating.)

How to use 'das Geheimnis'?

"Geheimnis" is used in many contexts, from personal relationships to grand mysteries.

• Personal secrets: "Ich erzähle dir ein Geheimnis, aber du darfst es niemandem weitersagen." (I'll tell you a secret, but you mustn't tell anyone.)
• Puzzles/Mysteries: "Das Geheimnis der Pyramiden beschäftigt Forscher seit Jahrhunderten." (The secret/mystery of the pyramids has occupied researchers for centuries.)
• Figurative meaning: "Das Geheimnis des Erfolgs liegt in harter Arbeit." (The secret to success lies in hard work.) - Here more in the sense of 'key' or 'essential factor'.
• Common phrases: "ein Geheimnis lüften" (to reveal a secret), "ein Geheimnis bewahren/hüten" (to keep a secret), "jemanden ins Geheimnis einweihen" (to let someone in on a secret), "ein offenes Geheimnis" (an open secret).

Distinction from similar words:

• Das Rätsel: Emphasizes the aspect of the unknown that needs to be solved. A Geheimnis doesn't necessarily have to be puzzling; it can simply be confidential.
• Das Mysterium: Similar to Rätsel, often with a touch of the supernatural or inexplicable.

Memory Aids for 'das Geheimnis'

🔑 Article Mnemonic (das): Many nouns ending in -nis are neuter (das), like 'das Zeugnis' (report card), 'das Ergebnis' (result), 'das Bedürfnis' (need). Imagine 'das Geheimnis' is like a neutral (das) box where something is hidden. (But beware: there are exceptions like 'die Kenntnis' - knowledge!). Alternatively, think of 'secret' as an abstract concept, often taking 'das' in German.

🤫 Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains "heim" (like in 'heimlich' - secretly). A 'Geheimnis' is something you keep secretly ('heimlich') hidden away, perhaps at home ('daheim').

Related Words: Synonyms & Antonyms for 'Geheimnis'

⚠️ Similar Words:

Sometimes 'Geheimnis' is confused with 'Rätsel'. A 'Rätsel' (riddle/puzzle) always implies a question or problem to be solved, whereas a 'Geheimnis' can simply be confidential information without being puzzling.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der eine Freund den anderen: "Kannst du ein Geheimnis für dich behalten?"
Sagt der andere: "Klar, aber die Leute, denen ich es weitererzähle, nicht unbedingt!"

Translation:
One friend asks the other: "Can you keep a secret?"
The other says: "Sure, but the people I tell it to can't necessarily!"

📜 A Little Poem

Ein Flüstern leis, ein Blick, der spricht,
Ein Wissen, das ans Tageslicht
Noch nicht gedrungen, tief versteckt,
Von Schweigen sorgsam zugedeckt.
Das Geheimnis, schwer und leicht,
Bis es die Wahrheit doch erreicht.

Translation:
A quiet whisper, a glance that speaks,
Knowledge that to daylight seeks
Not yet to reach, deeply hidden,
By silence carefully overridden.
The secret, heavy and light,
Until the truth comes into sight.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch man kann mich teilen.
Ich habe keine Beine, doch ich kann enteilen.
Man kann mich lüften, doch ich bin kein Tuch.
Man kann mich hüten, wie ein wertvoll Buch.

Was bin ich? (... Das Geheimnis)

Translation:
I have no voice, yet I can be shared.
I have no legs, yet I can flee (get out).
You can air me (lüften = reveal/air), but I'm not a cloth.
You can guard me, like a precious book.

What am I?
(... The secret / das Geheimnis)

✨ More Interesting Facts

• Word Formation: The word 'Geheimnis' derives from the adjective 'geheim' (secret), which in turn comes from 'Heim' (home, familiar sphere). The prefix 'Ge-' often indicates collection or intensification, and the suffix '-nis' forms nouns (often neuter or feminine). So, 'Ge-heim-nis' is essentially the state or thing of being secret/private.
• Cultural Significance: Secrets (Geheimnisse) play a central role in literature, film, and mythology, often driving the plot (e.g., crime stories, thrillers, family sagas).
• Psychology: Keeping or sharing secrets has significant psychological effects on individuals and relationships.