das  Vermächtnis

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈmɛçtnɪs/

📜 What exactly is a Vermächtnis?

Das Vermächtnis (noun, neuter) generally refers to something that someone leaves behind after their death. This can be material goods, but also non-material values, traditions, or a reputation. It translates most closely to legacy, bequest, or heritage.

• Legal Meaning: In the narrower legal sense, ein Vermächtnis is a specific gift of a particular asset from an estate made via a will (e.g., a piece of jewelry, a sum of money). The recipient (der Vermächtnisnehmer) does not become an heir (Erbe). The heir is obligated to fulfill the Vermächtnis. ⚠️ This differs from das Erbe (inheritance), where the heir assumes the entire legal succession (including debts).
• Figurative Meaning: The term is often used to describe the intellectual or cultural heritage of a person or era (e.g., das künstlerische Vermächtnis of a painter, das politische Vermächtnis of a statesman).

There is only one article for this word: das.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Vermächtnis

The word "Vermächtnis" is a neuter noun.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein letzter Wille enthielt ein bedeutendes Vermächtnis für das örtliche Museum.
   (His last will contained a significant bequest for the local museum.)
2. Das philosophische Vermächtnis der Aufklärung prägt uns bis heute.
   (The philosophical legacy of the Enlightenment influences us to this day.)
3. Die Erben müssen sich um die Erfüllung der Vermächtnisse kümmern.
   (The heirs must take care of fulfilling the bequests.)
4. Sie erhielt als Vermächtnis die wertvolle Uhrensammlung ihres Großvaters.
   (She received her grandfather's valuable watch collection as a bequest.)

💡 How "Vermächtnis" is Used

The term das Vermächtnis is often used in formal contexts, especially in the legal field (wills, inheritance law). However, it can also appear in more general, often elevated language when referring to intellectual or cultural heritage.

• Legally: "Er erhielt die Wohnung nicht als Erbe, sondern als Vermächtnis." (He received the apartment not as an heir, but as a bequest.)
• Culturally/Historically: "Das architektonische Vermächtnis des Bauhauses ist weltweit sichtbar." (The architectural legacy of the Bauhaus is visible worldwide.)
• Personally: "Ihr freundliches Wesen ist Teil ihres unvergesslichen Vermächtnisses." (Her kind nature is part of her unforgettable legacy.)

Distinction from "Erbe": While das Erbe (inheritance/heritage) encompasses the entire estate (assets and liabilities) and legal succession, das Vermächtnis refers to a specific gift from the estate without making the recipient an heir.

In everyday language, "Vermächtnis" is sometimes used inaccurately when "Erbe" is meant. ⚠️ Pay attention to the difference, especially in legal contexts!

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

• Article Mnemonic: Think of neuter concepts related to fate or documents like "das Testament" (the will) or "das Schicksal" (fate). These often deal with legacies and are neuter, just like das Vermächtnis.

• Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains "machen" (to make). Someone "makes" something for the time after their death – they be-queath (ver-machen) something. This "made" thing is das Vermächtnis (the bequest/legacy).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential for Confusion: Be careful not to equate das Vermächtnis with das Erbe, especially in legal contexts.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Notar den Erben: "Ihr Onkel hat Ihnen ein beträchtliches Vermögen vermacht. Haben Sie denn gar kein Vermächtnis für ihn übrig?"
Erbe: "Doch, natürlich! Ich vermache ihm meine aufrichtige Dankbarkeit!"

Translation:
The notary asks the heir: "Your uncle bequeathed a considerable fortune to you. Don't you have any legacy left for him?"
Heir: "Yes, of course! I bequeath my sincere gratitude to him!"

✍️ Poem about the Legacy

Was bleibt, wenn wir einst gehen fort?
Ein Haus, ein Bild, ein liebes Wort?
Das Vermächtnis, tief und klar,
ist mehr als Gold, ist immerdar.
Es lebt in Taten, Geist und Sinn,
ein unsichtbarer, reicher Gewinn.

Translation:
What remains when we depart one day?
A house, a picture, a kind word's sway?
The legacy (das Vermächtnis), profound and clear,
Is more than gold, is ever here.
It lives in deeds, in spirit, mind,
An unseen treasure, richly kind.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich werde oft im Testament genannt,
bin aber nicht das ganze Land (des Erbes).
Ein Stück davon, speziell für dich,
was bin ich wohl, sag's sicherlich?

Translation:
I'm often named within the will,
But I'm not the whole estate's fill.
A piece of it, especially for you,
What am I then? Tell me, it's true!

Solution: das Vermächtnis (the bequest/legacy)

🧩 Further Details about the Word

Word Composition:

The word "Vermächtnis" derives from the verb "vermachen". "Vermachen" means to bequeath or transfer something via a will. The suffix "-nis" here, as often in German, forms a noun from the verb and makes it neuter.

• ver- (Prefix, often for intensification or change of direction)
• machen (Verb: to do, to make) -> to decree something that should be done/given after death
• -nis (Suffix for nominalization, mostly neuter or feminine)