das
Raunen
🗣️ What exactly is 'das Raunen'?
Das Raunen is a German noun derived from the verb raunen (to murmur, to whisper). It describes a low, often indistinct murmuring or whispering sound. It can refer to the sounds of a crowd, the wind in the trees, or the mysterious spreading of rumors.
It's a sound that often conveys a mood or feeling rather than clear information. Sometimes it has a mysterious or even eerie connotation.
This noun only uses the article das.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
📖 Grammar of 'das Raunen' in Detail
Das Raunen is a neuter noun and is generally only used in the singular, as it describes a non-countable sound or process. It follows strong declension, like most nouns derived from verbs (substantivierte Verben).
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das | Raunen | (Nominative) |
| Genitiv | des | Raunens | (Genitive) |
| Dativ | dem | Raunen | (Dative) |
| Akkusativ | das | Raunen | (Accusative) |
A plural form ('die Raunen') is grammatically possible but extremely rare and uncommon.
Example Sentences
- Das leise Raunen der Menge erfüllte den Saal. (The quiet murmuring of the crowd filled the hall.)
- Man hörte nur das Raunen des Windes in den Blättern. (One only heard the whispering of the wind in the leaves.)
- Ein Raunen ging durch die Reihen, als die Nachricht verkündet wurde. (A murmur went through the rows when the news was announced.)
- Dem geheimnisvollen Raunen folgte gespannte Stille. (The mysterious murmuring was followed by tense silence.)
💡 How is 'das Raunen' used?
Das Raunen typically describes:
- Quiet sounds from people: The murmur in a library, whispering at a meeting, murmurs of approval or disapproval.
- Nature sounds: The sound of the wind, the gentle lapping of water.
- Figurative meanings: The spreading of rumors or unconfirmed information ("Es geht ein Raunen um..." - "There's a rumor going around...").
It is often used to create an atmosphere of uncertainty, mystery, expectation, or even unease. Unlike Flüstern (whispering), which is usually more targeted, Raunen is often more diffuse and undirected.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Geräusch (the sound) or das Geheimnis (the secret). Both are neuter ('das'), just like das Raunen.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine people murmuring round ('raunen') a corner, sharing secrets in low voices. The 'au' sound in 'Raunen' might even remind you of a low, murmuring sound.
↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Das Murmeln: (Murmuring) Very similar, often interchangeable.
- Das Wispern: (Whispering) More like targeted, quiet speech.
- Das Gemurmel: (Murmur, babble) Often refers to many indistinct voices.
- Das Säuseln: (Rustling, whispering) Usually a gentle sound (like wind).
- Das Getuschel: (Whispering, gossip) Secretive talk, often negative (rumors).
Similar but different words:
- Rühmen: (To praise) Sounds vaguely similar but has a completely different meaning.
- Räumen: (To clear, to vacate) Also sounds somewhat similar.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum raunt der Bibliothekar?
Weil er seine Stimme schonen muss – für das nächste „Pssst!“.
(Why does the librarian murmur?
Because he has to save his voice - for the next "Shhh!")
📜 Poem about 'das Raunen'
Ein leises Raunen geht durchs Land,
Getragen sanft von Windeshand.
Ein Flüstern nur, ein Murmellaut,
Das man kaum hört, dem man nicht traut.
Es schleicht durch Gassen, alt und grau,
Man weiß nicht, was es will, genau.
Das Raunen wächst, wird fast zum Chor,
Ein unbestimmtes Dröhnen nur im Ohr.
(A quiet murmur goes through the land,
Carried gently by the wind's hand.
Just a whisper, a murmuring sound,
That one barely hears, that one doesn't trust.)
(It creeps through alleys, old and grey,
One doesn't know what it wants, exactly.
The murmur grows, almost becomes a choir,
Just an indistinct drone in the ear.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin kein Schrei, doch hörbar kaum,
Ich fülle oft den leeren Raum.
Mal Windeshauch, mal Stimmenmeer,
Ein unklares Gerücht kommt her.
Was bin ich?
(I'm not a scream, yet barely heard,
I often fill the empty void.
Sometimes a breath of wind, sometimes a sea of voices,
An unclear rumor emerges.
What am I?)
(Solution: das Raunen)
🤓 More Things to Know
Word Formation: The noun das Raunen is formed by nominalizing the verb raunen (substantivierter Infinitiv). This pattern (using the infinitive as a noun) is common in German and usually results in neuter nouns (e.g., das Essen - eating/food, das Laufen - running, das Lesen - reading).
Cultural Connotation: In literature and film, "Raunen" is often used to build suspense or create a mysterious, sometimes threatening atmosphere.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Raunen?
The German word Raunen is a noun meaning murmuring or whispering. It uses the article das: das Raunen. It describes a low, often indistinct sound and is mostly used in the singular.