der
Opportunismus
🧐 What exactly is Opportunismus?
Der Opportunismus describes a behavior or mindset where someone flexibly adapts their actions and opinions to the current situation to gain a personal advantage or benefit. This often happens by neglecting firm principles, beliefs, or long-term goals.
The word frequently carries a negative connotation and is used to criticize a lack of principles, fickleness, or excessive adaptability. It implies that the person acts more according to the motto "What benefits me most right now?" rather than adhering to fixed values.
⚠️ There is only one article: der Opportunismus. The word is masculine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ismus → mostly masculine.
-us/-uss/-uß → mostly masculine.
Including -ismus nouns (100% masculine, e.g. der Tourismus)
📊 Grammar in Detail: Declension of Opportunismus
Der Opportunismus is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. A plural form ("die Opportunismen") is very rare and only used in specific philosophical or sociological contexts to refer to different types or manifestations of opportunistic behavior.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Opportunismus |
| Genitive | des | Opportunismus |
| Dative | dem | Opportunismus |
| Accusative | den | Opportunismus |
Note: The plural is uncommon.
Example Sentences
- Sein politischer Opportunismus wurde von vielen kritisiert.
(His political opportunism was criticized by many.) - Sie warf ihm reinen Opportunismus vor, als er plötzlich seine Meinung änderte.
(She accused him of pure opportunism when he suddenly changed his opinion.) - Aus reinem Opportunismus schloss er sich der stärkeren Gruppe an.
(Out of sheer opportunism, he joined the stronger group.)
💡 How is Opportunismus used?
Der Opportunismus is often used in discussions about politics, business, ethics, or personal relationships. It describes a course of action perceived as selfish and unprincipled.
- Politics: A politician who changes their positions based on poll numbers might be accused of Opportunismus.
- Work life: A colleague who always sides with the boss, regardless of the boss's decisions, shows opportunistisches Verhalten (opportunistic behavior).
- Everyday life: Someone who only maintains friendships as long as they are beneficial to them is acting out of Opportunismus.
The related adjective is opportunistisch (e.g., ein opportunistisches Verhalten - an opportunistic behavior), and the person is called an Opportunist (masculine) or Opportunistin (feminine).
Although Opportunismus is mostly viewed negatively, a certain degree of adaptability (Flexibilität) can also be seen as pragmatic or strategically smart in some contexts. The line is often blurry and depends on the evaluation of motives and consequences.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of typical -ism words in German, many are masculine (der Kapitalismus, der Sozialismus). Der Opportunismus fits this pattern.
Meaning Mnemonic: Someone driven by Opportunismus sees an opportunity and grabs it for their own gain, often ignoring 'us' (the group or principles). Focus on the opportunity part.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Anpassertum: Conformism, excessive adaptation (often negative).
- Prinzipienlosigkeit: Lack of principles, unprincipledness.
- Wankelmut: Fickleness, vacillation.
- Konjunkturrittertum: (often political/economic) Exploiting a favorable situation, bandwagon jumping.
- Gesinnungslumperei: (strongly derogatory) Lack of character, betrayal of convictions.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Prinzipientreue: Adherence to principles.
- Integrität: Integrity.
- Standhaftigkeit: Steadfastness, perseverance.
- Charakterstärke: Strength of character.
- Überzeugungstreue: Loyalty to one's convictions.
Similar but different terms:
- Pragmatismus: Pragmatism. Focuses on practical solutions. Can be opportunistic, but doesn't have to be.
- Flexibilität: Flexibility. The ability to adapt. Can be positive, whereas Opportunismus is mostly negative.
😂 A Little Joke
Chef zum Bewerber: "Haben Sie feste Überzeugungen?"
Bewerber: "Ja, sicher! Und wenn Ihnen die nicht gefallen, habe ich auch noch andere!"
Translation:
Boss to applicant: "Do you have firm convictions?"
Applicant: "Yes, certainly! And if you don't like those, I have others too!"
📜 Poem about Opportunismus
Das Fähnchen im Wind, mal hierhin, mal dorthin,
Wo der Vorteil grad weht, da liegt der Gewinn.
Die Meinung von gestern? Heut' nicht mehr wahr,
Der Opportunismus ist wendig, ist schlau, ist da.
Prinzipien sind Fesseln, so denkt er geschwind,
Er schwimmt mit dem Strom, wohin er auch rinnt.
Translation:
The little flag in the wind, now here, now there,
Where advantage blows, that's where the profit lies.
Yesterday's opinion? Not true today,
Opportunism is agile, is clever, is here.
Principles are shackles, it thinks quickly,
It swims with the current, wherever it may flow.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe keine festen Freunde, nur Interessen.
Ich wechsle die Seite, hab Prinzipien vergessen.
Ich suche den Nutzen in jeder Situation,
mein Name klingt klug, doch trägt oft Hohn.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I have no firm friends, only interests.
I switch sides, have forgotten principles.
I seek advantage in every situation,
my name sounds clever, but often carries scorn.
What am I?
Solution: Der Opportunismus
🌐 Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Opportunismus" derives from the Latin adjective opportunus, meaning "favorable," "suitable," or "convenient" (originally referring to winds blowing towards the harbor: ob portum veniens = coming towards the harbor). The current, often negative meaning developed later.
Related Words:
- opportunistisch (adjective): opportunistic
- Opportunist/Opportunistin (noun): opportunist (male/female)
- Opportunität (noun): opportunity, chance (neutral term)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Opportunismus?
The German word "Opportunismus" is masculine. The correct article is always der: der Opportunismus.