der  Anklang

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanklaŋ/

🎶 What does "der Anklang" mean?

Der Anklang (masculine noun) has several related meanings:

• Positive resonance, approval, echo: This is the most common meaning. When something 'finds Anklang' (Anklang finden), it means it is well-received, liked, or meets with approval.
• Faint hint, touch, reminiscence: It can also refer to a subtle similarity or a faint memory of something else. An 'Anklang an' something.
• (Music, dated): The beginning of a sound, the attack of a note. This meaning is rare today.

Essentially, it refers to a form of positive feedback, whether it's approval or a perceived similarity/connection.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Anklang

Der Anklang is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular. The plural ('die Anklänge') is rare and usually refers to the meaning of 'hint' or 'reminiscence'. The most common usage is in the phrase "Anklang finden" (to meet with approval), where it often appears without an article.

It technically follows weak declension in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular when preceded by an article or pronoun, but this is uncommon as it's often used without an article or in the nominative. In the fixed phrase "Anklang finden", it is treated like a strong noun (accusative without ending).

Singular Declension (Masculine)

*The weak declension with -en (Anklangen) is very unusual here, except perhaps in very formal or archaic style. Mostly, the strong form without an ending is used, especially in set phrases.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Sein Vorschlag fand großen Anklang bei den Kollegen.
   His suggestion met with great approval among the colleagues.
2. Ihre Rede fand sofort Anklang.
   Her speech immediately resonated / found approval.
3. In seiner Musik hört man einen leisen Anklang an Bach.
   In his music, one hears a faint hint / reminiscence of Bach.
4. Das Design zeigt Anklänge an den Jugendstil.
   The design shows reminiscences / elements of Art Nouveau. (Here in the rare plural)

🗣️ How to use "Anklang"?

The most frequent and important use of der Anklang is in the fixed expression:

• Anklang finden: to be well-received, to gain approval, to resonate. Example: "Das neue Produkt fand schnell Anklang bei den Kunden." (The new product quickly found favour with customers.)

Other uses:

• Ein Anklang an (+ Accusative): A reminiscence of, a similarity to. Example: "Sein Stil hat einen Anklang an die Romantik." (His style has a hint of Romanticism.)
• Anklänge von (+ Dative) / an (+ Accusative): Traces of, elements of. Example: "Man spürt Anklänge von Melancholie in dem Gedicht." (One feels traces of melancholy in the poem.)

Contextually, "Anklang" is mostly used regarding reactions to ideas, proposals, works of art, products, or moods. It implies a positive or at least noteworthy reception.

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with "der Klang" (sound), although they are etymologically related. "Anklang" refers to the effect or resonance, not just the sound itself.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Anklang"

For the article (der): Think of DER applause (der Applaus) or DER cheer (der Beifall). Just like applause and cheers (which are often positive reactions), a suggestion (DER Vorschlag) finds Anklang. The common positive reactions often use 'der'.

For the meaning (resonance/approval): Imagine someone making music (a Klang, sound). If this sound is good, it arrives (ANkommt) well – it finds ANklang. Or: The idea 'sounds' good (klingt gut an).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Anklang

🚨 Similar Words:

• Klang (der): Refers to the sound itself, not primarily the reaction to it.
• Anschlag (der): Can mean a musical stroke (hitting a key) or an attack/assault; unrelated to approval.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum fand die Idee des unsichtbaren Mannes keinen Anklang?

Man konnte einfach nicht sehen, was daran gut sein sollte! 😉

---

Why did the invisible man's idea not find approval (Anklang)?

You just couldn't see what was good about it! 😉

📜 Poem about Anklang

Ein Wort gesprochen, leis und sacht,
Eine Idee, über Nacht erdacht.
Wird sie im Herzen Widerhall finden?
Wird sie die Seelen leise verbinden?
Wenn ja, dann spürt man's, warm und bang,
Den positiven, süßen Anklang.

---

A word spoken, soft and low,
An idea born, starting to grow.
Will it find an echo in the heart?
Will it gently bind souls, set apart?
If yes, one feels it, warm and true,
The positive, sweet Anklang shining through.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Ton, doch kling' ich nach,
Bin Zustimmung, die man gern entfach'.
Find' ich mich ein, ist's gern gehört,
Ein Hauch von Gestern, ungestört.
Mit 'finden' werd' ich oft genannt,
Bin Echo in des Hörers Hand.

Was bin ich?
(The answer: Der Anklang)

---

I am no sound, yet I resonate,
I'm approval, kindled by fate.
If I arrive, I'm welcome there,
A hint of yesterday, beyond compare.
With 'to find' (finden) I'm often paired,
An echo in the listener's hand, declared.

What am I?
(The answer: Der Anklang)

➕ Other Information about "Anklang"

Word Composition

The word Anklang is composed of:

• Prefix an-: indicates direction towards, arrival, or beginning.
• Stem word Klang: refers to sound, tone, noise.

The combination suggests a 'sound arriving' or how a sound 'arrives' (is received), leading to the figurative meaning of resonance and approval.

Cultural Note

In German culture, emphasis is often placed on whether ideas, suggestions, or artistic performances 'find Anklang' (Anklang finden). It's an important indicator of social or cultural success and acceptance.