das  Gespräch

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈʃpʁɛç/

🗣️ What does 'das Gespräch' mean?

Das Gespräch (noun, neuter) refers to an oral exchange of information, thoughts, or opinions between two or more people. It can be a formal discussion, an informal chat, or a negotiation.

• Meaning 1: Conversation, chat (e.g., ein freundliches Gespräch unter Kollegen - a friendly chat among colleagues)
• Meaning 2: Discussion, meeting, talk (e.g., ein wichtiges Gespräch mit dem Chef - an important discussion with the boss)
• Meaning 3: Dialogue (often in a literary context)

⚠️ It's important to note that 'Gespräch' is always neuter, hence das Gespräch. There are no variations with 'der' or 'die'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

💬 Grammar of 'das Gespräch' in Detail

The word "Gespräch" is a noun of the neuter gender (das). It belongs to the group of nouns often derived from verbs (here: sprechen - to speak) featuring the prefix 'Ge-' and sometimes an umlaut.

Example Sentences

1. Wir hatten gestern ein langes Gespräch über unsere Zukunftspläne.
   (Yesterday we had a long conversation about our future plans.)
2. Der Inhalt des Gesprächs bleibt vertraulich.
   (The content of the conversation remains confidential.)
3. Ich freue mich auf unser Gespräch morgen.
   (I'm looking forward to our conversation tomorrow.)
4. In solchen Gesprächen lernt man viel übereinander.
   (In such conversations, you learn a lot about each other.)
5. Die Gespräche zwischen den Parteien waren erfolgreich.
   (The talks between the parties were successful.)

💡 When to use 'das Gespräch'?

'Das Gespräch' is a very common word used in many contexts:

• Everyday life: A conversation with friends, family, neighbours. (e.g., "Lass uns später ein Gespräch führen." - Let's have a talk later.)
• Work/Profession: Mitarbeitergespräch (employee appraisal), Kundengespräch (client meeting), Verhandlungsgespräch (negotiation talk), Bewerbungsgespräch (job interview). (e.g., "Ich habe morgen ein wichtiges Gespräch mit meinem Vorgesetzten." - I have an important meeting with my supervisor tomorrow.)
• Therapy/Counseling: Therapeutisches Gespräch (therapeutic session), Beratungsgespräch (counseling session). (e.g., "Das Gespräch mit dem Psychologen hat mir geholfen." - The conversation with the psychologist helped me.)
• Formal context: Politisches Gespräch (political talk), diplomatisches Gespräch (diplomatic talk).

Difference to 'Unterhaltung': While 'Gespräch' often implies a slightly more focused or purposeful exchange (you want to clarify, discuss, or negotiate something), 'die Unterhaltung' (conversation, chat) is often lighter, more casual, and serves social interaction or leisure. However, the boundaries are fluid.

Common Phrases:

• ins Gespräch kommen: to start talking to each other
• ein Gespräch führen/haben: to have a conversation/talk
• im Gespräch sein: to be the subject of discussion, to be talked about
• das Gespräch suchen: to actively seek to talk to someone

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Gespräch'

1. For the article 'das': Many nouns starting with 'Ge-' and ending in '-ch' that describe a collective or abstract action are neuter. Think of related neutral concepts like das Thema (the topic) of the Gespräch or das Ergebnis (the result) of the Gespräch. It’s about SOMETHING (neuter) being discussed.

   Imagine you need to Get spraight to chat about das neutral topic – that requires a Gespräch!

2. For the meaning 'conversation': The word comes from 'sprechen' (to speak). The prefix 'Ge-' often indicates a collection or a joint action. So: Joint speaking = Gespräch (conversation).

   You 'Get' together to 'sprech' (speak) – the result is a Gespräch.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Gespräch

Similar but different words:

• Ansprache: A mostly formal address *to* someone or a group, not a dialogue.
• Vortrag: A lecture or presentation on a specific topic.

😂 A little joke about conversations

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, können Sie auch über etwas anderes reden als nur über Fußball?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Klar Chef, über welches Spiel wollen Sie denn ein Gespräch führen?"

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Tell me, can you talk about anything other than just football?"
The employee replies: "Sure boss, which match would you like to have a conversation about?"

🎤 A Rhyme about 'das Gespräch'

Zwei Menschen, Wort für Wort,
an einem stillen, schönen Ort.
Sie teilen Freud, sie teilen Leid,
für ein Gespräch ist immer Zeit.

Es klärt den Sinn, es schafft die Näh',
ob bei Kaffee oder Tee.
Das Gespräch, so wunderbar,
macht manches Wirrwarr plötzlich klar.

Translation:
Two people, word by word,
in a quiet, lovely spot unheard.
They share joy, they share sorrow,
for a conversation, there's always tomorrow (or time).

It clarifies the meaning, creates closeness,
whether over coffee or tea, no less.
The conversation, so wonderful,
makes many a muddle suddenly pull-through-able (clear).

❓ Riddle Time: What am I?

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch ich lebe vom Sprechen.
Ich kann kurz sein oder Stunden dauern, ohne zu brechen.
Ich kann fröhlich sein, ernst oder auch ganz klein.
Man führt mich zu zweit oder in größerem Schein.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have no voice, yet I live from speaking.
I can be short or last for hours without breaking.
I can be cheerful, serious, or very small.
I am conducted between two or among many (in a larger setting).

What am I?

Answer: Das Gespräch (The conversation)

⚙️ More about 'das Gespräch'

Etymology

The word 'Gespräch' derives from the verb 'sprechen' (to speak). The prefix 'Ge-' often forms a collective or abstract noun related to the verb's action – in this case, the act of speaking together or mutually.

Compound Words (Komposita)

'Gespräch' is a frequent component of compound words that specify the type or occasion of the conversation:

• Bewerbungsgespräch: Job interview (literally 'application conversation').
• Mitarbeitergespräch: Employee appraisal/review (literally 'employee conversation').
• Kundengespräch: Client meeting/conversation.
• Telefongespräch: Telephone call/conversation.
• Streitgespräch: Argument, debate (literally 'dispute conversation').
• Vieraugengespräch: One-on-one conversation (literally 'four-eyes conversation').