der  Rausch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁaʊ̯ʃ/

intoxication state of drunkenness <0xF0><0x9F><0xA7><0x83> What does 'der Rausch' mean?

Der Rausch is a masculine noun describing various states of intense excitement or impairment. The most common meanings are:

• Intoxication/Drunkenness: A state induced by consuming alcohol or other drugs. Example: Nach mehreren Gläsern Wein war er im Rausch. (He was intoxicated after several glasses of wine.)
• Ecstasy/Frenzy/Euphoria: A state of intense joy, enthusiasm, or rapture, often used figuratively. Example: Sie befand sich in einem Rausch der Gefühle. (She was in an ecstasy of emotions.) Der Siegesrausch hielt tagelang an. (The euphoria of victory lasted for days.)
• Rush/Intoxication of the senses: An overwhelming flood of sensory impressions. Example: Der Farbenrausch des Herbstwaldes war atemberaubend. (The riot of colours in the autumn forest was breathtaking.)
• Thrill of speed (Geschwindigkeitsrausch): The intoxicating feeling experienced at high speed.

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the specific meaning of 'Rausch'.

✍️ Grammar Spotlight: Der Rausch

'Rausch' is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Im Rausch der Geschwindigkeit vergaß er die Gefahr. (In the thrill of speed, he forgot the danger.)
2. Der Künstler malte im kreativen Rausch die ganze Nacht. (The artist painted all night in a creative frenzy.)
3. Die Fans feierten den Sieg im Freudenrausch. (The fans celebrated the victory in a frenzy of joy.)
4. Ein Rausch kann gefährliche Folgen haben. (Intoxication/A high can have dangerous consequences.)
5. Die verschiedenen Räusche (z.B. Drogenrausch, Siegesrausch) unterscheiden sich stark. (The various types of highs/frenzies (e.g., drug-induced high, euphoria of victory) differ greatly.)

🗣️ How to use 'Rausch'?

'Rausch' is often used to describe states that deviate from the norm and are associated with a loss of control or intense emotions.

• Alcohol/Drugs: Very common in the context of drunkenness or the influence of psychoactive substances (e.g., "im Rausch Auto fahren" - to drive under the influence).
• Strong Emotions: Frequently used figuratively for intense feelings like joy, victory, love, or even anger (e.g., "Siegesrausch" - euphoria of victory, "Freudenrausch" - ecstasy of joy, "Blutrausch" - frenzy, bloodlust).
• Intense Experiences: Also describes overwhelming sensory experiences or activities (e.g., "Geschwindigkeitsrausch" - thrill of speed, "Farbenrausch" - riot of colour, "Kaufrausch" - shopping spree).
• Creativity: Sometimes a state of intense creative productivity is referred to as a "kreativer Rausch" (creative frenzy).

Distinction: While 'Rausch' often has negative connotations (especially concerning substances), its figurative uses (Siegesrausch, Freudenrausch) can be positive. 'Begeisterung' (enthusiasm) is purely positive, 'Trunkenheit' (drunkenness) usually refers specifically to alcohol.

💡 Mnemonics for 'der Rausch'

Article 'der': Imagine a man (masculine -> der) having a rush (sounds like Rausch) of excitement. He's 'der Rusher'.

Meaning: Think of a loud 'rush' of sound or feeling overwhelming you – that's a 'Rausch'. It could be a 'rush' from alcohol, speed, or joy.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Rausch

Similar words:

• Rauschen: (noun derived from verb) The sound of rushing wind, water, etc. (e.g., das Rauschen des Meeres - the roar/murmur of the sea). Don't confuse!

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Schildern Sie doch mal den Tathergang!"
Angeklagter: "Herr Richter, das kann ich nicht mehr so genau sagen, ich war total im Kaufrausch!"

Translation:
Judge: "Describe the course of events leading to the crime!"
Defendant: "Your Honor, I can't say exactly anymore, I was totally on a shopping spree!"

📜 Poem about Rausch

Der Rausch, mal süß, mal bitterlich,
Nimmt die Sinne ganz für sich.
Mal im Wein, mal im Gefühl,
Ein Tanz am Abgrund, heiß und kühl.
Vorsicht ist geboten, klar,
Sonst folgt der Kater, Jahr für Jahr.

Translation:
The rush/high, sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter,
Takes the senses entirely for itself.
Sometimes in wine, sometimes in feeling,
A dance on the abyss, hot and cool.
Caution is advised, clearly,
Or the hangover follows, year after year.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann dich heben, hoch und weit,
Befreien von der schweren Zeit.
Doch halt ich dich zu lang, zu fest,
Wird oft aus Freude bitt're Pest.
Durch Trunk, durch Sieg, durch Speed entfacht,
Was bin ich, wenn der Verstand nicht wacht?

Translation:
I can lift you, high and wide,
Free you from burdensome times.
But if I hold you too long, too tight,
Joy often turns to bitter blight.
Ignited by drink, by victory, by speed,
What am I, when reason takes no heed?

Solution: Der Rausch (intoxication, frenzy, rush, high)

🧩 Additional Information

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen): 'Rausch' forms part of many compound words that specify the type of intoxication or frenzy:

• Siegesrausch: euphoria/frenzy of victory
• Kaufrausch: shopping spree/binge
• Blutrausch: bloodlust, killing frenzy
• Geschwindigkeitsrausch: thrill of speed
• Farbenrausch: riot/intoxication of colour
• Drogenrausch: drug-induced high/intoxication
• Freudenrausch: ecstasy/frenzy of joy

Etymology: The word comes from Middle High German 'rūsch' (noise, roar, onslaught), reflecting the intensity and sometimes the suddenness of the state.