der
Aufschrei
🗣️ What does "der Aufschrei" mean?
Der Aufschrei is a strong masculine noun (Maskulinum) with two main meanings:
- A sudden, loud cry or scream, often in reaction to pain, fright, or surprise. Example: Ein lauter Aufschrei hallte durch die stille Nacht. (A loud outcry echoed through the silent night.)
- An expression of strong public indignation, outrage, or protest. Example: Der Plan löste einen Aufschrei der Entrüstung in der Bevölkerung aus. (The plan triggered an outcry of indignation among the population.)
It signifies an intense emotion or reaction. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with a simple "Schrei" (scream, cry), which can be more neutral. The "Aufschrei" often implies a sudden, vehement, or collective dimension.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Aufschrei
"Aufschrei" is a masculine noun. The article is der.
Declension Singular
Case | Article | Noun |
---|---|---|
Nominative (Who/What?) | der | Aufschrei |
Genitive (Whose?) | des | Aufschrei(e)s |
Dative (To whom?) | dem | Aufschrei |
Accusative (Whom/What?) | den | Aufschrei |
Declension Plural
Case | Article | Noun |
---|---|---|
Nominative | die | Aufschreie |
Genitive | der | Aufschreie |
Dative | den | Aufschreien |
Accusative | die | Aufschreie |
📝 Example Sentences
- Ein plötzlicher Aufschrei ließ alle zusammenzucken. (A sudden outcry made everyone flinch.)
- Der Artikel provozierte einen Aufschrei der Empörung. (The article provoked an outcry of indignation.)
- Man hörte die Aufschreie der Verletzten. (One could hear the cries of the injured.)
- Die neuen Regeln führten zu lauten Aufschreien in der Branche. (The new rules led to loud outcries in the industry.)
💡 How to use "Aufschrei"?
The term "Aufschrei" is used to express a strong, often sudden and loud reaction.
- Context 1: Physical Reaction: Often used for sudden pain, fright, or sometimes great joy (less common). Example: Beim Anblick der Spinne entfuhr ihr ein kurzer Aufschrei. (Seeing the spider, a short scream escaped her.)
- Context 2: Social Protest: Frequently used in media and politics to describe collective indignation or opposition. Example: Die Entscheidung der Regierung löste einen weltweiten Aufschrei aus. (The government's decision triggered a global outcry.) Here, it carries a stronger connotation than just "Protest"; it emphasizes the emotional, loud, spontaneous aspect.
Compared to "Schrei" (scream/cry), "Aufschrei" is more specific. A "Schrei" can be anything, including a cry of joy or an animal sound. An "Aufschrei" is almost always negatively connoted (pain, fright, indignation) or at least an expression of strong, sudden emotion.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
-
Article Mnemonic (der): Imagine a man (der Mann) giving a loud Aufschrei in protest. Or: Think of someone standing up (aufstehen - sounds masculine/active) and giving a scream (Schrei) -> it's der Aufschrei.
-
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine stepping on (auf) something sharp – your first reaction is a scream (Schrei)! Together: Auf + Schrei = the sudden, loud Aufschrei (outcry).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
Antonyms (opposites):
- Stille: Silence, quietness.
- Schweigen: Silence (intentional act of not speaking).
- Zustimmung: Agreement, approval.
- Applaus: Applause (expression of positive approval, often loud).
- Murmeln: Mumbling, muttering (opposite of loud).
🚨 Beware: "Anschrei" means shouting at someone (verb: anschreien), not the cry itself.
😄 A Little Joke
DE: Warum hat der Wecker so laut geschrien?
Weil er einen Aufschrei-Termin hatte!
EN: Why did the alarm clock scream so loudly?
Because it had an out-cry appointment! (Pun on "Aufschrei" sounding like "out-cry" and implying a scheduled scream/outcry).
📜 Poem about the Word
DE:
Ein Funke zündet, wird zur Glut,
Ein Unrecht weckt den Zorn, die Wut.
Erst Murmeln leis, dann wird es mehr,
Ein lauter Aufschrei füllt die Luft so sehr.
Er fordert Wandel, fordert Recht,
Ein Echo, das die Stille brecht'.
EN:
A spark ignites, becomes a glow,
An injustice awakens anger, woe.
First murmurs soft, then growing more,
A loud outcry fills the air and soars.
It demands change, demands what's right,
An echo breaking silent night.
🧩 Riddle Time
DE:
Ich bin laut und oft plötzlich da,
Bei Schreck, bei Schmerz, bei Gefahr.
Auch wenn viele sich empören,
Kannst du mich weithin hören.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung: der Aufschrei)
EN:
I am loud and often sudden, true,
With fright, with pain, with danger too.
Even when many are outraged, you see,
You can hear me far and easily.
What am I?
(Answer: der Aufschrei / the outcry)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition: The word "Aufschrei" is a compound noun, composed of:
- auf-: Prefix, often indicating a sudden start, beginning, or intensification of an action (like in aufstehen - to stand up, aufleuchten - to light up).
- Schrei: The base word, meaning scream or cry.
So, der "Aufschrei" literally means a cry that suddenly "comes up" or becomes loud.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Aufschrei?
The word "Aufschrei" is always masculine. The correct form is der Aufschrei. It refers to a sudden, loud cry or scream, or an expression of public outrage or protest.