die  Antwort

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔantvɔʁt/

🤔 What does "die Antwort" mean?

Die Antwort (noun, feminine) means 'answer' or 'reply'. It refers to a reaction to a question, a request, or a problem. It can be given orally, in writing, or through an action.

• Reaction to a question: This is the most common meaning. Example: Seine Antwort auf meine Frage war sehr präzise. (His answer to my question was very precise.)
• Solution to a problem: Sometimes 'Antwort' is used in the sense of a 'solution'. Example: Wir suchen nach einer Antwort auf die Energiekrise. (We are looking for an answer/solution to the energy crisis.)
• Reply/Rejoinder: A reaction to a statement or accusation. Example: Seine scharfe Antwort überraschte alle. (His sharp reply surprised everyone.)

Luckily, there's only one article for 'Antwort' (die), making it easier to learn! 👍

📝 Grammar in Detail: Die Antwort

'Antwort' is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Application Examples

1. Ich warte auf die Antwort. (I am waiting for the answer.) - Accusative Singular
2. Der Inhalt der Antwort war enttäuschend. (The content of the answer was disappointing.) - Genitive Singular
3. Er gab der Lehrerin eine Antwort. (He gave the (female) teacher an answer.) - Dative Singular / Accusative Singular
4. Die Antworten auf die Prüfungsfragen waren komplex. (The answers to the exam questions were complex.) - Nominative Plural
5. Wir haben mit den Antworten gerechnet. (We expected the answers.) - Dative Plural

🗣️ How to use "die Antwort"?

'Die Antwort' is an everyday word used in many contexts:

• In conversation: As a direct response to a question ("Was ist die Antwort auf Frage 3? - What is the answer to question 3?")
• In writing: In letters, emails, forms ("Bitte schreiben Sie Ihre Antwort hierhin. - Please write your answer here.")
• Figuratively: As a solution to a problem ("Technologie ist nicht immer die Antwort. - Technology isn't always the answer.")
• Formal vs. Informal: The word itself is neutral. The context and phrasing determine formality. An "amtliche Antwort" (official answer) is more formal than a quick answer in a chat.

Distinguishing from similar words:

• Reaktion (die): Broader term, can also be a non-verbal or emotional reaction. An 'Antwort' is a specific type of 'Reaktion'.
• Erwiderung (die): Often a sharper or defensive response to a statement or accusation.
• Bescheid (der): More like a notification or information, not necessarily in response to a question ("Ich gebe dir Bescheid. - I'll let you know.").
• Lösung (die): Focuses on the result for a problem or puzzle. An 'Antwort' can be a 'Lösung', but not every 'Antwort' is a 'Lösung'.

🧠 Memory Aids for "die Antwort"

Article "die"

Imagine a wise woman (feminine!) who always has die right Antwort. Or think of the English word 'word' - the German 'Wort' is neuter ('das Wort'), but the Antwort (counter-word/reply) is feminine: die Antwort. It ends in 't', like many feminine nouns (Fahrt, Zeit, Sicht), although this isn't a strict rule.

Meaning "Antwort"

Think of 'Ant-' like 'anti-' (against) or 'answer'. An Antwort is a 'word' ('Wort') given *against* or *in response* to a question. It's the verbal counter-move.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Watch out!)

• Verantwortung (die): Looks similar but means 'responsibility'. Contains 'Antwort' but has a different meaning.

😄 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Wer kann mir fünf Tiere nennen, die in Afrika leben?"
Fritzchen: "Zwei Löwen und drei Elefanten."

Translation:
Teacher: "Who can name five animals that live in Africa?"
Little Fritz: "Two lions and three elephants."
Now that's a precise Antwort!

📜 Poem about the Answer

Eine Frage schwebt im Raum,
Ein Gedanke, leicht wie Schaum.
Man sucht und sinnt, bei Tag, bei Nacht,
Bis jemand sie dann hat gebracht:

Die Antwort, klar und hell,
Kommt manchmal schnell,
Löst Knoten, Zweifel, stille Pein,
Lässt neues Wissen keimen fein.

Translation:
A question hovers in the room,
A thought as light as foam's soft bloom.
One searches, thinks, by day, by night,
Until someone brings it to light:

The answer, clear and bright,
Sometimes arrives with speed and might,
Unties knots, doubt, and silent pain,
Lets new knowledge gently gain.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin die Reaktion auf ein 'Warum?',
Manchmal bin ich schlau, manchmal dumm.
Man gibt mich mündlich oder schreibt mich nieder,
Nach einer Frage komm ich immer wieder.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am the reaction to a 'Why?',
Sometimes I'm clever, sometimes awry.
I'm given by mouth or written down,
After a question, I'm always around.

What am I?

Solution: Die Antwort (The Answer)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Antwort" is composed of the prefix "Ant-" and the noun "Wort".

• Ant-: This prefix originally meant something like 'against' or 'towards'. It's also found in words like "Antlitz" (face, countenance - that which looks towards you).
• Wort (das): Means 'word'.

So, an "Antwort" is literally a "counter-word", something set against or in response to a question or statement.

Interesting Fact: The English word 'answer' is etymologically related, deriving from Old English 'andswaru' (and- = against, opposite + swaru = affirmation, sworn statement).