die  Anteilnahme

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanˌtaɪlˌneːmə/

📖 What does "die Anteilnahme" mean?

Die Anteilnahme (noun, feminine) describes the act of feeling with others, especially in difficult situations like bereavement. It expresses that one shares, emotionally or through a gesture, in the fate or feelings of another person.

More broadly, it can also mean:

• Sympathy, Condolence: The most common meaning, often in the context of death or misfortune. One expresses (*ausdrücken*) or conveys (*bekunden*) their *Anteilnahme*.
• Interest, Participation: An (often emotional or engaged) interest in an event, cause, or development. One shows *Anteilnahme* (*Anteil nehmen*) in something.

🚨 Caution: Although it sounds similar, it's not the same as mere *Teilnahme* (e.g., *participation* in a course) or just *Interesse* (*interest*, curiosity). *Anteilnahme* often implies stronger emotional involvement.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of Anteilnahme in Detail

The word *Anteilnahme* is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is die. It is mostly used in the singular because it's an abstract concept. The plural (*die Anteilnahmen*) is rare and usually refers to multiple, individual acts of expressing sympathy.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

Example Sentences

1. Ich möchte Ihnen meine aufrichtige Anteilnahme aussprechen.
   I would like to express my sincere condolences to you.
2. Die große Anteilnahme der Bevölkerung am Schicksal der Flutopfer war überwältigend.
   The great sympathy/interest of the population in the fate of the flood victims was overwhelming.
3. Er zeigte rege Anteilnahme an der politischen Diskussion.
   He showed keen interest in the political discussion.
4. Vielen Dank für die vielen Zeichen der Anteilnahme.
   Thank you very much for the many signs of sympathy/condolence.

🗣️ How to use "Anteilnahme"?

*Anteilnahme* is primarily used in more formal or emotional contexts.

• In case of bereavement: One expresses (*aussprechen*), conveys (*bekunden*), or sends signs (*Zeichen*) of *Anteilnahme* (e.g., a condolence card). Here, it is synonymous with *Beileid* (condolence) but often feels broader than just regretting the loss.
• In case of misfortune: One shows *Anteilnahme* (*sympathy*) for the fate of those affected (e.g., after natural disasters).
• Expressing strong interest: When someone is very engaged or emotionally involved in a topic or event, one can speak of their *Anteilnahme*. E.g., "Seine *Anteilnahme* an der Firmengeschichte war beeindruckend." (*His engagement/interest in the company's history was impressive.*)

Important phrases:

• Anteilnahme zeigen/bekunden/aussprechen: To express sympathy/condolences.
• Anteil nehmen an (Dative): To take an interest in, feel sympathy for something. Example: "Er nahm regen Anteil am Studium seiner Tochter." (*He took a keen interest in his daughter's studies.*)

Distinction from similar words:

• Mitgefühl (*compassion, sympathy*): Often more spontaneous and internal. *Anteilnahme* is frequently the outwardly shown form of *Mitgefühl*.
• Beileid (*condolence*): Almost exclusively refers to death. *Anteilnahme* can be used more broadly.
• Teilnahme (*participation, attendance*): Usually refers to physical presence or involvement in an activity (e.g., *Teilnahme* am Unterricht - *attendance* in class).
• Interesse (*interest*): Often more neutral and less emotional than *Anteilnahme* in the sense of engagement.

🧠 Mnemonics for Anteilnahme

For the article (die): Think of related feminine concepts like 'die Empathy' or 'die Sympathy'. *Die Anteilnahme* fits this pattern of expressing feeling.

For the meaning: Imagine you 'take' (Nahme, from *nehmen*) a 'part' or 'share' (Anteil) of someone else's feelings or experience to empathize. You 'take part' emotionally.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful with "Teilnahme": This word is easily confused. "Die *Teilnahme* am Kurs" means *attendance*, while "Die *Anteilnahme* am Schicksal" means *sympathy*.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker so viel Anteilnahme am Kuchen?
Why does the mathematician show so much 'Anteilnahme' for the cake?

Weil er immer einen Anteil nehmen will! 😉
Because he always wants to take a share (Anteil)! 😉

✍️ Poem about Anteilnahme

Wenn Worte fehlen, schwer die Zeit,
(When words are missing, time feels heavy,)
und Kummer herrscht, voll Dunkelheit.
(And sorrow reigns, full of darkness.)
Ein leises Nicken, Blick versteht,
(A quiet nod, a gaze understands,)
die Anteilnahme, die mitgeht.
(The sympathy that walks alongside.)

Ein Teil des Schmerzes still geteilt,
(A part of the pain silently shared,)
ein Herz, das in der Not verweilt.
(A heart that lingers in times of need.)
Mehr als nur Mitleid, tief und echt,
(More than just pity, deep and real,)
ein Band, das Seelen sanft verflecht'.
(A bond that gently weaves souls together.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin kein Arzt, doch lindere den Schmerz.
(I'm not a doctor, yet I soothe the pain.)
Ich bin kein Richter, doch teile jemandes Herz.
(I'm not a judge, yet I share someone's heart.)
Ich werde gezeigt, wenn jemand trauert,
(I am shown when someone mourns,)
oder wenn Interesse an etwas andauert.
(Or when interest in something endures.)

Ich habe einen Teil im Namen, den man nimmt,
(I have a 'part' in my name that one 'takes',)
obwohl man ihn nicht wirklich für sich bestimmt.
(Although one doesn't really keep it for oneself.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
(Lösung/Solution: die Anteilnahme)

🧐 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word *Anteilnahme* is composed of:

• Anteil: A share, a part.
• Nahme: An archaic or nominalized form of "nehmen" (to take).

So it literally means "taking a part" – metaphorically: participating in the feelings or fate of another person.

Cultural Significance:

Expressing *Anteilnahme*, especially in cases of bereavement, is highly valued in German-speaking cultures and often follows specific social conventions (e.g., letters of condolence - *Kondolenzschreiben*, expressions of sympathy - *Beileidsbekundungen*).