der  Weltuntergang

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɛltˌʊntɐˌɡaŋ/

🌍 What does "der Weltuntergang" mean?

Der Weltuntergang refers to the end of the world, the apocalypse, or the end of humanity or civilization, often described in religious or mythological contexts. It signifies a dramatic event marking the end of an era or complete destruction.

Common synonyms are die Apokalypse (the Apocalypse) or das Jüngste Gericht (the Last Judgment, in a religious sense). It's a strong word, often used hyperbolically (exaggeratedly) to describe minor disasters or chaotic situations.

The word always takes the masculine article: der Weltuntergang.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Weltuntergang

Weltuntergang is a masculine noun. It is typically only used in the singular because the event itself is unique. A plural form (die Weltuntergänge) is grammatically possible but very uncommon and would refer to different scenarios or concepts of the world's end.

Example Sentences

1. Viele alte Kulturen hatten Mythen über den Weltuntergang.
   Many ancient cultures had myths about the end of the world.
2. Manche Leute bereiten sich ernsthaft auf den Weltuntergang vor.
   Some people seriously prepare for the apocalypse.
3. Nach dem Streit fühlte es sich an wie der Weltuntergang, obwohl es nur eine Kleinigkeit war.
   After the argument, it felt like the end of the world, although it was just a small thing.
4. Im Film wird der Weltuntergang durch einen Asteroideneinschlag ausgelöst.
   In the movie, the end of the world is triggered by an asteroid impact.
5. Die Prophezeiung sprach vom nahenden Weltuntergang.
   The prophecy spoke of the approaching doomsday.

🗣️ How to Use "Weltuntergang"?

The term "Weltuntergang" is used in various contexts:

• Religious/Mythological: In connection with prophecies, sacred texts (e.g., the Apocalypse in the Bible), or myths from different cultures.
• Fictional: In books, films, and games in the science fiction, fantasy, or disaster genres. Specific scenarios like pandemics, nuclear wars, climate catastrophes, or alien invasions are often depicted here.
• Hyperbolic/Colloquial: For exaggerated descriptions of personal crises, chaotic situations, or major disappointments. Example: "Nur weil dein Lieblingsverein verloren hat, ist das noch lange nicht der Weltuntergang!" (Just because your favorite team lost, it's hardly the end of the world!)
• Philosophical/Societal: In discussions about existential risks, the future of humanity, or societal upheavals.

⚠️ Caution: The hyperbolic use can diminish the serious meaning of the word. However, in religious or mythological contexts, it carries significant weight.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Untergang" (the downfall/sinking). Like many other German nouns ending in "-gang" (der Ausgang - exit, der Eingang - entrance, der Rundgang - tour), "der Weltuntergang" is masculine. It's der process of 'going under'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the whole Welt (world) going unter (under) – like a ship sinking. That's the ultimate end, the Welt-unter-gang (world-under-going). 💥

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different terms:

• Die Katastrophe: A disaster, a catastrophe, but not necessarily the end of the world.
• Der Untergang: Can also refer to the downfall or decline of a civilization, empire, or person (e.g., der Untergang Roms - the fall of Rome).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Treffen sich zwei Planeten. Sagt der eine: "Du siehst aber schlecht aus!" Antwortet der andere: "Ja, ich hab Homo Sapiens." Sagt der erste: "Ach, mach dir nichts draus, das geht vorbei!"

English: Two planets meet. One says, "You look terrible!" The other replies, "Yeah, I've got Homo Sapiens." The first one says, "Oh, don't worry about it, that'll pass!"

📜 A Short Poem

German:
Der Himmel brennt in Rot und Grau,
Die Erde bebt, nichts bleibt, was war.
Ein letzter Ruf, ein stummer Schau,
Der Weltuntergang, er ist nun da.

English:
The sky burns red and grey,
The earth it quakes, nothing stays as it lay.
A final call, a silent view,
The world's end, it is now true.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin das Ende, groß und schwer,
komme oft in Mythen her.
Mancher fürchtet meinen Schritt,
bring Zerstörung mit mir mit.

Was bin ich? Lösung: Der Weltuntergang

English:
I am the end, large and grave,
Often appearing in myths brave.
Some fear my impending tread,
Bringing destruction widespread.

What am I? Answer: Der Weltuntergang (The end of the world / apocalypse)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Weltuntergang" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Welt: Meaning "world", referring to planet Earth, the universe, or humanity.
• Untergang: Meaning "downfall", "destruction", or "sinking" (like a ship).

Cultural References:

The concept of the Weltuntergang is deeply rooted in many cultures and religions. Famous examples include the biblical Apocalypse, Ragnarök in Norse mythology, and the discussions surrounding the Mayan calendar in 2012. It is a recurring theme in literature, film, and art.