die  Demut

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdeːmuːt/

🤔 What does 'die Demut' mean?

Die Demut (noun, feminine) describes an attitude of humility, modesty, submissiveness, or the renunciation of one's own claims in the face of a higher power (e.g., God), authority, or fate. It's the awareness of one's own limitations and imperfection.

Unlike mere Bescheidenheit (modesty, often relating to achievements or possessions), Demut frequently carries a deeper, often spiritual or philosophical connotation. It implies the recognition of a larger order or truth.

⚠️ Attention: Demut can sometimes be mistakenly equated with subservience or a lack of self-worth, although it primarily refers to an inner attitude, not external submission.

Demut is generally a singularetantum, meaning it is almost exclusively used in the singular.

📜 Grammar of 'die Demut' in Detail

The word 'Demut' is a feminine noun. It is normally used only in the singular.

A plural form ('die Demuten') is very uncommon and would only be found in poetic or very specific theological contexts.

Example Sentences

• In großer Demut nahm er die Ehrung entgegen.
  (He accepted the honor with great humility.)
• Sie übte sich in Demut und Geduld.
  (She practiced humility and patience.)
• Demut ist eine wichtige Tugend in vielen Religionen.
  (Humility is an important virtue in many religions.)
• Er zeigte trotz seines Erfolges eine bemerkenswerte Demut.
  (Despite his success, he showed remarkable humility.)

💡 How to use 'Demut'?

Die Demut is often used in contexts relating to personal attitude, ethics, religion, or philosophy.

• Religious context: Demut vor Gott (humility before God), acknowledging divine omnipotence.
• Ethical/Philosophical context: As a virtue counteracting hubris; recognizing one's own limits and equality with others.
• Everyday language: Less common, but sometimes used to express a modest attitude in the face of success, fate, or great responsibility.

Distinction from 'Bescheidenheit' (modesty): While Bescheidenheit often means not boasting about one's achievements or possessions, Demut goes deeper, relating to one's fundamental attitude towards life, the universe, or a higher power. One can be modest without being humble (demütig), but Demut often includes Bescheidenheit.

Connotation: Predominantly positive as a virtue, but can be misunderstood in some modern contexts as passive or subservient.

🧠 Mnemonics for Demut

Article Mnemonic: Most abstract nouns ending in -ut in German are feminine (like die Anmut - grace, die Armut - poverty). Think: Die Virtue (Tugend) of Demut. Both Tugend and Demut are feminine.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone having de muth / courage (sounds like German 'Mut') to be small ('down', like 'de-') instead of acting big. That's Demut (humility).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but misleading words:

• Mut: Courage, bravery (unrelated to Demut despite the syllable 'Mut').
• Wehmut: Melancholy, wistfulness.

😄 A little joke

German: Warum hat der Mönch den Preis für Demut abgelehnt? Er sagte: "Ich bin es nicht wert... aber danke für die Nominierung!"

English: Why did the monk turn down the award for humility? He said, "I'm not worthy... but thanks for the nomination!"

📜 A Poem about Humility

German:
Nicht laut, nicht stolz, ganz leis im Sinn,
liegt oft der wahre Wert darin.
Die Welt erkennen, wie sie ist,
sich selbst nicht als den Mittelpunkt misst.
Die Demut, still und ungesehn,
lässt wahre Größe erst entstehn.

English:
Not loud, not proud, quite quiet in mind,
Often the truest value you find.
To see the world just as it is,
Not measure self as center-bliss.
Humility (Die Demut), still and unseen,
Allows true greatness to convene.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin eine Haltung, keine Pose,
wachse oft auf spirituellem Schoße.
Ich beuge das Haupt, doch nicht aus Furcht,
sondern weil Weisheit mich durchfurcht.
Hochmut ist mein größter Feind.
Wer bin ich, still und doch gemeint?

English:
I am an attitude, not a pose,
Often on spiritual ground I grow.
I bow my head, but not from fear,
But because wisdom has drawn me near.
Hubris is my greatest foe.
Who am I, quiet yet meant, you know?

Solution: die Demut (humility)

🤓 Additional Knowledge

Etymology: The word 'Demut' comes from Old High German 'diomuoti' (around the 8th century), which meant something like 'mindset of a servant'. It is composed of 'dio' (servant) and 'muot' (mind, spirit, disposition).

Cultural Significance: Demut is considered an important virtue in many cultures and religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.). It is often seen as a prerequisite for spiritual growth or ethical action.