der
Sonnenuntergang
🌅 What does "Sonnenuntergang" mean?
Der Sonnenuntergang means sunset in English. It refers to the daily disappearance of the sun below the western horizon as a result of Earth's rotation. It's the time in the evening when the upper limb of the Sun disappears below the horizon.
The word is a compound noun formed from:
- die Sonne (feminine): The sun.
- der Untergang (masculine): The setting, disappearance; can also metaphorically mean 'decline' or 'downfall'.
🚨 Important: Although Sonne is feminine (die), the last part of the compound word, Untergang (der), determines the gender of the whole word. Therefore, it's always der Sonnenuntergang (masculine).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ang → almost always masculine.
Grammar Deep Dive: Declining "der Sonnenuntergang"
The noun Sonnenuntergang is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der Sonnenuntergang | ein Sonnenuntergang |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Sonnenuntergang(e)s | eines Sonnenuntergang(e)s |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Sonnenuntergang(e) | einem Sonnenuntergang(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den Sonnenuntergang | einen Sonnenuntergang |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Sonnenuntergänge | Sonnenuntergänge |
| Genitive | der Sonnenuntergänge | Sonnenuntergänge |
| Dative | den Sonnenuntergängen | Sonnenuntergängen |
| Accusative | die Sonnenuntergänge | Sonnenuntergänge |
Example Sentences
- Wir beobachteten den wunderschönen Sonnenuntergang am Strand.
(We watched the beautiful sunset on the beach.) - Die Farben des Sonnenuntergangs waren atemberaubend.
(The colors of the sunset were breathtaking.) - Nach dem Sonnenuntergang wurde es schnell kühl.
(It got cool quickly after the sunset.) - Jeden Abend genieße ich den Sonnenuntergang von meinem Balkon aus.
(Every evening, I enjoy the sunset from my balcony.) - Die schönsten Sonnenuntergänge sieht man oft im Herbst.
(You often see the most beautiful sunsets in autumn/fall.)
How to Use "Sonnenuntergang"
Sonnenuntergang is used to describe the time or the phenomenon of the sun setting.
- Time reference: "Wir treffen uns nach Sonnenuntergang." (We'll meet after sunset.)
- Atmosphere: "Die Stimmung beim Sonnenuntergang war sehr romantisch." (The mood during the sunset was very romantic.)
- Natural phenomenon: "Der Sonnenuntergang färbte den Himmel rot." (The sunset colored the sky red.)
- Photography/Art: Many artists and photographers try to capture the beauty of a Sonnenuntergang.
Sometimes the word Abendrot (evening red/glow) is used, specifically referring to the red coloration of the sky during or shortly after sunset.
A common compound noun is die Sonnenuntergangsstimmung (the sunset mood/atmosphere).
💡 Memory Aids for "der Sonnenuntergang"
Article Mnemonic: Remember it's "der Untergang" (the downfall/setting). The last part determines the article. Imagine DER big, powerful day is going under – that's der Sonnenuntergang.
Meaning Mnemonic: The Sonne (sun) goes unter (under). Simple, right? Visualize the sun going down below the horizon.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Abendrot: (Evening red/glow) Refers more to the colors in the sky.
- Dämmerung / Abenddämmerung: (Twilight / Dusk) The period after sunset before it gets completely dark.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Sonnenaufgang: (Sunrise) The appearance of the sun above the horizon in the morning.
- Morgendämmerung: (Dawn) The period before sunrise.
⚠️ Note: Dämmerung (twilight) can refer to both the time after sunset (Abenddämmerung) and before sunrise (Morgendämmerung).
😄 A Little Joke
German: Warum schauen Glühwürmchen so gerne den Sonnenuntergang an? – Weil sie dann endlich ihre eigene Beleuchtung anmachen dürfen! ✨
English: Why do fireflies love watching the sunset? – Because then they finally get to turn on their own lights! ✨
📜 Poem about the Sunset
German:
Die Sonne sinkt, ein letzter Gruß,
Der Himmel malt mit Farbgenuss.
Ein Ball aus Feuer, rot und warm,
Der Sonnenuntergang nimmt uns in Arm.
Der Tag verblasst, die Nacht erwacht,
Ein Schauspiel voller Farbenpracht.
English Translation:
The sun descends, a final greeting,
The sky paints with colorful meeting.
A ball of fire, red and warm,
The sunset takes us in its arm.
The day fades out, the night awakes,
A spectacle of vibrant makes.
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich male den Himmel in Rot und Gold,
beende den Tag, mal sanft, mal kold.
Im Westen versink' ich, Tag für Tag,
wer mich sieht, oft staunend verweilen mag.
Was bin ich?
English:
I paint the sky in red and gold,
I end the day, sometimes gentle, sometimes cold.
In the west I sink, day by day,
who sees me, often marvels and may stay.
What am I?
(Solution: Der Sonnenuntergang / The sunset)
🧩 Other Tidbits about Sonnenuntergang
Word Composition:
- Sonne: From Old High German 'sunna' (the sun).
- Untergang: From Old High German 'untarkanc' (the going down).
The sunset holds symbolic meaning in many cultures, often representing endings, rest, but also beauty and transience.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sonnenuntergang?
The word "Sonnenuntergang" is composed of "Sonne" (feminine) and "Untergang" (masculine). Since the last part, "Untergang", determines the gender, the word is masculine: der Sonnenuntergang. The plural is "die Sonnenuntergänge".