der
Feind
🕵️♂️ Who or What is 'der Feind'?
The word der Feind (noun, masculine) refers to a person or group that is hostile towards another person, group, or thing and tries to harm them. It expresses strong antipathy, opposition, or even hatred.
- Main meaning: *Enemy, adversary, foe*; someone who is hostile towards you. This can relate to personal relationships, military conflicts, political disputes, or even abstract concepts.
- Feminine form: The feminine form is die Feindin.
It's a strong word and often implies deeper hostility than, for example, der Gegner (*the opponent*) in sports.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
📐 Grammar Corner: Declining 'der Feind'
The noun der Feind is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der | Feind |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den | Feind |
| Dative (To/For Whom?) | dem | Feind(e) |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Feind(e)s |
Note: In Dative and Genitive singular, the -e ending is optional, but considered more formal or dated.
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Feinde |
| Accusative | die | Feinde |
| Dative | den | Feinden |
| Genitive | der | Feinde |
Example Sentences
- Der Soldat sah den Feind am Horizont. (The soldier saw the enemy on the horizon.)
- Man sollte seinem Feinde nicht trauen. (One should not trust one's enemy. - formal Dative)
- Die Armee besiegte ihre Feinde. (The army defeated its enemies.)
- Die Pläne des Feindes wurden aufgedeckt. (The enemy's plans were uncovered.)
- Wir müssen uns vor unseren Feinden schützen. (We must protect ourselves from our enemies.)
💬 Using 'der Feind': Context & Nuances
The word der Feind is used in various contexts, often with a strong negative connotation:
- Military/Political: Refers to the adversary in a war or political conflict. ("Der Feind rückt vor." - *The enemy is advancing.*, "Er gilt als Feind des Staates." - *He is considered an enemy of the state.*)
- Personal: Describes a person with whom one has a deep enmity. ("Er hat sich viele Feinde gemacht." - *He has made many enemies.*)
- Abstract/Metaphorical: Can also refer to abstract things considered harmful or adversarial. ("Die Zeit ist unser größter Feind." - *Time is our greatest enemy.*, "Der innere Schweinehund ist oft der größte Feind." - *One's weaker self is often the biggest enemy.*)
Difference from 'Gegner':
While der Gegner (*opponent*) is often more neutral and can refer to competition (sports, debate), der Feind usually implies a deeper, more personal, or existential threat and hostility.
⚠️ Caution: Calling someone a "Feind" is very strong and can permanently damage relationships. In everyday life, the word "Gegner" or "Konkurrent" (*competitor*) is often preferred unless there is genuine deep-seated animosity.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Feind'
For the article (der): Remember: An enemy is often a strong, masculine figure in conflicts. Think of DER strong, threatening Feind. Or simply: *'DER is the article for the male enemy.'*
For the meaning (Enemy): The German word Feind sounds a bit like the English word "fiend". A fiend is definitely an enemy!
🔄 Opposites & Alternatives: Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Gegner: *Opponent*; often more neutral, used in competition or conflict.
- Widersacher: *Adversary, antagonist*; someone who opposes, often in a dispute.
- Rivale: *Rival*; competitor, especially for something like love or success.
- Antagonist: *Antagonist*; main opponent, especially in literature or film.
- Kontrahent: *Opponent, party* (to a dispute or contract).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Freund: *Friend*; person with whom one has a positive, supportive relationship.
- Verbündeter: *Ally*; someone who works together towards a common goal (often against an enemy).
- Kamerad: *Comrade, companion*; trusted associate, often in a military or work context.
- Helfer / Unterstützer: *Helper / Supporter*.
Similar but misleading words:
- Feige: *Adjective* meaning 'cowardly'. Sounds similar but is unrelated to 'Feind'.
😂 A Little Joke about Enemies
Warum hat der unsichtbare Mann den Job als Spion abgelehnt?
Er konnte seine Feinde einfach nicht sehen! 😄
(Why did the invisible man turn down the job as a spy? He just couldn't see his enemies!)
✒️ Poem: Shadow Sides
Der Feind, ein Schatten, dunkel, kalt,
Im Herzen oft, Gestalt für Gestalt.
Mal laut, mal leise schleicht er an,
Ein Spiegel dessen, was man hassen kann.
Doch manchmal zeigt der größte Streit,
Den Weg zur Kraft, zur Einigkeit.
Er fordert uns, macht uns bewusst,
Was Freundschaft wert ist, welcher Verlust.
(The foe, a shadow, dark and cold,
Within the heart, stories unfold.
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet it creeps near,
A mirror of what one holds in fear or drear.)
(But sometimes the greatest strife can show,
The path to strength, where unity can grow.
It challenges us, makes us aware,
Of friendship's worth, beyond compare.)
❓ Riddle Time: Who am I?
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch löse Streit aus.
Ich habe kein Gesicht, doch viele fürchten mein Haus.
Man kämpft gegen mich in Krieg und Spiel,
Mein Gegenteil ist ein hohes Ziel.
Wer bin ich? (Lösung: der Feind)
(I have no voice, yet I cause dispute.
I have no face, yet many fear my root.
People fight against me in war and game,
My opposite is a noble aim.)
(Who am I?) (Answer: der Feind / the enemy)
💡 Interesting Facts about 'der Feind'
- Etymology: The word "Feind" comes from the Old High German word "fiant", meaning "the hating one" or "the hated one". It is related to the Gothic "fijands" and the English "fiend".
- Feindschaft: The corresponding noun is die Feindschaft, meaning *enmity* or the state of being enemies.
- Feindbild: A Feindbild (*enemy image/stereotype*) is an often simplified and negative perception of an enemy, used in propaganda or to foster group cohesion.
- Erzfeind: An intensified form, meaning *arch-enemy* or *nemesis*.
Summary: is it der, die or das Feind?
The word 'Feind' is masculine, so the correct article is always der Feind.