die
Dankbarkeit
💖 What exactly is 'Dankbarkeit'?
Die Dankbarkeit (feminine) describes the feeling or attitude of appreciation for something good one has received or experienced. It's a positive emotion that can relate to a person, a situation, or life in general. It expresses appreciation for material or immaterial gifts, help, or positive experiences.
As it's an abstract concept, there's only the feminine form die Dankbarkeit. It's mostly used in the singular.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-keit → always feminine.
📐 Grammar under the Microscope: Die Dankbarkeit
Die Dankbarkeit is a feminine noun. Abstract nouns like this are usually only used in the singular. A plural form (Dankbarkeiten) exists theoretically but is extremely rarely used and often sounds unnatural.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Dankbarkeit |
| Genitive | der | Dankbarkeit |
| Dative | der | Dankbarkeit |
| Accusative | die | Dankbarkeit |
Example Sentences
- Er zeigte seine Dankbarkeit mit einem kleinen Geschenk. (He showed his gratitude with a small gift.)
- Tiefe Dankbarkeit erfüllte sie, als sie die Nachricht hörte. (Deep gratitude filled her when she heard the news.)
- In ihrer Rede drückte die Bürgermeisterin ihre Dankbarkeit gegenüber den Freiwilligen aus. (In her speech, the mayor expressed her gratitude towards the volunteers.)
- Ein Leben in Dankbarkeit zu führen, kann sehr erfüllend sein. (Living a life in gratitude can be very fulfilling.)
💡 How to Use 'Dankbarkeit' in Daily Life?
Die Dankbarkeit is used to express or describe a feeling of appreciation.
- Expressing emotion: One can Dankbarkeit zeigen (show gratitude), empfinden (feel), fühlen (feel), or ausdrücken (express). ("Ich empfinde große Dankbarkeit für Ihre Hilfe." - I feel great gratitude for your help.)
- Describing a state: It can describe a general state of appreciation. ("Er lebt in ständiger Dankbarkeit für seine Gesundheit." - He lives in constant gratitude for his health.)
- Formal context: The word is often used in more formal speeches, letters, or acknowledgments.
- Difference from 'Danke': While "Danke" is a direct expression of thanks, "Dankbarkeit" describes the underlying, often deeper, feeling or attitude.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Dankbarkeit'
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -keit are feminine (die Fähigkeit - ability, die Möglichkeit - possibility, die Heiterkeit - cheerfulness...). So is die Dankbarkeit.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine receiving a 'Dank you' card that makes you feel free as a bard – that feeling of thankfulness is Dankbarkeit. (Okay, 'bard' is a stretch, but 'bar' sounds like '-bar' in Dankbarkeit!). Or think: Being barred from negativity by Danks (thanks).
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Erkenntlichkeit: (Appreciation/Gratefulness) Very similar, often interchangeable; perhaps emphasizes the acknowledgment of a debt or obligation slightly more.
- Wertschätzung: (Appreciation/Esteem) Recognition of the value of something or someone, can also be felt without a specific gift.
- Anerkennung: (Recognition/Acknowledgement) Praise and respect for an achievement or quality.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Undankbarkeit: (Ingratitude) The lack of gratitude, often viewed negatively.
- Groll: (Resentment/Grudge) Annoyance or bitterness, often due to perceived injustice.
- Missgunst: (Envy/Malevolence) Envy of the happiness or success of others.
⚠️ Caution: Although similar, not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable in every context. Dankbarkeit usually refers to a received benefit or kindness.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir ein Beispiel für Dankbarkeit nennen?"
Fritzchen: "Ja, wenn mein Vater dem Hund die Reste vom Mittagessen gibt und der Hund dann dankbar mit dem Schwanz wedelt!"
Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you give me an example of gratitude?"
Fritzchen: "Yes, when my father gives the dog the leftovers from lunch and the dog gratefully wags its tail!"
✍️ A Little Poem
Die Sonne scheint, der Himmel lacht,
ein Freund hat Gutes mir gebracht.
Ein warmes Wort, ein leises Glück,
füllt mein Herz Stück für Stück.
Nicht Reichtum zählt, nicht Glanz, nicht Schein,
die Dankbarkeit lässt Freude sein.
Translation:
The sun shines, the sky laughs,
a friend has brought me good things.
A warm word, a quiet happiness,
fills my heart piece by piece.
Not wealth counts, not glamour, not appearance,
gratitude lets joy exist.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Gefühl, tief und wahr,
komm' nach der Hilfe, wunderbar.
Ich koste nichts und geb' doch viel,
bin oft des Herzens stilles Ziel.
Man zeigt mich gern, man fühlt mich rein,
was mag ich wohl sein?
Translation:
I am a feeling, deep and true,
I come after help, wonderful too.
I cost nothing, yet give a lot,
am often the heart's quiet spot.
People like to show me, feel me pure,
what might I be, are you sure?
Solution: Die Dankbarkeit (Gratitude)
🧩 Further Insights
Word Composition
Die Dankbarkeit is a compound noun:
- Dank: (Thanks/Gratitude) The expression or feeling of thanks.
- -bar: Suffix indicating possibility or capability (as in 'dankbar' - grateful/thankful - able to thank).
- -keit: Suffix that forms abstract nouns from adjectives (like 'dankbar') and is usually feminine.
Together, it signifies the state or feeling of being grateful.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Dankbarkeit?
The word "Dankbarkeit" is always feminine. The correct article is die Dankbarkeit.