der  Grimm

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡʁɪm/

😠 What does "der Grimm" mean?

The noun der Grimm means wrath, fury, or intense anger, often implying a deep-seated or suppressed feeling. It's considered a somewhat elevated or literary term, used less frequently in everyday conversation than words like Wut (rage, anger) or Zorn (wrath, anger).

It is a masculine noun (der). Grimm is also a common German surname (e.g., the Brothers Grimm - die Brüder Grimm), but the noun "der Grimm" typically refers to the emotion.

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with the adjective grimmig (grim, fierce).

🧐 Grammar of "Grimm" in Detail

The noun Grimm is masculine. It is typically only used in the singular because it describes an abstract emotion.

Declension (Singular)

A plural form ("die Grimme") is very unusual and would likely only appear in a highly specific literary context to describe different types or manifestations of wrath.

📝 Example Sentences

• Sein Gesicht verzog sich vor Grimm. (His face contorted with wrath.)
• Ein tiefer Grimm staute sich in ihm auf. (A deep fury built up inside him.)
• Sie spürte den alten Grimm wieder in sich hochsteigen. (She felt the old resentment rising within her again.)
• In seinen Augen loderte kalter Grimm. (Cold fury blazed in his eyes.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

Der Grimm is mostly used to describe an intense, often controlled or long-lasting anger or fury. You'll often find it in:

• 📜 Literature and Poetry: To express strong emotions.
• 🗣️ Elevated Language: In more formal or dramatic contexts.
• 😠 Describing Intense Feelings: When simple "anger" (Ärger) isn't sufficient.

Compared to:

• Die Wut: Often more sudden, violent, impulsive anger or rage.
• Der Zorn: Similar to Grimm, perhaps slightly more common; can also mean righteous anger ("heiliger Zorn").

Der Grimm often implies a certain bitterness or resentment (Groll) that has built up over time.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Grimm"

Article Mnemonic: Think of a grim-faced man filled with wrath. Der Mann hat Grimm. (Masculine -> der)

Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds like the English word "grim". Picture a very grim expression – that feeling is der Grimm (wrath, fury).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Warum haben die Märchen der Brüder Grimm manchmal so ein Happy End?
(Why do the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm sometimes have such a happy ending?)

Damit am Ende niemand mehr Grimm verspürt!
(So that in the end, nobody feels any wrath / Grimm anymore!)

📜 Poem about Grimm (Wrath)

Tief im Herzen, dunkel, schwer,
(Deep in the heart, dark and heavy,)
wohnt der Grimm und will nicht mehr
(Dwells the wrath and wants no more)
weichen aus der stillen Brust,
(To yield from the quiet breast,)
nährt sich an vergang'nem Frust.
(Feeds itself on past frustration.)
Ein kalter Schatten, der sich hält,
(A cold shadow that holds on,)
bis Licht die Dunkelheit erhellt.
(Until light illuminates the darkness.)

🤔 A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Gefühl, tief und stark,
(I am a feeling, deep and strong,)
verwandt mit Zorn, beiß wie ein Hai ins Mark.
(Related to wrath, bite like a shark to the core.)
Man trägt mich oft im Stillen mit,
(One often carries me silently,)
ein alter, nagender Begleit'.
(An old, gnawing companion.)
Bin männlich und oft schwer zu tragen,
(I am masculine and often hard to bear,)
kann Herzen bitterlich plagen.
(Can bitterly plague hearts.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: der Grimm

💡 Other Information

Etymology:

The word "Grimm" comes from the Old High German "grimmi" (fierceness, fury) and is related to the adjective "grimmig" (grim, fierce) as well as the English word "grim". It originally described something frightening, wild, or wrathful.

The Brothers Grimm:

The surname Grimm is very famous due to Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786–1859). They were linguists and cultural researchers who became world-famous for their collection "Children's and Household Tales" (Kinder- und Hausmärchen). Their surname, however, shares the same etymological origin.