das  Wohl

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/voːl/

🤔 What does "das Wohl" mean?

Das Wohl (noun, neuter) refers to a state of physical, mental, or material well-being. It signifies health, happiness, prosperity, or the benefit or advantage of a person or community.

• Meaning 1: State of physical and/or mental well-being. Example: Das Wohl der Kinder liegt uns am Herzen. (The children's well-being is important to us.)
• Meaning 2: Benefit, advantage, prosperity. Example: Er handelte nur zu seinem eigenen Wohl. (He only acted for his own benefit.)

⚠️ Note: The noun 'das Wohl' is often used in fixed expressions or more elevated language. It shouldn't be confused with the adverb/modal particle 'wohl', which can mean 'probably', 'well', or 'indeed/admittedly' (e.g., Er kommt wohl später. - He'll probably come later.).

🧐 Grammar of "das Wohl" in Detail

Das Wohl is a neuter noun. It is mostly used in the singular, often without an article in fixed phrases. A plural form ("die Wohle") theoretically exists but is extremely rare and uncommon.

Declension Singular

🚨 The genitive and dative forms ending in "-e" (Wohles, Wohle) are considered elevated or archaic.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Eltern sorgen für das Wohl ihrer Kinder. (The parents care for the well-being of their children.) - Accusative
2. Deine Gesundheit ist wichtig für dein körperliches Wohl. (Your health is important for your physical well-being.) - Accusative
3. Wir trinken auf dein Wohl! (We drink to your health! / Cheers!) - Accusative (fixed phrase)
4. Im Mittelpunkt steht das Wohl des Patienten. (The patient's well-being is the main focus.) - Nominative
5. Er widmete sein Leben dem Wohle der Allgemeinheit. (He dedicated his life to the welfare of the community.) - Dative (elevated)

💡 How to use "das Wohl"

Das Wohl is often found in fixed expressions and more formal contexts:

• Zum Wohl! / Auf dein Wohl!: A toast used when drinking, wishing someone health and happiness. (Equivalent to 'Cheers!' or 'To your health!')
• Das öffentliche Wohl / Gemeinwohl: Refers to the benefit and well-being of society as a whole. (The public good / common welfare)
• Das Kindeswohl: The specific well-being of a child, often used in legal contexts. (The child's welfare)
• Leibliches Wohl / Körperliches Wohl: Refers to food, drink, and physical needs/comforts. (Physical well-being / creature comforts)
• Zu jemandes Wohl handeln: To act in someone's interest or for their benefit. (To act for someone's good/benefit)

In everyday language, synonyms like Wohlbefinden are often preferred, or the state is described more directly (e.g., „Es geht ihm gut.“ - 'He is doing well.' instead of „Sein Wohl ist gesichert.“ - 'His well-being is secured.').

Potential Confusion: Be mindful of the adverb/particle wohl:

• Er fühlt sich wohl. (He feels well. - adverb)
• Sie ist wohl schon gegangen. (She has probably already left. - particle)
• Das ist wohl wahr, aber... (That is indeed true, but... - particle)

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Wohl"

For the article 'das': Think of abstract concepts like das Gefühl (the feeling) of well-being or das gute Leben (the good life). Abstract nouns representing states or concepts in German are often neuter (das Glück - happiness, das Leben - life, das Wohl - well-being).

For the meaning: Imagine someone raising das Glas (the glass) and shouting "Zum Wohl!". They are wishing you well – good health and well-being.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Wohl"

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Wolle (die): Wool (material from sheep).
• Wollen (verb): To want (to intend or wish for something).
• Wohl (adverb/particle): Probably, well, indeed.

😄 A Little Joke about Wohl

Warum stoßen Gläser beim Anstoßen aneinander?
Damit alle Sinne am Trinkspruch teilhaben: Man sieht den Wein, riecht ihn, schmeckt ihn, fühlt das Glas und hört das „Zum Wohl!“ der anderen!

Translation:
Why do glasses clink during a toast?
So that all senses participate in the toast: you see the wine, smell it, taste it, feel the glass, and hear the "Cheers!" (Zum Wohl!) from others!

📜 A Poem about Well-being (das Wohl)

Das Wohl, ein zartes, stilles Glück,
Gesundheit, Frieden, Augenblick.
Man sucht es fern, man sucht es nah,
Doch oft ist’s längst im Herzen da.
Ein Lächeln, eine gute Tat,
Für Mensch und Tier, für früh und spat.
Gemeinsam auf das Wohl bedacht,
Ist’s heller oft als je gedacht.

Translation:
Well-being, a tender, quiet bliss,
Health, peace, a fleeting moment's kiss.
We seek it far, we seek it near,
But often it's within the heart, held dear.
A smile, a kindly action shown,
For man and beast, seeds gently sown.
Together mindful of well-being's light,
It often shines more truly bright.

🧩 Riddle: What am I?

Ich bin ein Zustand, sehr begehrt,
bin oft mehr als Goldeswert.
Man trinkt auf mich mit frohem Klang,
Gesundheit währt durch mich ein Leben lang.
Für Kinder bin ich höchstes Gut,
Ich schenke Kraft und frischen Mut.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a state, highly desired,
often worth more than gold acquired.
People toast to me with cheerful sound,
Through me, good health lasts lifelong bound.
For children, I'm the highest good,
I grant strength and renewed mood.

What am I?
... Das Wohl (Well-being / Welfare)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Combinations (Wortzusammensetzungen): 'Das Wohl' forms part of many important German words:

• Wohlfahrt: Welfare, charity (organized help for those in need)
• Wohlstand: Prosperity, affluence (material wealth)
• Wohlgeruch: Fragrance, pleasant smell
• Wohlklang: Euphony, pleasant sound
• Wohlwollen: Benevolence, goodwill (friendly disposition)
• Wohlfühlen (sich): To feel well/comfortable

The root of the word is related to 'gut' (good) and 'wählen' (to choose, in the old sense of 'to wish').