der  Fleiß

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/flaɪs/

📖 Meaning of "der Fleiß"

Der Fleiß is a German noun that translates to diligence, industriousness, application, or effort. It describes the quality of being hardworking, busy, and persistent in pursuing a goal. Fleiß is often associated with achieving success, whether in school (Schule), at work (Beruf), or in personal endeavors.

It's an abstract noun denoting a virtue or character trait.

🧐 Grammar of Fleiß in Detail

Der Fleiß is a masculine noun. It is typically used only in the singular, as it describes an abstract quality. The article is always der.

Singular Declension

⚠️ The dative form "Fleiße" is less common and considered more formal or archaic.

📝 Examples

• Nominativ: Der Fleiß des Schülers wurde belohnt.
  (The student's diligence was rewarded.)
• Genitiv: Dank des Fleißes aller Mitarbeiter war das Projekt erfolgreich.
  (Thanks to the diligence of all employees, the project was successful.)
• Dativ: Mit großem Fleiß widmete er sich seiner Arbeit.
  (He dedicated himself to his work with great diligence.)
• Akkusativ: Der Lehrer lobte den Fleiß der Klasse.
  (The teacher praised the class's diligence.)

💡 How "Fleiß" is Used

Fleiß is commonly used in contexts related to work (Arbeit), learning (Lernen), and effort (Anstrengung). It's considered a positive attribute that often evokes respect and recognition.

• Typical Collocations: mit Fleiß (diligently), Fleiß zeigen (to show diligence), der Lohn des Fleißes (the reward for diligence).
• Proverb (Sprichwort): A famous German proverb is: "Ohne Fleiß kein Preis." This literally means "Without diligence, no prize," or more idiomatically, "No pain, no gain." It emphasizes that effort is necessary for success.
• Distinction: Fleiß is different from Talent (talent) or Intelligenz (intelligence), although it often helps to make the most of them. It specifically describes the effort and perseverance invested.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Fleiß"

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum kommst du schon wieder zu spät?" Fritzchen: "Wegen des Schildes da draußen." Lehrer: "Was für ein Schild?" Fritzchen: "Na, das Schild 'Achtung, Schule! Fahren Sie langsam!' – Das habe ich mit Fleiß getan!"

English: The teacher asks: "Freddy, why are you late again?" Freddy: "Because of the sign outside." Teacher: "What sign?" Freddy: "Well, the sign 'Caution, School! Drive Slowly!' – I did that diligently (mit Fleiß)!"

✒️ Poem about Diligence

German:
Der Fleiß, ein stiller, treuer Freund,
der oft im Kleinen schon erscheint.
Er lässt die Hände tätig sein,
bringt Wissen und Erfolg herein.

Wer säet mit Bedacht und Ruh',
dem fällt die Ernte später zu.
Drum ehre stets den Fleiß im Land,
er baut die Zukunft Hand in Hand.

English Translation:
Diligence, a quiet, loyal friend,
Often appearing in small ways, no end.
It keeps the hands actively engaged,
Bringing knowledge and success, page by page.

Who sows with care and calm repose,
Will reap the harvest as it grows.
So always honor diligence's might,
It builds the future, shining bright.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich habe keine Hände, doch schaffe viel.
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch bring dich ans Ziel.
Man braucht mich in der Schule und im Beruf,
ich bin der Antrieb, der dich vorwärts schuf.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I have no hands, yet I create much.
I have no mouth, yet I bring you to your goal's touch.
You need me in school and in your career,
I am the drive that moved you forward here.

What am I?(Solution: der Fleiß / diligence)

🌐 Other Information

Word Type: Abstract Noun (Masculine)
Frequency: Medium-High
Style: Used in many contexts, from formal to informal, typically carrying a positive connotation.

Interestingly, German has many compound words using Fleiß, such as Fleißarbeit (painstaking or detailed work) and Fleißkärtchen (small reward cards for diligent students, often translated as 'gold stars' or similar concepts).