der
Durst
💧 What does 'der Durst' mean?
'Der Durst' is the German word for thirst. It describes the physical sensation or need to drink liquids, especially water. It's a signal from the body indicating dehydration or the need for fluid intake.
Figuratively, 'Durst' can also refer to a strong craving or longing for something else, such as knowledge (Wissensdurst), recognition, or adventure.
- Primary meaning: The physiological need to drink.
- Figurative meaning: A strong desire or craving (e.g., Wissensdurst - thirst for knowledge, Blutdurst - bloodlust).
🚨 Remember: It always uses the masculine article 'der'. 'Die Durst' or 'das Durst' is incorrect.
🧐 Grammar of 'der Durst' in Detail
'Der Durst' is a masculine noun. It is generally used only in the singular, as thirst is an abstract state. The plural form ('die Dürste') is very rare and considered poetic or archaic.
Declension
| Case | Article & Noun | (English equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der Durst | the thirst |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Durstes | of the thirst |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Durst / Durste | to/for the thirst |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den Durst | the thirst |
Note: The dative ending '-e' (dem Durste) is rather formal or dated.
| Case | Article & Noun | (English equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Dürste | the thirsts |
| Genitive | der Dürste | of the thirsts |
| Dative | den Dürsten | to/for the thirsts |
| Accusative | die Dürste | the thirsts |
⚠️ Use of the plural is uncommon.
Example Sentences
- Nach dem langen Lauf hatte ich großen Durst.
(After the long run, I was very thirsty / had great thirst.) - Er stillte seinen Durst mit einem Glas Wasser.
(He quenched his thirst with a glass of water.) - Der Durst nach Wissen trieb ihn an, weiter zu lernen.
(The thirst for knowledge drove him to continue learning.)
🗣️ How to use 'der Durst'?
Typical Uses and Contexts
- Durst haben: (lit. 'to have thirst') The most common way to express being thirsty. Example: Ich habe Durst. (I am thirsty.)
- Durst bekommen: (lit. 'to get thirst') The process of becoming thirsty. Example: Von der salzigen Speise bekommt man Durst. (Salty food makes you thirsty.)
- Den Durst löschen/stillen: To quench/satisfy thirst. Example: Ein kühles Getränk löscht den Durst am besten. (A cold drink quenches thirst best.)
- Großen/riesigen Durst haben: To be very/extremely thirsty.
- Figurative Use: Often found in compound words like Wissensdurst (thirst for knowledge), Lebensdurst (lust for life), Blutdurst (bloodlust), Rachedurst (thirst for revenge).
Compared to 'der Hunger' (hunger), 'der Durst' exclusively refers to the need for liquids.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Durst'
Article 'der': Think of 'der Mann' (the man). Der Mann often has Durst after work. Or: Durst is desperate, therefore der Durst!
Meaning 'Thirst': 'Durst' sounds a bit like the English word 'thirst'. Imagine running through (*durch) the destert yelling: "I have Durst*!"
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Schmacht (coll., strong craving, often for cigarettes or alcohol, but can imply thirst)
- Bedürfnis zu trinken (need to drink - descriptive)
- Dehydrierung / Dehydration (medical term causing thirst)
- (Figurative): Verlangen (longing), Sehnsucht (yearning), Begierde (desire), Gier (greed/lust) (depending on context, e.g., Wissensdurst = Wissensbegierde)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Kein Durst (no thirst - simplest negation)
- Sattheit (satiety, related to food, but implies 'not thirsty anymore' in context)
- Gelöschter Durst (quenched thirst)
Risk of Confusion?
😂 A Little Joke
Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir drei Tiere, die Milch geben!"
Fritzchen: "Drei Kühe!"
Lehrer: "Und was stillt deinen Durst am besten in der Pause?"
Fritzchen: "Die Pausenklingel!"
Teacher: "Fritzchen, name three animals that give milk!"
Fritzchen: "Three cows!"
Teacher: "And what quenches your thirst best during the break?"
Fritzchen: "The break bell!" 😄
📜 Poem about Thirst
Die Kehle trocken, rau und leer,
Ein heißer Wunsch, er will noch mehr.
Der Durst, er meldet sich ganz klar,
Ein Schluck Wasser, wunderbar!
Er treibt uns an, zur Quelle hin,
Ohne Trinken, kein Gewinn.
(The throat dry, rough and empty,
A hot desire, it wants even more.
The thirst, it announces itself clearly,
A sip of water, wonderful!
It drives us towards the spring,
Without drinking, no gain.)
❓ Riddle
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch kann ich quälen.
Ich komme oft, wenn heiße Stunden zählen.
Man stillt mich gern mit kühlem Nass,
Was bin ich wohl? Na, rate das!
(I have no mouth, yet I can torment.
I often come when hot hours count.
People like to quench me with cool liquid,
What am I? Go on, guess!)
Solution: Der Durst (Thirst)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Compounds
'Durst' is a base word often used in compound nouns to express a strong desire:
- Wissensdurst: (lit. knowledge-thirst) Thirst for knowledge.
- Lebensdurst: (lit. life-thirst) Lust for life, joie de vivre.
- Blutdurst: (lit. blood-thirst) Bloodlust, desire for bloodshed or violence.
- Rachedurst: (lit. revenge-thirst) Thirst for revenge.
- Tatendurst: (lit. deed-thirst) Urge to take action, drive to do things.
Trivia
The sensation of thirst is a vital mechanism of the body to maintain homeostasis (internal balance), particularly the water balance.
Summary: is it der, die or das Durst?
The German word for thirst, Durst, is a masculine noun and requires the article 'der'. The correct form is therefore 'der Durst' (genitive: des Durstes).