der  Trotz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁɔts/

🧐 What does "der Trotz" mean?

Der Trotz (masculine) describes an attitude of defiance, stubbornness, or obstinacy, often directed against authorities, rules, or expectations. It signifies a conscious unwillingness to comply or follow instructions, sometimes stemming from a feeling of being offended or from sheer wilfulness. It can also simply express stubbornness or persistence in a matter.

⚠️ Be careful: The noun "der Trotz" is related to the preposition trotz (e.g., trotz des Regens - despite the rain, trotz allem - despite everything), which means "despite" or "in spite of".

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "Trotz": A Look at the Rules

"Der Trotz" is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular as it describes an abstract concept. A plural form ("die Trotze") is very uncommon and rarely used.

Declension Singular

Note: In the Dative case, the ending -e (Trotze) is possible but less common today.

Example Sentences 💡

• Sein plötzlicher Trotz überraschte alle.
  His sudden defiance surprised everyone.
• Das Kind stampfte aus reinem Trotz mit dem Fuß auf.
  The child stamped its foot out of sheer defiance.
• Mit jugendlichem Trotz widersetzte er sich den Regeln.
  With youthful defiance, he resisted the rules.
• Dem Trotz des Wetters zum Trotz gingen wir spazieren. (Using the idiom "zum Trotz")
  In defiance of the weather, we went for a walk.

🗣️ How to use "der Trotz"?

"Der Trotz" is used to describe an attitude of conscious resistance or stubbornness.

• With children: Very common in the context of child development, e.g., the "Trotzphase" (toddler defiance phase, terrible twos/threes).
• Aus Trotz: A frequent phrase meaning "out of spite" or "out of defiance" (e.g., "Er tat es nur aus Trotz." - He only did it out of spite.).
• Zum Trotz: Another phrase meaning "to spite someone" or "to show resistance" (e.g., "Er rauchte ihr zum Trotz eine Zigarette." - He smoked a cigarette to spite her.).
• General resistance: Can also describe resistance against circumstances or adversity (e.g., "Sein Trotz half ihm, die Krankheit zu überwinden." - His defiance helped him overcome the illness.).

Compared to Widerstand (resistance), Trotz is often more emotional and can carry a negative connotation of childishness or unreasonableness, but it can also express positive aspects like perseverance.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Trotz"

Article Mnemonic: Think of a defiant boy (der Junge) crossing his arms stubbornly. Der boy shows der Trotz.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Trotz" sounds a bit like the English word "trots". Imagine someone stubbornly trotting off in the opposite direction when asked to do something – they are showing Trotz (defiance).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

Be careful not to confuse the noun "der Trotz" with the preposition "trotz" (e.g., trotz des Regens - despite the rain), although they are etymologically related.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Steinmetz keinen Trotz?
Weil er immer nachgibt! 😉

Why does the stonemason have no defiance?
Because he always gives in! (A pun: "nachgeben" means "to give in" but also refers to stone yielding under the chisel) 😉

📜 A Little Poem about Defiance

Ein kleiner Wille, stark und fest,
hält allem Widerstand nun Rest.
Die Stirn gerunzelt, Arm' verschränkt,
der Trotz hat sich ins Herz gesenkt.
Mal stur, mal stark, ein wilder Geist,
der oft den eig'nen Weg nur weist.

A little will, both strong and tight,
Resists all pressure with its might.
A furrowed brow, arms crossed in check,
Defiance settles on the neck.
Sometimes stubborn, sometimes strong, a spirit wild,
That often walks its path, beguiled.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein starker Wille, oft im Kleinen,
manchmal lass ich Kinder weinen.
Gegen Regeln stell ich mich zur Wehr,
gibst du mir nach, will ich oft mehr.

Was bin ich?
Lösung: Der Trotz

I am a strong will, often seen in the small,
Sometimes I make children cry and bawl.
Against the rules, I make my stand,
If you give in, I often demand more command.

What am I?
Solution: Der Trotz (Defiance)

🧩 Other Useful Info

Word Combination: "Die Trotzphase" is a well-known term in developmental psychology, describing a phase in early childhood (approx. ages 2-4) where children increasingly discover and assert their own will, often leading to conflicts. It's often referred to as the "terrible twos" or "threes" in English.

Preposition "trotz": As mentioned, the noun "der Trotz" is closely related to the preposition "trotz" (despite, in spite of). This preposition usually takes the Genitive case ("trotz des schlechten Wetters" - despite the bad weather), but colloquially, it's often used with the Dative case ("trotz dem schlechten Wetter").