der  Kummer

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʊmɐ/

💔 What Exactly is *Kummer*?

Der Kummer describes a state of *emotional pain, grief, sorrow, or worry*. It's a deep feeling of unhappiness, often caused by loss, disappointment, or difficult life circumstances. It is a *masculine noun*.

Sometimes it's also used more generally for *worries* or *troubles*, e.g., "finanzieller Kummer" (*financial troubles*).

🚨 Attention: The plural "die Kummer" is very rare and mostly found only in poetic or elevated language.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of *Kummer*: A Closer Look

Der Kummer is a *masculine noun*. It's often used without an article when referring to the general feeling (e.g., "Er hat Kummer." - *He feels sorrow/grief.*). When a specific instance of sorrow or trouble is meant, the article is used.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural)

The plural (die Kummer) is very uncommon and hardly used in modern language. If you want to talk about multiple types of sorrow or worries, you usually rephrase it (e.g., "viele Sorgen" - *many worries*, "verschiedene Arten von Kummer" - *different kinds of sorrow*).

Example Sentences

• Sein Herz war voller Kummer. (His heart was full of sorrow.)
• Sie erzählte mir von ihrem Kummer mit den Nachbarn. (She told me about her troubles with the neighbours.)
• Der Verlust des Arbeitsplatzes bereitete ihm großen Kummer. (The loss of his job caused him great distress/sorrow.)
• Lass dich von deinem Kummer nicht überwältigen. (Don't let your grief overwhelm you.)

💡 When to Use *Kummer*?

Kummer is used to express *deeper emotional pain, grief, or long-lasting worries*. It's a stronger word than simple "Sorge" (*worry, concern*).

• Deep Grief: After a loss or separation. Example: "Der Kummer über den Tod ihres Mannes war unermesslich." (The grief over her husband's death was immeasurable.)
• Persistent Worries/Problems: When something is burdensome over a longer period. Example: "Der ständige finanzielle Kummer zermürbte ihn." (The constant financial trouble wore him down.)
• Liebeskummer: A very specific type of sorrow - *lovesickness*. Example: "Sie leidet unter schrecklichem Liebeskummer." (She is suffering from terrible lovesickness.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Die Sorge: Refers more to specific fears or the act of caring for someone/something. *Kummer* is often deeper and more comprehensive.
• Das Leid: Refers to strong physical or mental suffering, often caused by external circumstances. *Kummer* is primarily emotional/mental.
• Der Gram: An outdated or elevated word for deep sorrow, often associated with bitterness.

🧠 Mnemonics for *der Kummer*

Remembering the Article: Think of der Mann (*the man*). In stories, men sometimes carry great, silent Kummer (a stereotype, but maybe helpful). Or: link it to other masculine 'pain' words: der Schmerz (*the pain*), der Kummer (*the sorrow*).

Remembering the Meaning: When you have Kummer, you might feel 'bent over' or *krumm* (German for crooked/bent). Or a silly one: Kummer sounds a bit like 'cucumber' – maybe you're sad (have *Kummer*) because you dropped your cucumber sandwich?

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms: Words Around *Kummer*

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• sich kümmern (um): Verb - means *'to care for', 'to look after', 'to attend to'*. Example: "Ich kümmere mich um die Kinder." (*I look after the children.*) Not related to the feeling *Kummer*, despite the similar root.
• kümmerlich: Adjective - means *'paltry', 'meager', 'stunted'*. Example: "Eine kümmerliche Pflanze." (*A stunted plant.*)

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der eine Freund den anderen: "Warum schaust du so traurig?"
(One friend asks the other: "Why do you look so sad?")

Sagt der andere: "Ach, ich habe Kummer mit meiner Frau."
(The other says: "Oh, I have trouble/sorrow with my wife.")

Fragt der erste: "Was hat sie denn?"
(The first asks: "What's wrong with her?" or "What does she have?")

Antwortet der zweite: "Mich!"
(The second replies: "Me!")

📜 *Kummer* in Verse

Der Kummer schleicht, ein grauer Gast,
(Sorrow creeps in, a guest of grey,)
nimmt Herz und Seele in Belast.
(Burdens the heart and soul each day.)
Er drückt aufs Gemüt, macht Blicke schwer,
(It weighs the spirit, makes gazes low,)
man wünscht sich oft, er wär' nicht mehr.
(One often wishes it would just go.)
Doch auch im Kummer, tief und kalt,
(But even in sorrow, deep and cold,)
keimt Hoffnung auf, gewinnt Gestalt.
(Hope sprouts anew, a story told.)
Ein kleiner Funke, zart und licht,
(A tiny spark, both soft and bright,)
der durch die Dunkelheit dann bricht.
(That breaks right through the darkest night.)

❓ Riddle Time: What am I?

Ich habe keinen Körper, doch kann Herzen schwer machen.
(I have no body, yet I can make hearts heavy.)
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch bringe Seufzer und Klagen.
(I have no voice, yet I bring sighs and laments.)
Man trägt mich oft im Stillen, tief im Innern versteckt.
(I am often carried in silence, hidden deep inside.)
Ich bin ein Begleiter der Sorge, der Trauer oft geweckt.
(I am a companion of worry, often awakened by grief.)

Wer bin ich? (What am I?)
... Der Kummer (Sorrow / Grief / Trouble)

🧐 More About *Kummer*

Etymology: The word "Kummer" comes from the Middle High German word "kumber", which originally meant "rubble, burden, distress". Over time, the meaning shifted to focus on emotional pressure and worry.

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Kummer und Sorgen haben: *To have worries and troubles.*
• Seinen Kummer in Alkohol ertränken: *To drown one's sorrows in alcohol.*
• Jemandem Kummer bereiten: *To cause someone sorrow or worry.*