das  Stillschweigen

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɪlˌʃvaɪɡn̩/

🤫 What does "das Stillschweigen" mean?

Das Stillschweigen (noun, neuter) refers to the deliberate or unconscious act of not speaking or communicating. It describes a state of quietness or refraining from expression, often in situations where speaking would be expected or possible.

• It can mean keeping a secret.
• It can refer to the right to remain silent (e.g., in court).
• It can be a form of agreement or disagreement (eloquent silence).
• It can also describe an awkward or embarrassing silence.

There is only one article for this word: "das". It is an abstract noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: das Stillschweigen

"Stillschweigen" is a noun of neuter gender (das) and is mostly used in the singular, as it describes a state. A plural form is very uncommon and practically non-existent.

Example Sentences

1. Die Angeklagte machte von ihrem Recht auf Stillschweigen Gebrauch.
   (The defendant exercised her right to remain silent.)
2. Sein Stillschweigen zu diesem Thema war sehr auffällig.
   (His silence on this topic was very noticeable.)
3. Nach der überraschenden Nachricht herrschte betretenes Stillschweigen im Raum.
   (After the surprising news, there was an embarrassed silence in the room.)
4. Manchmal sagt Stillschweigen mehr als tausend Worte.
   (Sometimes silence says more than a thousand words.)
5. Sie vereinbarten absolutes Stillschweigen über den Vorfall.
   (They agreed on absolute silence about the incident.)

🗣️ How to use "das Stillschweigen"?

"Das Stillschweigen" is often used in more formal contexts or to describe specific types of silence.

• Stillschweigen bewahren/wahren: To intentionally remain silent, not reveal anything. Example: Er bewahrte Stillschweigen über die Pläne seines Freundes. (He maintained silence about his friend's plans.)
• Etwas mit Stillschweigen übergehen: To deliberately ignore a topic or not address it. Example: Der Politiker überging die kritischen Fragen mit Stillschweigen. (The politician ignored the critical questions with silence.)
• Das Recht auf Stillschweigen: A legal term, the right not to make self-incriminating statements.
• Beredtes Stillschweigen: An eloquent silence that conveys a clear message without words being spoken.
• Peinliches Stillschweigen: An awkward silence that occurs when no one knows what to say.

In everyday language, people often just use "Schweigen" (silence) or "Stille" (quietness/stillness). "Stillschweigen" often emphasizes the deliberate act of not speaking or a formal aspect.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Stillschweigen"

For the article "das": Think of "das Schweigen" (the silence). The word "Stillschweigen" is an intensification of this, composed of "still" (adjective: still, quiet) and "Schweigen" (neuter noun). The base word "Schweigen" dictates the article: das Schweigen -> das Stillschweigen.

For the meaning: Imagine someone covering their mouth (schweigt - is silent) while standing completely still. That's the state of Stillschweigens (silence).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: "Die Stille" (stillness, quietness) refers more to the general absence of sound, while "das Stillschweigen" specifically relates to people not speaking.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Bibliothekar Stillschweigen bewahrt?

Weil Reden Silber ist, aber Schweigen in der Bibliothek Gold! 🤫

(Why did the librarian maintain silence?
Because speech is silver, but silence in the library is golden!)

✒️ Poem about Stillschweigen

Manchmal ist kein Wort zu hören,
doch Blicke können viel erklären.
Ein Raum erfüllt von schwerer Luft,
ein ungesagter, tiefer Duft.
Das Stillschweigen, oft beredt,
wenn niemand spricht, doch jeder versteht.

(Sometimes no word is heard,
yet glances can explain a lot.
A room filled with heavy air,
an unsaid, deep scent.
The silence, often eloquent,
when nobody speaks, yet everyone understands.)

❓ Riddle

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch kann laut sein.
Ich bin oft golden, manchmal peinlich fein.
Vor Gericht bin ich ein Recht,
im Gespräch oft gar nicht schlecht.
Was bin ich?

(I have no voice, yet can be loud.
I am often golden, sometimes awkwardly subtle.
In court, I am a right,
In conversation, often not bad at all.
What am I?)

Solution: Das Stillschweigen (Silence)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition: The word "Stillschweigen" is a compound noun, formed from the adjective "still" (still, quiet) and the nominalized verb "schweigen" (to be silent) -> "das Schweigen" (the silence).

Cultural Significance: In different cultures, Stillschweigen can be interpreted differently – ranging from respect or agreement to disapproval or hostility.