das
Mobbing
🤔 What Exactly is "das Mobbing"?
Das Mobbing refers to repeated, systematic harassment, hostility, tormenting, or harm inflicted upon a person by one or more other individuals over an extended period. It frequently occurs in the workplace (Arbeitsplatz), at school (Schule), or on the internet (as Cybermobbing).
It's a loanword from English ("to mob"), but in German, it has a more specific meaning than in English, where the term "bullying" is more common. In German, "Mobbing" focuses more strongly on the systematic and often psychological aspect of harassment, especially in professional and school environments.
⚠️ Important: Isolated conflicts or occasional rudeness do not constitute Mobbing. The defining characteristics of Mobbing are the systematic nature (Systematik) and repetition (Wiederholung) of negative actions.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Many foreign words → mostly neutral.
There are many foreign words, we won't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of "Mobbing" at a Glance
Das Mobbing is a neuter noun (sächliches Substantiv). It is mostly used as an uncountable abstract noun, often without an article or only in the singular (Singular).
Declension (Singular):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Mobbing |
| Accusative | das | Mobbing |
| Dative | dem | Mobbing |
| Genitive | des | Mobbings |
🚨 Plural: The plural form ("die Mobbings") is very uncommon and rarely used. People usually refer to "Mobbingfälle" (cases of bullying) or "Mobbinghandlungen" (acts of bullying).
Example Sentences
- Mobbing am Arbeitsplatz ist ein ernsthaftes Problem.
(Bullying in the workplace is a serious problem.) - Die Schülerin leidet unter dem ständigen Mobbing ihrer Mitschüler.
(The student suffers from the constant bullying by her classmates.) - Er wurde Opfer von Mobbing.
(He became a victim of bullying.) - Die Auswirkungen des Mobbings können gravierend sein.
(The effects of bullying can be severe.)
🗣️ How "das Mobbing" is Used
Contexts:
- Workplace (Arbeitsplatz): Harassment by colleagues or superiors (e.g., constant criticism, social isolation, assignment of meaningless tasks).
- School (Schule): Exclusion, teasing, physical attacks, or cyberbullying among students.
- Internet (Cybermobbing): Spreading rumors, insults, or public humiliation on social media, forums, or via messengers.
- Clubs, Neighborhoods: Bullying can also occur in other social groups.
Distinction:
"Das Mobbing" differs from a normal Streit (argument) or Konflikt (conflict). A conflict is usually time-limited, and the parties involved are often on an equal footing. Mobbing, however, is characterized by a power imbalance (perpetrator vs. victim) and systematic, targeted harm over time.
It is a serious term and should not be used for every minor disagreement.
💡 Mnemonics for "das Mobbing"
For the article "das": Think of 'das System'. Mobbing is often systematic and aims to break someone down. Like a system, it has rules (albeit unfair ones) and structures. Therefore: das System - das Mobbing.
For the meaning: Imagine an angry mob attacking a single person. That's the feeling of Mobbing – being attacked by a group. Mob -> Mobbing.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):
- Schikane: Malicious harassment, often by superiors.
- Drangsalierung: Oppression, torment.
- Psychoterror: Systematic psychological warfare/torment.
- Anfeindung: Hostility, attacks.
- Ausgrenzung: Exclusion, ostracism.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Unterstützung: Support.
- Kollegialität: Collegiality, camaraderie among colleagues.
- Fairness: Fairness, decency.
- Teamgeist: Team spirit.
- Wertschätzung: Appreciation, esteem.
Similar but different terms:
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette nicht am Mobbing teil?
... Weil sie kein Rückgrat haben, um für andere einzustehen! 😉
Translation: Why don't skeletons participate in bullying?
... Because they don't have the backbone to stand up for others!
(This is not intended to make light of the issue, but to highlight the importance of bystander intervention.)
📜 Poem about Mobbing
Ein Wort, ein Blick, ein leises Lachen,
kann tiefe Wunden schmerzhaft machen.
Systematisch, Tag für Tag,
ein Angriff, der die Seele plag.
Doch Schweigen hilft dem Opfer nicht,
der Täterkreis nur stärker ficht.
Drum braucht es Mut und offnes Ohr,
und Beistand tritt aus Schatten vor.
Das Mobbing darf nie Sieger sein,
steht auf, seid stark, seid nicht allein!
Translation:
A word, a glance, a quiet laugh,
Can inflict deep wounds that painfully last.
Systematic, day by day,
An assault that plagues the soul's pathway.
But silence doesn't help the one in pain,
The circle of tormentors only gains.
So courage is needed, an open ear,
And support steps out from shadows near.
Bullying must never win the fight,
Stand up, be strong, unite with might!
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Streit, doch tu ich weh,
ich wachse heimlich, wie Unkraut im Klee.
Am Arbeitsplatz, in Klassen klein,
dräng ich oft Opfer ins Alleinsein.
Systematisch, gemein und kalt,
mach ich vor Jung und Alt nicht halt.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I'm not a fight, but I cause pain,
I grow in secret, like weeds in the lane.
In workplaces, in classrooms small,
I often push victims against the wall (into loneliness).
Systematic, mean, and cold,
I spare neither young nor old.
What am I?
Solution: das Mobbing
💡 Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Mobbing" comes from the English verb "to mob," meaning to crowd around someone aggressively or harass them. The "-ing" suffix turns the verb into a noun (substantiviert das Verb).
Cybermobbing: A modern form of bullying that takes place via digital media (social networks, messengers, emails, etc.). The anonymity of the internet can lower the inhibition threshold for perpetrators (Täter).
Legal Aspects (Rechtliche Aspekte): Mobbing can have consequences under labor law, school law, and even criminal law in Germany (e.g., in cases of insult - Beleidigung, bodily harm - Körperverletzung, coercion - Nötigung).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Mobbing?
The German word Mobbing is neuter, so the correct article is das Mobbing. It describes the systematic harassment, hostility, or exclusion of a person over an extended period, particularly in the workplace or at school.