der
Beginn
🎬 What does 'der Beginn' mean?
Der Beginn is a masculine noun meaning the start, beginning, or commencement of something. It can refer to an event, a period of time, a process, or an action.
- Temporal starting point: Der Beginn des Konzerts ist um 20 Uhr. (The beginning of the concert is at 8 PM.)
- Start of a phase: Zu Beginn des Studiums war alles neu. (At the beginning of the studies, everything was new.)
- Start of a process: Der Beginn der Bauarbeiten verzögert sich. (The start of the construction work is delayed.)
It is the noun corresponding to the verb beginnen (to begin).
🧐 Grammar of 'der Beginn' in Detail
'Beginn' is a masculine noun. Therefore, the article is always der.
Declension Singular: der Beginn (The Beginning)
| Case | Masculine Singular | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Beginn | the beginning (subject) |
| Genitive | des Beginns / Beginn(e)s | of the beginning |
| Dative | dem Beginn / Beginn(e) | to/for the beginning |
| Accusative | den Beginn | the beginning (direct object) |
🚨 Note on Genitive/Dative: The forms with -(e)s or -(e) are slightly more formal or older; the form without the ending is more common today.
Plural: die Beginne (The Beginnings)
The plural form die Beginne is rarely used. Usually, people refer to the beginning (singular) of multiple things or use paraphrases. When the plural is used, it's often in elevated or poetic language for different starting points or phases.
| Case | Plural | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Beginne | the beginnings (subject) |
| Genitive | der Beginne | of the beginnings |
| Dative | den Beginnen | to/for the beginnings |
| Accusative | die Beginne | the beginnings (direct object) |
Example Sentences
- Der Beginn der Vorstellung war pünktlich. (The beginning of the show was on time.)
- Wir erinnerten uns des Beginns unserer Freundschaft. (We remembered the beginning of our friendship.)
- Von Beginn an war klar, dass es schwierig wird. (From the beginning, it was clear that it would be difficult. - Note the common fixed phrase 'von Beginn an')
- Wir verschoben den Beginn der Reise. (We postponed the beginning of the trip.)
- (Rare) Die verschiedenen Beginne der Projekte wurden koordiniert. (The various beginnings of the projects were coordinated.)
🚀 When to use 'der Beginn'?
'Der Beginn' is used to mark the exact starting point or the initial phase of something. It often sounds a bit more formal or precise than 'der Anfang'.
- Formal announcements: Der Beginn der Veranstaltung ist um 10 Uhr. (The start of the event is at 10 AM.)
- Describing processes: Der Beginn der Gärung ist entscheidend für den Wein. (The beginning of fermentation is crucial for the wine.)
- Temporal context: Zu Beginn des Jahres gab es viele Veränderungen. (At the beginning of the year, there were many changes.)
- Abstract concepts: Der Beginn einer neuen Ära. (The beginning of a new era.)
Difference from 'der Anfang': 'Anfang' is often more general and colloquial. 'Beginn' emphasizes the moment or act of starting more.
- Am Anfang war alles gut. (In the beginning, everything was fine. - General)
- Der Beginn der Konferenz war sehr feierlich. (The beginning/start of the conference was very ceremonial. - Emphasizes the starting act)
⚠️ Avoid the common confusion with the verb beginnen (to begin). 'Der Beginn' is the noun: Der Beginn war schwierig. (The beginning was difficult.) vs. Wir beginnen jetzt. (We are beginning now.)
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Beginn'
Article Mnemonic: Think of 'Dear' old Dad starting the race. The start is masculine: der Beginn. (Sounds a bit like 'dear').
Meaning Mnemonic: 'Beginn' sounds like 'begin'. That's easy! It's the noun form: the beginning.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for 'der Beginn'
Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):
- Der Anfang: Very common, often interchangeable, but tends to be more general. (The beginning/start)
- Der Start: Often used for competitions, projects, technical processes. (The start)
- Der Auftakt: More like a ceremonial opening or the first part of a series (e.g., opening event). (The prelude, kickoff)
- Die Einleitung: Specifically for the beginning of a text or speech. (The introduction)
- Die Eröffnung: Often for shops, events, exhibitions. (The opening)
⚠️ Similar Words / Potential for Confusion:
- beginnen (verb): The action of beginning. Wir beginnen. (We begin.) vs. Der Beginn ist jetzt. (The beginning is now.)
😄 A Little Joke about the Beginning
Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir einen Satz mit 'Beginn' sagen?"
Fritzchen: "Bei starkem Regen beginn ich besser zu rennen!"
Lehrer: "Fast! Aber 'Beginn' ist das Substantiv, nicht das Verb!"
Fritzchen: "Okay, dann: Der Beginn des Regens war der Beginn meines Sprints!"
Translation:
Teacher: "Fritzchen, can you give me a sentence with 'Beginn'?"
Fritzchen thinks for a moment and says: "In heavy rain, I better begin to run!"
Teacher: "Almost! But 'Beginn' is the noun, not the verb!"
Fritzchen: "Okay, then: The beginning of the rain was the beginning of my sprint!"
📜 Poem about the Beginning
Ein jeder Tag, ein neuer Start,
Der Beginn von ganz besond'rer Art.
Die Sonne steigt, die Welt erwacht,
Ein neuer Plan wird ausgedacht.
Vergiss das Gestern, schau nach vorn,
Im Jetzt liegt neuer Lebensborn.
Der Beginn ist Hoffnung, frisch und rein,
Lass dich auf dieses Abenteuer ein.
Translation:
Each day, a new start so grand,
The beginning of a special brand.
The sun ascends, the world's awake,
A brand new plan is yours to make.
Forget the past, look straight ahead,
In 'now' new life is born instead.
The beginning's hope, so fresh and pure,
Embark on this adventure sure.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin der Punkt, wo alles startet,
Auf den man oft gespannt schon wartet.
Ich habe kein Ende, doch bringe die Wende,
Vom Stillstand hin zu neuem Gelände.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am the point where all things start,
For which one often waits with eager heart.
I have no end, yet bring the turn,
From standstill towards new ground to learn.
What am I?
Solution: Der Beginn (The Beginning)
💡 More about 'der Beginn'
Word Formation:
- The noun 'der Beginn' is derived from the verb 'beginnen' (to begin) through zero derivation or conversion (no suffix is added).
Compound Words:
- Neubeginn: A new start after an interruption or an end. (Der Neubeginn nach der Krise war schwer. - The new beginning after the crisis was difficult.)
- Kursbeginn: The start of a course. (Der Kursbeginn ist nächste Woche. - The course starts next week.)
- Jahresbeginn: The beginning of the year. (Zu Jahresbeginn fassen viele gute Vorsätze. - At the beginning of the year, many make good resolutions.)
Summary: is it der, die or das Beginn?
The word 'Beginn' is masculine, so the correct article is always der Beginn.