der  Zorn

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/t͡sɔʁn/

😠 What exactly is "der Zorn"?

Der Zorn refers to a strong, often sudden feeling of intense anger, wrath, or resentment. It's a powerful emotion directed towards a person, situation, or circumstance perceived as an injustice, offense, or provocation.

Unlike simple annoyance (der Ärger) or anger (die Wut), Zorn often carries a deeper, sometimes longer-lasting component and can also be perceived as 'righteous anger' (gerechter Zorn) when triggered by perceived injustice.

There is only this one article: der Zorn. 🚨 Don't confuse it with similar words that might have different articles!

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Zorn

The noun "Zorn" is masculine, therefore used with the article der. It is mostly used in the singular as it describes an abstract feeling. A plural form ("die Zorne") is very uncommon and mostly found in elevated or poetic language.

Declension (Singular)

Note: The forms with "-e" in the Dative and Genitive (Zorne, Zornes) are less common and considered elevated or archaic.

Example Sentences

1. Sein Zorn war grenzenlos. (His anger/wrath was boundless.)
2. Sie unterdrückte ihren Zorn nur mit Mühe. (She suppressed her anger only with difficulty.)
3. Aus reinem Zorn schlug er auf den Tisch. (Out of pure rage/wrath, he hit the table.)
4. Der Zorn des Volkes richtete sich gegen die Regierung. (The people's wrath was directed against the government.)
5. In seinem Zorn sagte er Dinge, die er später bereute. (In his anger, he said things he later regretted.)

🗣️ How to use "der Zorn"?

"Der Zorn" is used to describe a strong, often negatively perceived emotion. Here are some typical contexts:

• Describing intense anger: When someone is extremely furious. Example: Der Zorn packte ihn. (Wrath seized him.)
• Righteous anger (gerechter Zorn): Often used when anger arises in response to injustice or moral wrongdoing. Example: Ihr Zorn über die soziale Ungerechtigkeit war verständlich. (Her anger about the social injustice was understandable.)
• In idioms: There are several set phrases with Zorn.
  • in Zorn geraten: to get angry, fly into a rage
  • jemandes Zorn auf sich ziehen: to incur someone's wrath
  • vor Zorn kochen/sieden: to boil/seethe with anger
• Distinction from Ärger/Wut: Der Ärger (annoyance) is often less intense and refers to minor irritations. Die Wut (anger, fury) is also strong, but Zorn can have a deeper, longer-lasting, or morally charged dimension.

⚠️ Use with care: Zorn is a strong word. In many everyday situations, "Ärger" or "Wut" are more appropriate.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Zorn"

For the article 'der': Imagine a very angry man (der Mann) turning red with Zorn. Der Mann has den Zorn. Or think: 'Derrible Zorn!' (terrible anger).

For the meaning 'anger/wrath': Zorn sounds a bit like the English 'sore'. When you feel intense anger (Zorn), you might feel emotionally 'sore' or make others feel 'sore'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Zorn

⚠️ Similar Words:

• zornig (adjective): Describes the state of feeling Zorn. Example: Er war sehr zornig. (He was very angry/wrathful.)

😂 A Little Joke

Warum sollte man einem Vulkan keinen Witz erzählen?

Weil er leicht in Zorn ausbrechen könnte!

Translation:

Why shouldn't you tell a volcano a joke?

Because it could easily erupt (ausbrechen) in anger (Zorn)! (Pun on 'ausbrechen' meaning 'erupt' and 'break out in anger')

📜 Poem about Zorn

Ein Funke nur, ein falsches Wort,
schon ist der Friede jählings fort.
Der Zorn ergreift mit heißer Hand,
brennt tief sich in Verstand und Land.
Er tobt und wettert, laut und grell,
macht helle Köpfe dunkel, schnell.
Drum hüte dich, lass ihn nicht walten,
versuch, die Ruhe zu behalten.

Translation:

Just a spark, a single wrong word,
suddenly peace is no longer heard.
Der Zorn (Wrath) grips with a heated hand,
burns deeply into mind and land.
It rages and storms, loud and shrill,
makes bright minds dark, quick and ill.
So beware, don't let it prevail,
try to keep calm, without fail.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein starkes Gefühl, oft heiß und rot im Gesicht.
Ich komme schnell, wenn Unrecht geschieht ans Licht.
Manchmal bin ich gerecht, manchmal blind und wild.
Ich habe einen Bruder namens Groll, der leiser schillt.
Ich bin männlich, sagt die Grammatik klar. Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am a strong feeling, often hot and red in the face.
I come quickly when injustice comes to light in a place.
Sometimes I am righteous, sometimes blind and wild.
I have a brother named Resentment (Groll), who simmers more mild.
I am masculine, grammar makes it clear.What am I?

Answer: Der Zorn (Anger/Wrath)

🧩 Other Information about Zorn

• Etymology: The word "Zorn" has Germanic roots and is related to the Old English word "torn" (pain, grief, anger) and Old Norse "torn" (grief, anger). The original meaning was often associated with 'tearing' or 'pulling'.
• Cultural Significance: Zorn is addressed in many cultures and religions, often listed as one of the deadly sins (Ira) in Christianity, but also appearing as divine wrath or righteous anger in various mythologies and texts.
• Adjective: The corresponding adjective is zornig (angry, wrathful). (e.g., ein zorniger Blick - an angry look)