das  Schweigen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃvaɪɡn̩/

🤫 What does 'das Schweigen' mean?

Das Schweigen refers to the state or act of not speaking or being silent. It signifies the absence of speech or sounds originating from a person or group.

It is the nominalization (making a noun) of the verb schweigen (to be silent). Such nouns formed from infinitives are always neuter (sächlich) in German and thus take the article das.

There is only this one meaning and this one article for the noun 'Schweigen'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Schweigen

Das Schweigen is a neuter noun (Neutrum). It is primarily used in the singular. A plural form ('die Schweigen') is very uncommon and typically reserved for specific poetic or philosophical contexts to describe different types or instances of silence.

Declension (Singular)

Example Sentences

1. Sein plötzliches Schweigen war auffällig. (His sudden silence was noticeable.)
2. Die Bedeutung des Schweigens wurde allen klar. (The meaning of the silence became clear to everyone.)
3. Nach langem Schweigen ergriff er das Wort. (After a long silence, he started speaking. - Dative after preposition 'nach')
4. Sie brachen das Schweigen mit einer Frage. (They broke the silence with a question.)

🗣️ When to use 'das Schweigen'?

Das Schweigen is used in various contexts:

• Intentional non-speaking: When someone chooses not to say anything, e.g., out of protest, discretion, or as an answer. Example: Sein Schweigen war eine klare Antwort. (His silence was a clear answer.)
• Awkward silence: In social situations when a conversation unexpectedly stops. Often referred to as peinliches Schweigen.
• Agreement or Acquiescence: Sometimes silence is interpreted as agreement (Stillschweigen - tacit agreement). Example: Wer schweigt, stimmt zu? (Silence means consent? - A proverb, often not true!)
• Solemn or serious atmosphere: A Schweigeminute (minute of silence) is often observed for remembrance.
• The right to remain silent: In a legal context, an accused person has das Recht zu Schweigen.

Difference from die Stille: While das Schweigen primarily refers to the non-speaking of people, die Stille can also describe the general absence of sound (e.g., in nature). Das Schweigen often feels more active or meaningful than the more neutral die Stille.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Schweigen'

For the article: Remember that nouns made from verb infinitives (ending in -en) are always neuter (das) in German: das Lesen (reading), das Schreiben (writing), das Essen (eating)... and also das Schweigen. Think of the neutral 'It': It is silent (Es herrscht Schweigen).

For the meaning: Imagine someone putting a finger to their lips, making the 'shhh' sound – that action, that state of not speaking, is das Schweigen. The 'sh' sound is even in the word: Schweigen.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Around 'das Schweigen'

⚠️ Note: Die Stille is often the broader term for absence of sound, whereas das Schweigen usually refers to the deliberate act of people not speaking.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir den Unterschied zwischen Reden und Schweigen erklären?" Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Ganz einfach, Herr Lehrer! Beim Schweigen versteht man sich manchmal besser!"

English: The teacher asks: "Who can explain the difference between talking and silence?" Little Fritz raises his hand: "Easy, teacher! Sometimes you understand each other better in silence!"

📜 Poem about Silence

German:
Manchmal sagt es mehr als Worte,
öffnet ungeahnte Pforten.
Kann verletzen, kann auch heilen,
lässt Gedanken still verweilen.
Mal ist's Gold, mal nur Fassade,
dieses tiefe, stumme Grade.
Das Schweigen – mächtig, unergründlich,
manchmal besser, manchmal sündlich.

English Translation:
Sometimes it says more than words,
Opens unexpected doors.
Can hurt, can also heal,
Lets thoughts quietly congeal.
Sometimes gold, sometimes facade,
This deep, silent grade.
Silence – mighty, unfathomable,
Sometimes better, sometimes culpable.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch man hört mich klar.
Ich kann laut sein, auch wenn kein Ton je war.
Man kann mich brechen, ohne mich zu zerstückeln.
Was bin ich, das oft zwischen Menschen kann zirkeln?

English:
I have no voice, yet I am clearly heard.
I can be loud, though never a sound occurred.
You can break me without causing any fracture.
What am I, that often circles between people's stature?

Solution: Das Schweigen (Silence)

💡 Other Interesting Info

Word Family:

• The Verb: schweigen (to be silent, to remain silent) - past: schwieg, perfect: hat geschwiegen
• Adjective: schweigsam (taciturn, reserved)
• Compound Nouns: das Stillschweigen (tacit agreement, acquiescence), das Totschweigen (the act of hushing something up, deliberate ignoring), die Schweigeminute (minute of silence), die Schweigepflicht (duty of confidentiality, e.g., for doctors).

Cultural Significance: Silence holds different meanings across cultures. In some, it's seen as a sign of respect or wisdom, while in others, it might be interpreted as rudeness or lack of interest.