das  Tun

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tuːn/

📜 What does "das Tun" mean?

The word "das Tun" is a nominalized verb (a noun formed from a verb). It derives from the verb "tun" (to do) and generally describes:

• The action or activity itself: The execution of an activity, the acting, the doing.
• The entirety of a person's actions or behavior: Sein ganzes Tun war auf dieses Ziel ausgerichtet. (His entire doing/actions were aimed at this goal.)

It always takes the article "das" because nominalized infinitives in German are neuter. There are no different meanings based on the article, as only "das" is possible. 💡

Sometimes it's used in a slightly philosophical or abstract way to describe the concept of action itself.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Tun" in Detail

"Das Tun" is a nominalized infinitive and therefore follows the rules for neuter nouns. It is mainly used in the singular. A plural form ("die Tun") is very unusual and mostly avoided or replaced by other phrases (e.g., "die Handlungen" - the actions, "die Taten" - the deeds).

Declension Singular

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein ständiges Tun ging allen auf die Nerven. (His constant doing got on everyone's nerves.) - Nominative
2. Man sollte sich der Konsequenzen seines Tuns bewusst sein. (One should be aware of the consequences of one's actions/doing.) - Genitive
3. Er widmete sich ganz seinem Tun. (He dedicated himself entirely to his doing/activity.) - Dative
4. Wir bewerten nicht nur die Absicht, sondern auch das Tun. (We evaluate not only the intention but also the action/doing.) - Accusative

🗣️ How to use "das Tun"?

"Das Tun" is often used in a slightly more elevated or abstract context. Here are some typical use cases:

• General description of activity: Often synonymous with "das Handeln" (the acting) or "die Tätigkeit" (the activity). Example: "Das Nichtstun ist manchmal schwieriger als das Tun." (Doing nothing is sometimes harder than doing something.)
• Referring to a person's behavior: To summarize the entirety of a person's actions or work. Example: "Ihr ganzes Tun war wohltätig." (All her actions/doing were charitable.)
• Philosophical/Ethical context: To talk about the concept of action itself. Example: "Im Gegensatz zum Sein steht das Tun." (Doing stands in contrast to being.)

Difference from the verb "tun": While the verb "tun" describes a concrete action (Was tust du? Ich tue meine Hausaufgaben. - What are you doing? I'm doing my homework.), the noun "das Tun" refers to the action or the concept of acting more generally and abstractly.

⚠️ Avoidance in everyday life: In everyday language, the verb "tun" or more specific nouns like "die Arbeit" (the work), "die Handlung" (the action), "die Tätigkeit" (the activity) are often preferred. "Das Tun" can sometimes sound a bit stilted or vague.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (das):
Think of verb infinitives used as nouns in German (like Gerunds or infinitives in English sometimes function): 'das Laufen' (the running), 'das Schwimmen' (the swimming). They describe the concept or activity itself, which is abstract and neuter. So, 'das Tun' (the doing) follows this rule: verb infinitive -> noun -> das.

For the meaning (doing, action, activity):
It sounds like the English verb "do", but with a "T" sound: T-U-N. It literally means "the doing". When you do something, you are engaged in Tun.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for das Tun

⚠️ Similar but misleading words:

• Die Tat: Usually refers to a completed, concrete action, often with a moral evaluation (good deed, crime). More specific than 'das Tun'.
• Der Ton: Sound, tone (completely different meaning despite similar letters).

😂 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Tun und Lassen?"
Fritzchen: "Ganz einfach! Beim Tun wird man müde, beim Lassen nicht!"

Translation:
Teacher: "What's the difference between doing (Tun) and refraining/leaving (Lassen)?"
Little Fritz: "Easy! Doing makes you tired, refraining doesn't!"

✍️ Poem about das Tun

Das Tun, das Tun, es treibt uns an,
zeigt, was ein Mensch vollbringen kann.
Mal groß, mal klein, mal laut, mal still,
es formt das Leben, wie man will.
Doch denk daran, bei allem Streben,
dem Tun auch einen Sinn zu geben.

Translation:
The doing, the doing, it drives us on,
shows what a person can accomplish.
Sometimes big, sometimes small, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet,
it shapes life as one wishes.
But remember, in all striving,
to also give meaning to the doing.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin das Gegenteil von Ruh'n,
bin Handlung, Wirken, etwas ...?
Man braucht mich, um ein Ziel zu erreichen,
ohne mich würd' alles gleich bleiben.

Translation:
I am the opposite of resting,
I am action, effect, something ...?
You need me to reach a goal,
without me, everything would stay the same.

(Solution: das Tun)

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation: "Das Tun" is a classic example of nominalization of an infinitive (Substantivierung eines Infinitivs). The base form of a verb (here: "tun" - to do) is taken, capitalized, and given the neuter article "das" to use it as a noun.

Philosophical Dimension: In philosophy, "Tun" (doing) is often discussed in the context of ethics, agency, and responsibility (e.g., in contrast to "Sein" - being or "Denken" - thinking).