die
Begeisterung
💡 What does 'die Begeisterung' mean?
Die Begeisterung translates to enthusiasm, excitement, or passion. It describes a feeling of intense joy, great interest, or passionate approval for something or someone.
It's a feminine noun (hence die Begeisterung), primarily used in the singular as it describes an abstract feeling. The plural 'Begeisterungen' is rare and usually figurative or poetic.
🚨 Be careful: Don't confuse it with short-term Aufregung (excitement, which can also be negative like nervousness) or mere Interesse (interest). Begeisterung implies a deeper, often more sustained positive emotion and passion.
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 Begeisterung
The noun 'Begeisterung' is feminine. Here is its declension in the singular:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Begeisterung |
| Genitive | der | Begeisterung |
| Dative | der | Begeisterung |
| Accusative | die | Begeisterung |
The plural ('die Begeisterungen') is very uncommon. Begeisterung is mostly used as an uncountable, abstract concept in the singular.
Example Sentences:
- Die Begeisterung der Fans war unglaublich. (The fans' enthusiasm was incredible.)
- Er sprach mit großer Begeisterung über sein neues Projekt. (He spoke with great enthusiasm about his new project.)
- Ihre Begeisterung für Musik ist ansteckend. (Her enthusiasm for music is contagious.)
- Man konnte die Begeisterung in ihren Augen sehen. (You could see the excitement in her eyes.)
💬 How to use 'Begeisterung'?
Begeisterung is used to express a strong positive feeling:
- For activities and hobbies: Seine Begeisterung für das Klettern kennt keine Grenzen. (His enthusiasm for climbing knows no bounds.)
- For ideas and projects: Die Idee wurde mit allgemeiner Begeisterung aufgenommen. (The idea was met with general enthusiasm.)
- For people (e.g., artists, athletes): Die Begeisterung für die Band war riesig. (The enthusiasm for the band was huge.)
- As a reaction to events: Das Tor löste große Begeisterung im Stadion aus. (The goal sparked great excitement in the stadium.)
Typical Collocations:
- Begeisterung zeigen/ausdrücken: to show/express enthusiasm.
- in Begeisterung geraten/verfallen: to get carried away with enthusiasm.
- mit Begeisterung (etwas tun): to do something with enthusiasm.
- die Begeisterung (für etwas) wecken: to arouse enthusiasm (for something).
- auf Begeisterung stoßen: to be met with enthusiasm (e.g., an idea).
Compared to Freude (joy, more general) or Interesse (interest, more neutral), Begeisterung expresses a more intense, passionate, and often active form of positive engagement.
🧠 Mnemonics for Begeisterung
Article Mnemonic: Words ending in the suffix '-ung' in German are almost always feminine. Think of die Meinung (opinion), die Hoffnung (hope), die Zeitung (newspaper)... and therefore, die Begeisterung!
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a 'guy stirring' up a crowd (Be-GUY-STIR-ung), getting everyone full of enthusiasm and excitement. Or think of your 'Geist' (spirit/mind) being 'be-' (covered/affected) with excitement.
↔️ Antonyms and Synonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Enthusiasmus: Very similar, often interchangeable (loanword).
- Eifer: Emphasizes diligence and commitment in an activity (zeal).
- Schwung: Emphasizes energy and dynamism (zest, verve).
- Leidenschaft: Even stronger, often involving deep emotional connection (passion).
- Faszination: Strong, captivating interest (fascination).
- Hingabe: Emphasizes devoted occupation with something (dedication).
Antonyms (opposites):
- Gleichgültigkeit: Complete lack of interest (indifference).
- Apathie: Listlessness, lack of emotion (apathy).
- Langeweile: Feeling of monotony, lack of stimulation (boredom).
- Desinteresse: Lack of interest.
- Abneigung: Negative feeling, aversion (dislike).
- Lustlosigkeit: Lack of motivation or drive (listlessness).
⚠️ Similar but different: Aufregung (excitement) can be positive (like anticipation) or negative (like nervousness, anger), whereas Begeisterung is clearly positive.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir drei Gründe für deine Begeisterung für die Schule!"
Fritzchen: "Juni, Juli, August!"
Translation: The teacher asks: "Freddy, name three reasons for your enthusiasm for school!"
Freddy: "June, July, August!"
✒️ A Poem about Begeisterung
Ein Funke springt, ein Herz entfacht,
hat neue Freude uns gebracht.
Ein Ruf, ein Lachen, hell und klar,
die Begeisterung ist wunderbar!
Sie treibt uns an, gibt Mut und Kraft,
hat neuen Lebenssaft geschafft.
Für Kunst, für Spiel, für große Taten,
lässt sie uns kaum noch länger warten.
Translation:
A spark ignites, a heart aflame,
has brought new joy to us again.
A shout, a laugh, so bright and clear,
enthusiasm is wonderfully here!
It drives us on, gives strength and might,
created new life-giving light.
For art, for games, for actions grand,
it barely lets us waiting stand.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Feuer, doch verbrenn' ich nicht.
Ich bin ein Sturm, doch weh' ich nur im Licht
der Freude und des großen Interesses dran.
Ich mach' dich aktiv, treib' dich voran.
Man sieht mich oft in Augen blitzen hell.
Wie heiß' ich wohl? Sag's mir ganz schnell!
Translation:
I am a fire, but I do not burn.
I am a storm, but only blow in the light
of joy and great interest shown.
I make you active, drive you on.
You often see me flashing bright in eyes.
What am I called? Tell me real fast!
Solution: die Begeisterung (enthusiasm)
🧩 Word Components & Trivia
The word 'Begeisterung' is composed of:
- Prefix 'be-': Often used to form verbs from nouns/adjectives, here intensifying or meaning 'endowed with'.
- Stem 'Geist': spirit, mind, wit.
- Suffix '-er': Part of the verb 'begeistern' (to enthuse).
- Suffix '-ung': Forms nouns from verbs, often denoting a process or state, makes the word feminine.
So, it literally means the state of being 'endowed with spirit' or 'seized by spirit' – in the positive sense of enthusiasm and inspiration.
Summary: is it der, die or das Begeisterung?
The correct article for the word 'Begeisterung' is 'die'. So, it is always die Begeisterung.