das  Wirtschaftswunder

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɪʁtʃaftsˌvʊndɐ/

📖 What exactly is 'das Wirtschaftswunder'?

Das Wirtschaftswunder is the German term for an 'economic miracle'. It describes a period of exceptionally rapid and strong economic growth in a country following a period of crisis.

In German, the term is almost exclusively used to refer to the rapid economic recovery of West Germany (and also Austria) after World War II, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.

It's a compound noun formed from die Wirtschaft (the economy) and das Wunder (the miracle), emphasizing the seemingly miraculous nature of this upswing.

There's only this one main meaning, which always uses the article das. ⚠️ Confusion with other articles is impossible here.

🧐 Grammar: A Neuter Miracle

The word 'Wirtschaftswunder' is a noun of neuter gender (das).

It's mostly used in the singular because it often refers to the specific historical event. A plural form ('die Wirtschaftswunder') is grammatically possible but very rare, and would refer to similar phenomena in different countries or times.

📝 Example Sentences

• Das deutsche Wirtschaftswunder begann in den 1950er Jahren.
  (The German economic miracle began in the 1950s.)
• Viele Historiker analysieren die Ursachen des Wirtschaftswunders.
  (Many historians analyze the causes of the economic miracle.)
• Man verdankt dem Wirtschaftswunder viel Wohlstand.
  (Much prosperity is owed to the economic miracle.)
• Die Großeltern erzählen oft von der Zeit, als sie das Wirtschaftswunder erlebten.
  (The grandparents often talk about the time when they experienced the economic miracle.)

🗣️ How to use 'das Wirtschaftswunder'?

The term das Wirtschaftswunder is primarily used in historical, economic, and sociological contexts.

• Historical Context: Almost always refers to the post-WWII era in West Germany.
• Economic Context: Describes the phenomenon of rapid growth after a crisis.
• Everyday Language: Less common, usually in discussions about history or economics. Sometimes used nostalgically or critically (e.g., regarding social costs).

Comparisons:

• Wirtschaftsaufschwung (economic upswing): More neutral, describes general growth.
• Boom: Similar, but often shorter and sometimes more speculative.
• Wirtschaftswunder: More specific, emphasizes the unexpectedness and strength of growth after a deep crisis.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Wunder (the wonder/miracle). It's a specific, almost magical event – like das Einhorn (the unicorn), das Gespenst (the ghost), just das Wunder. Therefore: das Wirtschaftswunder.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the Wirtschaft (economy) was down after the war, and then a Wunder (miracle) happened – everything boomed! That's das Wirtschaftswunder.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Enkel den Opa: "Opa, wie war das damals beim Wirtschaftswunder?" Sagt der Opa: "Ach, Kind, das war toll! Man konnte für 5 Mark einkaufen gehen und kam mit einer vollen Tüte zurück!" Fragt der Enkel: "Und heute?" Opa: "Heute? Heute gibt's überall Kameras!"

Translation:
Grandson asks Grandpa: "Grandpa, what was it like during the Wirtschaftswunder?" Grandpa says: "Oh, child, it was great! You could go shopping with 5 Marks and come back with a full bag!" Grandson asks: "And today?" Grandpa: "Today? Today there are cameras everywhere!"

✍️ Poem about the Miracle

Aus Trümmern stieg ein neuer Mut,
Die Arbeit floss wie heiße Glut.
Fabriken rauchten, Tag und Nacht,
Ein ungeahntes Wachstum wacht.

Das Wirtschaftswunder kam ins Land,
Mit Fleiß gebaut, mit starker Hand.
Der Käfer rollt', der Wohlstand stieg,
Ein Phänomen nach hartem Krieg.

Translation:
From ruins rose a new resolve,
The work flowed like hot embers solve.
Factories smoked, both day and night,
Unimagined growth took flight.

The Wirtschaftswunder reached the land,
Built with diligence, with a strong hand.
The Beetle rolled, prosperity grew,
A phenomenon after the hard war drew.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich kam nach Not und Zerstörung groß,
Machte viele Deutsche wieder flott und famos.
Ich brachte Arbeit, Wohlstand, neue Kraft,
Ein Aufschwung, wie im Märchen fabelhaft.
Man nennt mich oft im Land am Rhein,
Was kann ich wohl nur sein?

Translation:
I came after hardship and destruction's plight,
Made many Germans prosperous and bright.
I brought jobs, wealth, and renewed might,
An upswing, like a fairy tale's light.
I'm often named in the land by the Rhine,
What could I possibly be in this line?

(Solution: Das Wirtschaftswunder / The Economic Miracle)

💡 Other Tidbits

• Word Composition: The word is composed of die Wirtschaft (the economy) + das Wunder (the miracle). The gender is determined by the last part of the compound noun, hence das Wunder -> das Wirtschaftswunder.
• Historical Figure: Ludwig Erhard, the Economics Minister at the time and later Chancellor, is often called the "father of the Wirtschaftswunder", although the causes are more complex.
• Symbol: The VW Beetle (der VW Käfer) is considered one of the symbols of the German Wirtschaftswunder.