das
Gelächter
😂 What does "das Gelächter" mean?
The German word das Gelächter refers to the collective, often loud and sustained laughter of a group of people in reaction to something funny, entertaining, or sometimes even scornful.
It is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum) and is almost exclusively used in the singular. While a plural form formally exists (die Gelächter), it is rarely used in practice.
It differs from das Lachen, which describes the individual act or sound of laughing, whereas Gelächter emphasizes the collective expression.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
🧐 Grammar of Gelächter in Detail
Gelächter is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum). The article is therefore das. It belongs to the so-called collective formations with the prefix 'Ge-', which are often neuter in German.
It is almost always used in the singular. The plural (die Gelächter) is very rare and sounds unusual.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Gelächter |
| Genitive | des | Gelächters |
| Dative | dem | Gelächter |
| Accusative | das | Gelächter |
⚠️ Note: A plural form is generally not used.
Example Sentences
- Nach dem Witz brach lautes Gelächter aus. (Loud laughter broke out after the joke.)
- Das schallende Gelächter war im ganzen Raum zu hören. (The resounding laughter could be heard throughout the room.)
- Mit seinem Auftritt erntete der Komiker schallendes Gelächter. (The comedian earned resounding laughter with his performance.)
- Manchmal kann Gelächter auch verletzend sein, wenn es spöttisch ist. (Sometimes laughter can also be hurtful if it is scornful.)
💬 How to use "das Gelächter"?
Das Gelächter is used to describe the audible reaction of a group to something funny or noteworthy. Typical contexts include:
- Reaction to jokes or comedy: Sein Witz sorgte für schallendes Gelächter. (His joke caused resounding laughter.)
- Expression of joy or amusement in a group: Fröhliches Gelächter erfüllte den Raum. (Cheerful laughter filled the room.)
- Sometimes also scornful or mocking: Sein Missgeschick wurde mit leisem Gelächter quittiert. (His mishap was met with quiet laughter.)
Compared to das Lachen (the act of laughing), das Gelächter emphasizes the collective aspect and often the volume or duration. You might hear about lautes Gelächter (loud laughter), schallendes Gelächter (resounding laughter), hohles Gelächter (hollow laughter), or nervöses Gelächter (nervous laughter).
💡 Mnemonics for "das Gelächter"
Article Aid: Many German nouns starting with 'Ge-' that describe a collective or a process (like das Gebirge - mountain range, das Gemälde - painting, das Gerede - chatter) are neuter (das). Think: The Ge-neral sound of laughter is das Gelächter.
Meaning Aid: Imagine a large group ('Ge-') laughing loudly together. The audible result of this collective laughter is das Gelächter.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- die Heiterkeit: (Merriment, cheerfulness) Refers more to the cheerful mood often associated with laughter.
- die Fröhlichkeit: (Cheerfulness, joyfulness) Similar to Heiterkeit, emphasizes inner joy.
- das Amüsement: (Amusement) The state of being amused or entertained that leads to laughter.
- das Lachen: (Laughter, laughing) The general term for the act or sound of laughing (can also be individual).
Antonyms (opposites):
- das Schweigen: (Silence) The absence of sound, including laughter.
- der Ernst: (Seriousness) The opposite of merriment.
- die Traurigkeit: (Sadness) An emotion contrary to laughter.
- die Stille: (Stillness, quiet) Similar to silence, tranquility.
🚨 Caution: Don't confuse it directly with Lachen. Lachen is the act, Gelächter is often the collective result of many people laughing simultaneously.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir fünf Tiere nennen, die in Afrika leben?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Zwei Löwen und drei Elefanten!"
Teacher asks: "Who can name five animals that live in Africa?"
Little Fritz answers: "Two lions and three elephants!"
(Hopefully, this causes a little Gelächter!)
✍️ Poem about Laughter
Ein Witz erklingt, ganz unverhofft,
Erst Kichern leis, dann immer oft,
Wird's lauter, heller, ohne Zagen,
Ein Chor beginnt, den Schall zu tragen.
Das Gelächter bricht hervor,
Ein fröhlich, ansteckender Chor.
Es perlt und rollt, vertreibt die Schwere,
Ein Klang, der Herzen froh erwähre.
(A joke rings out, quite unexpected,
First a soft giggle, then often detected,
It gets louder, brighter, without hesitation,
A chorus begins, carrying the sound's elation.
The laughter breaks forth,
A cheerful, contagious chorus of worth.
It bubbles and rolls, drives away gravity,
A sound that would gladly make hearts happy.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch mache viel Geräusch.
Ich komme oft in Gruppen, selten bin ich scheu.
Ein guter Witz, der kann mich schnell entfachen,
Man nennt mich auch das Echo frohen Lachens.
Was bin ich?
(I have no mouth, yet I make much noise.
I often come in groups, rarely am I shy.
A good joke can quickly ignite me,
They also call me the echo of happy laughing.
What am I?)(Answer: das Gelächter)
🧩 Other Details
The prefix Ge- in Gelächter, as in many other German words (e.g., Gebirge - mountains, Gerede - talk/gossip, Geschrei - shouting), often indicates a collective or summarizing meaning. It essentially bundles many individual 'laughs' (Lacher) into one overall phenomenon, 'laughter' (Gelächter).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gelächter?
The German word 'Gelächter' is a neuter noun, so it always uses the article das (das Gelächter). It means laughter, especially loud or collective laughter, and is typically used only in the singular.