das
Gesamtgewicht
⚖️ What exactly is das Gesamtgewicht?
Das Gesamtgewicht means the total weight of something, including all its components, cargo, operating fluids, and, if applicable, people. It's the sum of the Leergewicht (tare weight/empty weight) and the Zuladung (payload).
Unlike Nettogewicht (net weight - weight of goods without packaging) or Leergewicht (weight of a vehicle without cargo/passengers), das Gesamtgewicht includes everything.
There's only one article, das, for this word, which simplifies things!
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.
🧐 Grammar: Declining Gesamtgewicht
Das Gesamtgewicht is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It follows the strong declension pattern.
Declension Tables
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Gesamtgewicht |
| Genitive | des | Gesamtgewichts |
| Dative | dem | Gesamtgewicht |
| Accusative | das | Gesamtgewicht |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gesamtgewichte |
| Genitive | der | Gesamtgewichte |
| Dative | den | Gesamtgewichten |
| Accusative | die | Gesamtgewichte |
Example Sentences
- Das Gesamtgewicht des LKW darf 40 Tonnen nicht überschreiten.
The total weight of the truck must not exceed 40 tons. - Bitte geben Sie das Gesamtgewicht des Pakets an.
Please state the total weight of the package. - Bei der Berechnung des Gesamtgewichts müssen auch die Passagiere berücksichtigt werden.
When calculating the total weight, the passengers must also be considered. - Die Brücke ist nur für Fahrzeuge bis zu einem bestimmten Gesamtgewicht zugelassen.
The bridge is only approved for vehicles up to a certain total weight.
🚦 When and how to use "Gesamtgewicht"?
The term das Gesamtgewicht is mainly used in technical, logistical, and legal contexts. Here are some typical use cases:
- Vehicles: Specifying the maximum permissible weight (e.g., in the vehicle registration document: zulässiges Gesamtgewicht - permissible total weight).
- Transport & Logistics: Calculating freight costs, loading means of transport (ships, planes, trucks).
- Packaging: Indicating the gross weight on packages or goods.
- Construction: Calculating loads on structures (e.g., bridges, floors).
It's important to distinguish Gesamtgewicht from Leergewicht (empty weight of the vehicle/container) and Nutzlast or Zuladung (payload - the weight that can be added).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Here are a couple of aids to help you remember das Gesamtgewicht:
Article Aid: Think of das Gewicht (the weight). The word 'Gewicht' is neuter, so das Gesamtgewicht is also neuter. Many abstract nouns formed with 'Ge-' and ending in '-t' are neuter.
Meaning Aid: Imagine packing a suitcase for vacation. The Gesamtgewicht is everything gesamt (total/entire): the empty suitcase + your clothes + souvenirs = the Gesamtgewicht. It counts everything together.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Nettogewicht: (Net weight) Weight of the goods without packaging.
- Leergewicht/Tara: (Tare weight / Empty weight) Weight of the vehicle or container without cargo.
- Nutzlast/Zuladung: (Payload) The maximum weight that can be added (difference between total weight and empty weight).
⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with spezifisches Gewicht (specific gravity/density) or just Gewicht (weight), which could refer to net or gross weight depending on the context.
😄 A Little Weight Joke
Fragt der Fahrlehrer: "Was ist schwerer, ein Kilo Federn oder ein Kilo Blei?"
Antwortet der Fahrschüler: "Beides gleich schwer! Aber das Bußgeld ist höher, wenn dir das Kilo Blei auf den Fuß fällt, während du das zulässige Gesamtgewicht prüfst!"
Driving instructor asks: "What's heavier, a kilo of feathers or a kilo of lead?"
Student driver answers: "Both weigh the same! But the fine is higher if the kilo of lead falls on your foot while you're checking the permissible total weight!"
📜 A Poem About Weight
Der Laster rollt, die Fracht ist schwer,
Der Fahrer prüft, es muss noch mehr?
Nein, halt! Die Waage spricht:
Das Gesamtgewicht erreicht!
Sonst droht Gefahr auf weiter Fahrt,
Und auch die Strafe, unbewahrt.
The truck rolls on, the freight is heavy,
The driver checks, should there be more levy?
No, stop! The scale speaks clear:
The total weight limit is here!
Or danger looms upon the way,
And fines will surely make you pay.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin die Summe, ganz komplett,
Vom Auto leer bis zum Tablett,
Das auf dem Beifahrersitz liegt,
Und alles, was der Laster wiegt.
Auf Schildern oft mein Limit steht,
Damit kein Unglück je geschieht.
Was bin ich?... Das Gesamtgewicht
I am the sum, entirely whole,
From empty car to the tablet's scroll,
That rests upon the passenger seat,
And all the truck weighs on the street.
My limit's often shown on signs,
So no disaster undermines.
What am I?
... The total weight (das Gesamtgewicht)
🧩 Word Building Blocks: Gesamtgewicht
The word Gesamtgewicht is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), composed of:
- Gesamt-: Meaning 'total', 'entire', 'overall'.
- Gewicht: Meaning 'weight', the physical quantity or perceived heaviness of an object.
Together, the meaning is: The weight of everything combined.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gesamtgewicht?
The word "Gesamtgewicht" is neuter, so the correct article is always das. It refers to the total weight, including the tare weight and the payload.