der
Stolz
🤔 What exactly does 'der Stolz' mean?
Der Stolz describes a strong feeling of satisfaction and joy about one's own achievement, quality, possession, or about a person one is connected to. It's a feeling of self-worth and honor.
It can be understood both positively (*self-respect, dignity*) and negatively (*hubris, arrogance, haughtiness*). The context is crucial here.
- ✅ Positive: Satisfaction with oneself or others, recognition of achievements. *Example: "Sie war voller Stolz auf ihre Tochter." (She was full of pride for her daughter.)*
- ⚠️ Negative: Excessive self-satisfaction leading to condescension towards others (*Hochmut*). *Example: "Sein Stolz hinderte ihn daran, um Hilfe zu bitten." (His pride prevented him from asking for help.)*
It's a noun derived from the adjective "stolz" (*proud*).
🧐 Grammar of 'der Stolz' in Detail
Der Stolz is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract feeling. A plural form ("die Stolze") theoretically exists but is very uncommon and almost never used.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Stolz | ein Stolz |
| Genitive | des Stolzes | eines Stolzes |
| Dative | dem Stolz / Stolze* | einem Stolz / Stolze* |
| Accusative | den Stolz | einen Stolz |
(The plural 'die Stolze' is extremely rare and not tabulated here.)
💡 Example Sentences
- Er empfand tiefen Stolz auf seine Arbeit.
(He felt deep pride in his work.) - Mit sichtbarem Stolz nahm sie die Auszeichnung entgegen.
(With visible pride, she accepted the award.) - Lass deinen Stolz nicht dein Urteilsvermögen trüben.
(Don't let your pride cloud your judgment.) - Der Stolz des Vaters auf seinen Sohn war unübersehbar.
(The father's pride in his son was unmistakable.) - Zu viel Stolz kann zu Einsamkeit führen.
(Too much pride can lead to loneliness.)
🗣️ How to Use 'Stolz' Correctly
Der Stolz is often used with the preposition "auf" (+ *accusative case*) when expressing what one is proud of:
- stolz sein auf etwas/jemanden: "Ich bin stolz auf dich." (*I am proud of you.*)
- Stolz empfinden auf etwas/jemanden: "Er empfand großen Stolz auf seinen Erfolg." (*He felt great pride in his success.*)
It's important to distinguish between healthy Stolz (*self-esteem*) and negative Stolz (*hubris, arrogance*). In German, "Stolz" can mean both, although the negative aspect is often expressed more clearly with words like "Hochmut" (*hubris*) or "Überheblichkeit" (*arrogance*).
Contextual clues:
- In positive contexts (praise, recognition), healthy pride is usually meant.
- In contexts describing stubbornness, refusal of help, or condescension, negative pride is more likely intended.
There is little risk of confusion with other words, as there is only this form. The interpretation within the sentence context is key.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Stolz'
For the article 'der': Think of *'der Strongman'* – he has immense physical power and takes *pride* in it. Strong, dominant concepts often use 'der' (der Mut - *courage*, der Wille - *will*, der Stolz - *pride*).
For the meaning: Imagine someone puffing out their chest, standing *st*raight and *tol*l, looking *stolz* (*proud*). The sound might remind you of 'stone' - someone standing firm and unyielding in their pride.
↔️ Antonyms and Synonyms: Stolz
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Ehre
- Honor; a feeling of dignity and respect, often in a social context.
- Selbstwertgefühl
- Self-esteem; the feeling of being valuable; positive self-regard.
- Würde
- Dignity; inner worth and self-respect commanding respect.
- Hochgefühl
- Exultation, elation; a strong feeling of joy and triumph.
- (negative) Hochmut
- Hubris, arrogance; excessive self-conceit.
- (negative) Überheblichkeit
- Haughtiness, arrogance; feeling superior to others and showing it.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Scham
- Shame; an embarrassed feeling due to a mistake or weakness.
- Demut
- Humility; modesty and the recognition of one's own limitations.
- Bescheidenheit
- Modesty; reserve regarding one's own achievements or abilities.
- Minderwertigkeitsgefühl
- Inferiority complex; the feeling of being worth less than others.
⚠️ Note: Although "Hochmut" is sometimes listed as a synonym, it primarily describes the negative aspect of pride.
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Warum hat der Luftballon keinen Stolz?
Weil er so leicht aufsteigt und genauso schnell wieder runterkommt!
EN: Why does the balloon have no pride (Stolz)?
Because it inflates (goes up) so easily and comes down just as quickly! (A pun on 'aufsteigen' meaning both to rise/inflate and to become arrogant, and 'runterkommen' meaning to come down/deflate or to calm down/become humble).
📜 Poem about Pride (Stolz)
DE:
Der Stolz, ein zweischneidig Schwert,
Mal Ehre, die das Herz ehrt.
Mal Hochmut, der die Sicht verstellt,
Und uns von Freund und Glück zerschellt.
Ein warmer Schimmer nach der Tat,
Wenn Leistung Früchte getragen hat.
Doch kippt er um, wird kalt und hart,
Verdirbt den Sinn, die gute Art.
Drum pflege ihn mit Maß und Ziel,
Den Stolz, der Gutes schaffen will.
EN Translation:
Pride, a double-edged sword,
Sometimes honor, by the heart adored.
Sometimes hubris, blurring the view,
Shattering friendships and happiness too.
A warm glow after the deed is done,
When achievement's fruits have been won.
But if it tips, turns cold and stark,
It spoils the sense, the noble mark.
So tend it with measure and aim,
The pride that good intends to claim.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich kann dich wärmen nach getaner Müh',
Doch mach ich blind, dann flieht das Glück frühe.
Ich richte auf, doch werf' auch tief zu Boden,
Bin oft ein Laster, manchmal Tugendboden.
Was bin ich?
EN Translation:
I can warm you after toil and strain,
But make you blind, then happiness will wane.
I lift you up, but also cast you down,
Often a vice, sometimes virtue's ground.
What am I?
(Solution: Der Stolz / Pride)
🧩 Other Information
Etymology: The word "Stolz" (and the adjective "stolz" - *proud*) comes from Middle High German "stolz", which originally could mean "magnificent", "stately", but also "foolish" or "boisterous". The ambivalence between positive and negative meaning is therefore historically rooted.
Cultural Differences: The perception of pride can vary culturally. In some cultures, modesty (*Bescheidenheit*) is valued more highly, while in others, openly showing pride (*Stolz*) is more accepted.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Stolz?
The word "Stolz" is a masculine noun, therefore it takes the article der. The correct form is der Stolz. It describes a feeling of satisfaction regarding one's own or others' achievements and is mostly used in the singular.