der  Einklang

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪnˌklaŋ/

🎶 What does "der Einklang" mean?

Der Einklang describes a state of harmony, agreement, accord, or inner peace. It can refer to various areas:

• Musical: The harmonious sounding together of tones or voices.
• Interpersonal: Agreement of opinions, goals, or feelings between people or groups. Acting "im Einklang miteinander" (in harmony with each other).
• Personal/Spiritual: A state of inner balance, being im Einklang mit sich selbst (at peace/in harmony with oneself), with nature, or higher principles.
• Formal: Accordance with rules, laws, or regulations (e.g., "im Einklang mit dem Gesetz handeln" - to act in accordance with the law).

It's an abstract noun and usually expresses a positive state. ⚠️ Attention: Although derived from "Klang" (sound), it is much more frequently used in a figurative sense.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Einklang

The word "Einklang" is a masculine noun. The article is der. It is mostly used in the singular, as it describes a state. A plural form ("die Einklänge") is very rare and hardly ever used.

Declension Singular

Note: The Genitive and Dative forms ending in -es or -e are more elevated or dated; the shorter form is commonly used.

💡 Grammar Examples

• Nominative: Der Einklang der Farben im Bild ist beeindruckend. (The harmony of the colors in the picture is impressive.)
• Genitive: Wir bedürfen des Einklangs in unseren Entscheidungen. (We require harmony/agreement in our decisions.)
• Dative: Sie leben in vollkommenem Einklang mit der Natur. (They live in complete harmony with nature.)
• Accusative: Sie suchen den Einklang zwischen Arbeit und Freizeit. (They are looking for a balance/harmony between work and leisure.)

🗣️ How to use "Einklang"?

"Einklang" is often used in set phrases or in contexts emphasizing harmony and agreement.

• Im Einklang mit etwas stehen/sein/handeln: This is the most common usage and means "in accordance with", "in line with", "consistent with".
  • Example: Seine Handlungen stehen nicht im Einklang mit seinen Worten. (His actions are not consistent with his words.)
  • Example: Wir müssen sicherstellen, dass das Projekt im Einklang mit den Unternehmenszielen ist. (We must ensure that the project is in line with the company goals.)
• Etwas in Einklang bringen: Means to harmonize or reconcile different things (e.g., opinions, interests, duties).
  • Example: Es ist schwer, Beruf und Familie in Einklang zu bringen. (It's difficult to reconcile work and family life.)
  • Example: Die verschiedenen Vorschläge müssen in Einklang gebracht werden. (The various proposals must be harmonized.)
• Im Einklang leben/sein (mit sich selbst/der Natur): Describes a state of inner or outer harmony.
  • Example: Sie strebt danach, im Einklang mit sich selbst zu leben. (She strives to live in harmony with herself.)
• Musical: Here it literally means the harmonious sounding together.
  • Example: Der Chor sang im perfekten Einklang. (The choir sang in perfect harmony/unison.)

Compared to Harmonie, "Einklang" often refers more specifically to agreement or conformity, while Harmonie is broader. Übereinstimmung (agreement) is more neutral and less emotional than Einklang.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Einklang"

Article Mnemonic (der):

Think: DER conductor (a man, hence masculine 'der') brings EIN Orchester (one orchestra) into EINKLANG (harmony).

Meaning Mnemonic (Harmony/Agreement):

When everyone sounds or thinks like EIN KLANG (one sound), there is EINKLANG (harmony, agreement).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Einklang

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential Confusion):

• Anklang: (positive resonance, approval; e.g., "Die Idee fand Anklang." - The idea met with approval.)
• Klang: (the audible sound itself)

😂 A Little Joke

Warum summen Mönche im Kloster?
(Why do monks hum in the monastery?)

Damit sie immer im Einklang sind!
(So they are always in harmony!)

✍️ Poem about Einklang

Wo Stimmen sanft zusammenfinden,
(Where voices gently find together,)
und Herzen gleiches Glück empfinden,
(and hearts feel the same happiness,)
wo Taten nicht den Worten weichen,
(where deeds don't yield to words,)
sich Seelen still die Hände reichen.
(souls silently reach out hands.)
Wo Mensch und Welt in Ruh' sich wiegen,
(Where man and world sway in peace,)
da wirst du ihn, den Einklang, kriegen.
(there you will get it, the harmony/Einklang.)

🕵️ A Riddle

Ich habe keinen Ton, doch Musiker suchen mich.
(I have no sound, yet musicians seek me.)
Ich habe keine Meinung, doch Menschen einigen sich durch mich.
(I have no opinion, yet people unite through me.)
Ich bin kein Gesetz, doch oft handelt man nach mir.
(I am no law, yet people often act according to me.)
Man findet mich in der Natur, in dir und manchmal hier.
(You find me in nature, in you, and sometimes here.)

Was bin ich?
(What am I?) (Solution: Der Einklang)

🧩 Further Information

Word Formation:

The word "Einklang" is a compound of the preposition/prefix "ein" (in the sense of agreement, unity) and the noun "Klang" (sound). Originally, it describes a "single, concordant sound".

Abstract Concept:

"Einklang" is a very abstract concept describing an ideal state of harmony or agreement. It is frequently used in philosophical, psychological, social, and artistic contexts.