die
Achtung
🧐 What does "die Achtung" mean?
The word die Achtung has several meanings in German, varying with context:
- Respect, esteem, reverence: This is the most common meaning in general language. It describes a feeling or attitude of appreciation towards a person, an achievement, or a thing. Example: Sie zollte ihm hohe Achtung für seine Ehrlichkeit. (She paid him high respect for his honesty.)
- Attention, caution (often as an exclamation): In this sense, "Achtung!" is used as an interjection to attract attention or warn of danger. It often stands alone or introduces a warning. Example: Achtung, Stufe! (Watch out, step!) or Achtung, der Zug fährt ein! (Attention, the train is arriving!)
- Consideration, observance: Used less frequently, it means paying attention to or considering something. Example: Unter Achtung aller Vorschriften wurde das Projekt genehmigt. (The project was approved in compliance with all regulations.)
⚠️ Although grammatically feminine ("die Achtung"), the word is often used without an article as an exclamation or on signs when meaning "warning" or "attention".
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📐 Grammar in Detail: die Achtung
"Achtung" is a feminine noun. It is primarily used in the singular, especially when referring to respect or esteem. The plural ("die Achtungen") is very rare and uncommon.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Achtung |
| Genitive | der | Achtung |
| Dative | der | Achtung |
| Accusative | die | Achtung |
📝 Application Examples
- Die Achtung vor dem Alter sollte selbstverständlich sein. (Respect for the elderly should be a matter of course.)
- Achtung! Hier ist es rutschig! (Watch out! It's slippery here!) - (Warning/Attention - used without article as an interjection)
- Er fand bei seinen Kollegen wenig Achtung. (He found little respect among his colleagues.)
- Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung... (With highest regards...) - (Formal closing formula, here as a compound word 'Hochachtung')
💡 How to use "Achtung"?
- As an expression of respect: Often used in more formal contexts or to describe relationships. You can "Achtung entgegenbringen" (show respect), "Achtung zollen" (pay respect), or "Achtung genießen" (enjoy respect).
- As a warning signal/exclamation: Very common in everyday life, in traffic (signs!), announcements, or to draw someone's attention to something. Here, "Achtung!" usually appears at the beginning of a sentence or stands alone. It's direct and unambiguous.
- In fixed phrases: For example, in closing formulas like "Mit freundlichen Grüßen und vorzüglicher Hochachtung" (very formal closing, approx. 'Sincerely and with highest regards') or in expressions like "aus Achtung vor" (out of respect for) someone/something.
- Distinction from "Aufmerksamkeit": While "Achtung" can also mean attention (as an exclamation), the noun "die Aufmerksamkeit" generally refers to the act of focusing or listening. Example: Bitte schenken Sie mir Ihre Aufmerksamkeit. (Please give me your attention.) vs. Achtung, hier spricht der Kapitän! (Attention, this is the captain speaking!)
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Achtung"
For the article 'die': Think of die Warnung (the warning) or die Wertschätzung (the appreciation/esteem) – both are feminine words in German, just like die Achtung.
For the meanings: Imagine someone important, like a Queen (feminine, like 'die'). You show her Achtung (respect). If she's about to stumble, you shout "Achtung!" (Attention! / Watch out!).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- For "Respect/Esteem": der Respekt, die Ehrerbietung, die Wertschätzung, die Anerkennung, das Ansehen
- For "Attention/Warning": die Aufmerksamkeit, die Vorsicht, die Warnung, der Hinweis (as an exclamation, often without a direct noun substitute)
- For "Consideration": die Beachtung, die Berücksichtigung
Antonyms (opposites):
- For "Respect/Esteem": die Missachtung (disregard), die Geringschätzung (disdain), die Respektlosigkeit (disrespect), die Verachtung (contempt)
- For "Attention/Warning": die Unachtsamkeit (inattentiveness), die Nachlässigkeit (negligence), die Gleichgültigkeit (indifference), die Ignoranz (ignorance)
🚨 Beware of confusion: "Die Obacht" is similar to "Vorsicht" (caution) or "Achtsamkeit" (mindfulness), but less common than "Achtung" as a warning call.
😂 A little joke
Lehrer: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'Vorsicht' und 'Achtung'?"
Fritzchen: "Wenn meine Mutter 'Vorsicht!' ruft, soll ich aufpassen. Wenn sie 'Achtung!' ruft, ist es schon zu spät!"
Translation:
Teacher: "What's the difference between 'Vorsicht' (Caution) and 'Achtung' (Attention/Watch out)?"
Little Fritz: "When my mom shouts 'Vorsicht!', I should pay attention. When she shouts 'Achtung!', it's already too late!"
📜 Poem about Achtung
Die Achtung, leis und doch so stark,
zeigt Respekt im Lebenspark.
Mal ein Ruf, ganz laut und klar:
"Achtung, Stufe!" - die Gefahr!
Mal ein Gefühl, tief im Gemüt,
für Weisheit, die im Alter blüht.
So braucht's die Achtung, hier und dort,
an jedem Tag, an jedem Ort.
Translation (approximate):
Respect, quiet yet so strong,
Shows esteem in life's park all along.
Sometimes a call, quite loud and clear:
"Watch out, step!" - when danger's near!
Sometimes a feeling, deep inside,
For wisdom where the old reside.
So needed is respect, and care,
Each day, each place, just everywhere.
❓ Riddle
Ich bin ein Wort, das Respekt kann zeigen,
und lasse Züge vor Gefahren schweigen.
Auf Schildern steh' ich, mahnend groß,
mal als Gefühl, mal als Stoß.
Ich habe 'die' als meinen Begleiter,
doch ruf' mich oft auch ohne – sei gescheiter!
Wer bin ich?
Lösung: die Achtung
Translation:
I am a word that can show respect,
And make trains halt from dangers detected.
On signs I stand, a warning grand,
Sometimes a feeling, sometimes a command.
I have 'die' as my companion true,
But often I'm called without it – be clever, you!
Who am I?
Solution: die Achtung (respect / attention / warning)
🧩 Further Information
- Etymology: The word "Achtung" derives from the verb "achten", which originally meant "to observe", "to judge", but also "to value" or "to esteem". The meaning "caution" or "warning" developed later.
- Compounds: Frequently found in compound words like "Hochachtung" (high respect, often in formal salutations), "Missachtung" (disregard, opposite of respect), "Selbstachtung" (self-respect).
- International Warning: The German word "Achtung!" is somewhat known internationally as a warning, similar to the English "Attention!" or "Warning!".
Summary: is it der, die or das Achtung?
The noun "Achtung" is feminine. The correct article is die Achtung. It is primarily used in the singular and means respect/esteem or serves as an exclamation for attention/warning (often used without an article in this case).