der  Gehorsam

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈhoːɐ̯zaːm/

🧐 What does 'der Gehorsam' mean?

Der Gehorsam (noun, masculine) describes the readiness or act of following instructions, commands, or rules. It's the quality or behaviour of a person (or animal) submitting to an authority or a will.

There is only this one article 'der' for Gehorsam. The word refers to the abstract concept of obedience.

• Meaning: Obedience, compliance, submission to a will or rule.

⚠️ Connotation: Depending on the context, the word 'Gehorsam' can have neutral, positive (e.g., in the sense of discipline), or negative (e.g., blinder Gehorsam - blind obedience, Kadavergehorsam - corpse-like obedience) connotations.

📊 Grammar of 'der Gehorsam'

Der Gehorsam is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular, either without an article or with the definite article 'der'. A plural form ('die Gehorsame') is very uncommon and practically never used.

Example Sentences

1. Der Lehrer forderte absoluten Gehorsam von seinen Schülern.
   (The teacher demanded absolute obedience from his students.)
   
2. Gehorsam ist eine Tugend, die in vielen Gesellschaften geschätzt wird.
   (Obedience is a virtue valued in many societies.)
3. Der Hund zeigte seinem Herrchen treuen Gehorsam.
   (The dog showed its master loyal obedience.)
4. Blinder Gehorsam kann gefährlich sein.
   (Blind obedience can be dangerous.)
5. Der Soldat verweigerte den Gehorsam gegenüber dem ungerechtfertigten Befehl.
   (The soldier refused obedience to the unjustified order.)

💡 How is 'der Gehorsam' used?

Der Gehorsam is often used in contexts involving authority, rules, upbringing, or training.

• Upbringing (Erziehung): Parents often expect Gehorsam from their children.
• Military/Police (Militär/Polizei): Here, Gehorsam towards superiors is fundamental.
• Religion: Many religions emphasize Gehorsam towards God or divine commandments.
• Animal Training (Tierdressur): A well-trained dog is characterized by Gehorsam.
• Society/Politics (Gesellschaft/Politik): Discussions about Gehorsam towards laws and state authority.

Related terms like 'gehorchen' (verb - to obey) or 'gehorsam' (adjective - obedient) are derived from it. Example: "Das Kind gehorcht seinen Eltern." (The child obeys its parents.) or "Der Hund ist sehr gehorsam." (The dog is very obedient.)

A distinction is often made between voluntary, insightful Gehorsam and forced or blind Gehorsam.

🧠 Mnemonics for Gehorsam

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Commander, der Boss, der Master – authority figures often demanding Gehorsam. It's der Gehorsam.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Gehorsam' contains 'hören' (to hear/listen). Someone who is 'gehorsam' hears or listens to what is said and does it. They hear ('hör') and are compliant ('sam'). Think: "Hear and be calm (sam)" -> obey.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Gehorsam

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum bist du heute so mustergültig gehorsam?"

Fritzchen: "Meine Mama hat gesagt, ich soll mich im Unterricht so benehmen, wie sie es sich von Papa zu Hause wünscht!"

Teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why are you so perfectly obedient today?"

Fritzchen: "My mom told me to behave in class the way she wishes Dad would behave at home!"

📜 Poem about Gehorsam

Der Gehorsam, still und schlicht,
Folgt dem Wort, vergisst es nicht.
Manchmal Zwang, manchmal ein Band,
Geführt von unsichtbarer Hand.
Doch fragt der Geist, ist's wirklich gut,
Zu zähmen wilden Lebensmut?
Der Gehorsam, tief und schwer,
Wiegt oft mehr als das Meer.

Obedience, quiet and plain,
Follows the word, forgets it not again.
Sometimes constraint, sometimes a tie,
Led by an unseen hand from high.
But asks the spirit, is it truly right,
To tame wild life's courageous light?
Obedience, profound and deep,
Often weighs more than oceans sleep.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe keinen eigenen Willen,
Bin da, um Befehle zu stillen.
Man fordert mich von Kind und Tier,
Der Chef verlangt mich oft von dir.
Im Militär bin ich ein Muss,
Bringt Widerstand oft nur Verdruss.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Gehorsam

I have no will of my own,
I'm there to make commands be known
And followed by child and beast, you see,
The boss often demands me from thee.
In the army, I am a must,
Resistance often turns to dust.

What am I?

Solution: Der Gehorsam (Obedience)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word Gehorsam is composed of:

• The prefix ge- (often used to form collectives or for emphasis)
• The verb hören (in the sense of 'to listen to someone', to obey)
• The suffix -sam (forms adjectives and derived nouns expressing a quality or tendency)

Originally, gehorsam (adjective) meant "inclined to listen to" or "ready to follow". The noun der Gehorsam denotes the quality itself.

Cultural Aspects (Kulturelle Aspekte): The concept of obedience plays a central role in many philosophical, ethical, and religious debates (e.g., the Milgram experiment, obedience to God, civil disobedience).