das
Sicherheitsgefühl
🤔 What Exactly is "das Sicherheitsgefühl"?
Das Sicherheitsgefühl describes the subjective feeling of a person or group of being safe and protected from danger. It's an inner state that doesn't necessarily correspond to the objective security situation (objektive Sicherheitslage). It represents a feeling of comfort, trust, and the absence of fear or threat.
It is a compound noun (zusammengesetztes Substantiv) formed from die Sicherheit (security) and das Gefühl (feeling). Since the second part is das Gefühl, the compound noun takes its article: das Sicherheitsgefühl.
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 Spotlight: Das Sicherheitsgefühl
The word "Sicherheitsgefühl" is a neuter noun (sächlich). It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract feeling. The plural ("die Sicherheitsgefühle") is grammatically possible but rather rare, used when referring to different types or manifestations of feelings of security.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Sicherheitsgefühl |
| Genitive | des | Sicherheitsgefühls / Sicherheitsgefühles |
| Dative | dem | Sicherheitsgefühl(e) |
| Accusative | das | Sicherheitsgefühl |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sicherheitsgefühle |
| Genitive | der | Sicherheitsgefühle |
| Dative | den | Sicherheitsgefühlen |
| Accusative | die | Sicherheitsgefühle |
Example Sentences
- Ein gutes Alarmsystem kann das Sicherheitsgefühl der Bewohner erhöhen.
(A good alarm system can increase the residents' feeling of security.) - Das subjektive Sicherheitsgefühl der Bevölkerung ist gesunken, obwohl die Kriminalitätsrate objektiv nicht gestiegen ist.
(The population's subjective feeling of security has decreased, although the crime rate has not objectively increased.) - Nach dem Vorfall litt sie unter einem Mangel an Sicherheitsgefühl.
(After the incident, she suffered from a lack of a sense of security.) - Politiker diskutieren Maßnahmen zur Stärkung des allgemeinen Sicherheitsgefühls.
(Politicians are discussing measures to strengthen the general feeling of security.)
💡 How to Use "das Sicherheitsgefühl"?
The word "Sicherheitsgefühl" is used in various contexts:
- Personal Sphere: Describes the individual feeling of safety in one's own home, in relationships, or in specific situations (e.g., walking alone at night).
- Societal/Political Sphere: Often refers to the collective perception of safety in public spaces, influenced by crime, terrorism, social stability, or government actions. Media reports (Medienberichte) play a significant role here.
- Psychology: The concept is central to mental well-being (psychisches Wohlbefinden). A lack of Sicherheitsgefühl can lead to anxiety disorders or stress.
It's important to distinguish between the subjective Sicherheitsgefühl and the objective security situation (objektive Sicherheitslage). Someone might feel very unsafe despite low real danger – or vice versa.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
For the article: Think of "das Gefühl" (the feeling). Many abstract nouns ending in "-gefühl" are neuter: das Glücksgefühl (feeling of happiness), das Mitgefühl (compassion), and also das Sicherheitsgefühl.
For the meaning: Imagine you are in a secure castle (Sicherheit) and experience a cozy, warm sensation (Gefühl). That's your Sicherheitsgefühl.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Words
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Geborgenheit: Strongly emotional, feeling of being sheltered/protected.
- Sicherheitsempfinden: Very similar, perhaps slightly more technical or neutral than Sicherheitsgefühl.
- Vertrauen: Trust, an important basis for the feeling of security.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
⚠️ Note: "Sicherheit" alone often refers to the objective situation (e.g., technical safety - technische Sicherheit, data security - Datensicherheit), whereas "Sicherheitsgefühl" always means the subjective feeling.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Geistliche immer ein hohes Sicherheitsgefühl in der Kirche?
Weil er weiß, dass die Alarmanlage direkt mit dem Himmel verbunden ist! 😉
(Why does the clergyman always have a strong sense of security in church?
Because he knows the alarm system is directly connected to heaven!) 😉
📜 A Short Poem
Ein stilles Haus, die Tür fest zu,
Kein Laut durchbricht die sanfte Ruh'.
Im Herzen warm, von Angst befreit,
Das Sicherheitsgefühl macht sich breit.
Ein Anker in der stürm'schen Zeit.
(A quiet house, the door shut tight,
No sound breaks through the gentle night.
Warm in the heart, from fear released,
The feeling of security increased.
An anchor in tempestuous times, at least.)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin nicht sichtbar, doch stark spürbar.
Ich wachse im Vertrauen, bin oft kostbar.
Politik und Presse reden viel von mir,
Manchmal trügt mein Schein, das sag ich dir.
Was bin ich?
(I am not visible, yet strongly felt. Das Sicherheitsgefühl (The feeling of security)
I grow in trust, am often precious dealt.
Politics and press talk much of me,
Sometimes my appearance deceives, you see.
What am I?)
Solution
✨ Further Insights
Word Composition (Kompositum):
The word "Sicherheitsgefühl" is a clear example of a German determinative compound noun. It consists of:
- Determinans (Determining part): Sicherheit (specifies the type of feeling)
- Grundwort (Base word): Gefühl (provides the core meaning and the grammatical gender)
The linking element "-s" (Fugen-s: "Sicherheitsgefühl") is inserted here for easier pronunciation.
Cultural Significance: The Sicherheitsgefühl is an important indicator of the quality of life (Lebensqualität) and social climate (soziales Klima) in a society. It influences elections, political decisions, and people's everyday behavior.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sicherheitsgefühl?
The word "Sicherheitsgefühl" is a neuter noun. The correct article is always das: das Sicherheitsgefühl. It describes the subjective feeling of being safe.