der
Realismus
🤔 What does "der Realismus" mean?
Der Realismus (noun, masculine) describes various concepts related to reality:
- Philosophy: A fundamental philosophical position assuming that a reality independent of human consciousness exists and is knowable. It's the opposite of Idealismus (idealism).
- Art & Literature: A style (especially in the 19th century) that aims for the most accurate, unembellished representation of reality and everyday life.
- General: An attitude or mindset oriented towards facts and considering what is feasible; Wirklichkeitssinn (sense of reality), Sachlichkeit (objectivity/matter-of-factness). Often referred to as Pragmatismus (pragmatism).
There is only the masculine article der for Realismus. ⚠️ There are no other articles or meanings that could lead to confusion.
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 of "Realismus" in Detail
"Realismus" is a masculine noun. It is usually used only in the singular because it describes an abstract concept or an era. A plural form ("die Realismen") is rare and refers to different types or theories of realism.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Realismus |
| Genitive | des | Realismus |
| Dative | dem | Realismus |
| Accusative | den | Realismus |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Realismen |
| Genitive | der | Realismen |
| Dative | den | Realismen |
| Accusative | die | Realismen |
Example Sentences
- Der philosophische Realismus geht von einer objektiven Welt aus. (Philosophical realism assumes an objective world.)
- Im Kunstunterricht besprachen wir den Realismus des 19. Jahrhunderts. (In art class, we discussed the realism of the 19th century.)
- Sein politischer Realismus half ihm, Kompromisse zu finden. (His political realism helped him find compromises.)
- Manchmal muss man dem Realismus ins Auge blicken. (Sometimes you have to face realism / face reality.)
💡 How to use "Realismus"?
"Realismus" is mostly used in specific contexts:
- Philosophy/Theory of Science: Here, it denotes a specific epistemological position.
- Art/Literary History: As a term for an era or style.
- Everyday Language: To describe a sober, fact-based perspective or course of action (synonyms: Wirklichkeitssinn, Sachlichkeit, Pragmatismus).
The term often has a neutral to positive connotation when referring to a pragmatic attitude. In art, it can be viewed neutrally (descriptive) or critically (as a lack of imagination), depending on the perspective.
Risk of confusion: Not directly confusable, but related in meaning are "Realität" (reality itself) and "realistisch" (adjective: corresponding to reality).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Realismus"
For the article: Think of common masculine roles associated with clear views: der Philosopher, der Artist, der Pragmatist – they all might employ Realismus. Also, the ending "-ismus" in German is very often masculine (der Kapitalismus, der Idealismus).
For the meaning: Think of the English word "realism". Der Realismus is about seeing things as they *real*ly are.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Wirklichkeitssinn: Sense of reality.
- Sachlichkeit: Objectivity, matter-of-factness.
- Pragmatismus: Pragmatism.
- Nüchternheit: Sobriety, level-headedness.
- Objektivität (in philos. context): Objectivity (reference to independent reality).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Idealismus: Idealism (philosophical counterpart).
- Utopismus: Utopianism (belief in an unreal perfect world).
- Romantik: Romanticism (art/literary movement emphasizing emotion, fantasy).
- Subjektivismus: Subjectivism (perspective based on the subject).
- Unwirklichkeitssinn / Realitätsferne: Lack of sense of reality / detachment from reality.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Idealist den Realisten: "Glaubst du an die große Liebe?"
Antwortet der Realist: "Ich glaube daran, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit, jemanden zu finden, mit dem man gut auskommt, nicht null ist."
(The idealist asks the realist: "Do you believe in true love?"
The realist answers: "I believe that the probability of finding someone you get along well with is not zero.")
✍️ Poem about Realism
Der Realismus, klar und schlicht,
zeigt die Welt im wahren Licht.
Kein Traumgebild, kein Wolkenflug,
nur was man sieht, ist ihm genug.
Im Alltag fest, mit beiden Beinen,
lässt er das Wunschdenken oft weinen.
Doch wer ihn hat, steht fest im Leben,
kann auf das Machbare nur geben.
(Realism, clear and plain,
shows the world in light that's true again.
No fantasy, no flight in clouds,
only what's seen, it avows.
Firm in daily life, on solid ground,
it often makes wishful thinking frowned.
But those who have it, stand strong in strife,
can only give what's feasible in life.)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin eine Sicht auf die Welt, nicht auf Wolken gebaut.
Ich schätze, was ist, und nicht nur, was man schaut.
In Kunst und Philosophie bin ich zu Haus,
und bringe Pragmatiker oft groß heraus.
Was bin ich?
(I am a view of the world, not built on clouds.
I value what is, not just what one espouses.
In art and philosophy, I'm found,
and often make pragmatists renowned.
What am I?)
(... Der Realismus / Realism)
More about "Realismus"
Word Composition & Origin:
The word "Realismus" derives from the Latin word res (thing, matter, reality) or realis (material, real). The suffix "-ismus" denotes a doctrine, attitude, or movement.
Related Terms:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Realismus?
The word "Realismus" is always masculine. The correct form is: der Realismus.