die  Dominanz

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/dɔmiˈnant͡s/

👑 What does "die Dominanz" mean?

Die Dominanz describes a state or quality of superiority, predominance, or influence of one person, group, characteristic, or thing over others. It's an abstract noun used in various contexts.

• Psychology/Sociology: Here, it refers to superiority within a social hierarchy or relationship. A person or group exerts control or influence over others.
• Biology/Genetics: Describes an allele (gene variant) that prevails in its effect over another allele (rezessiv - recessive) and determines the trait.
• Economics: Often refers to Marktdominanz (market dominance), the leading position of a company in a specific market segment.
• General: Can also describe the predominance of a certain idea, color, or element.

⚠️ Attention: Although related, Dominanz is not the same as Autorität (authority, which is often legitimized) or Aggression (which can be a means to achieve dominance but isn't the same thing).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Dominanz

The word "Dominanz" is a feminine noun. The correct article is therefore die. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. A plural form ("die Dominanzen") is very rare and rather uncommon.

Declension of "die Dominanz"

Note: A plural form is generally not used.

Example Sentences

1. Die Dominanz des Unternehmens auf dem Markt ist unbestritten.
   (The company's dominance in the market is undisputed.)
2. Wegen der Dominanz der Rottöne wirkt das Bild sehr warm.
   (Because of the dominance of the red tones, the picture appears very warm.)
3. Mit der Dominanz dieses Spielers hatte niemand gerechnet.
   (Nobody had expected the dominance of this player.)
4. Der Trainer versuchte, die Dominanz des gegnerischen Teams zu brechen.
   (The coach tried to break the dominance of the opposing team.)

💡 How to use "die Dominanz"?

"Die Dominanz" is used to describe a form of superiority or control. The specific context determines the exact nuance:

• Social Context: One speaks of Dominanz in a group, relationship, or hierarchy. Example: "Seine Dominanz in der Diskussion war offensichtlich." (His dominance in the discussion was obvious.)
• Economic Context: This refers to Marktdominanz (market dominance). Example: "Die Untersuchung prüft die Dominanz des Tech-Giganten." (The investigation examines the dominance of the tech giant.)
• Biological Context: In genetics, one talks about dominante (dominant) and rezessive (recessive) genes. Example: "Die braune Augenfarbe zeigt Dominanz über die blaue." (Brown eye color shows dominance over blue.)
• Visual Context: Dominance can also apply to colors or shapes. Example: "Die vertikale Dominanz der Hochhäuser prägt die Skyline." (The vertical dominance of the skyscrapers shapes the skyline.)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Vorherrschaft (predominance, supremacy): Very similar, often used synonymously. Can sometimes sound more political.
• Überlegenheit (superiority): Can also refer to skills or quality, not just power or influence.
• Kontrolle (control): Refers more strongly to the direct exercise of power. Dominanz is more the state of being superior.

🧠 How to Remember "die Dominanz"

Article Mnemonic (die)

Think of 'die' Queen 👑 exercising Dominanz in her realm. Female ruler = die Dominanz. Alternatively: Many German nouns ending in "-anz" are feminine (die Toleranz, die Eleganz, die Dominanz).

Meaning Mnemonic

Dominanz sounds like the English word "dominance" or the verb "to dominate". Someone who dominates exerts power and shows Dominanz. Picture a lion tamer dominating the lions – showing Dominanz. 🦁

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Dominanz

🚨 Watch out for confusion:

• Toleranz (tolerance): Also ends in "-anz", but means acceptance of different opinions/behaviors.
• Arroganz (arrogance): Haughtiness, can accompany a desire for dominance, but isn't the same thing.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum spielen Ameisen nie Verstecken mit Elefanten?
Weil die Dominanz einfach zu offensichtlich ist! 🐜🐘

Translation:
Why do ants never play hide-and-seek with elephants?
Because the dominance is just too obvious!

✒️ Poem about Dominanz

Die Löwin schleicht, ihr Blick so klar,
im Revier zeigt sie, wer herrscht, fürwahr.
Nicht durch lautes Brüllen, nein, durch Stärke rein,
die Dominanz, sie zieht die Grenze ein.
Am Markt der Riese, breit und groß,
Konkurrenz? Er lässt sie chancenlos.
Seine Macht, ein Netz, so fein gesponnen,
hat die Führung klar gewonnen.

Translation:
The lioness prowls, her gaze so clear,
in her territory, she shows who rules, it's true.
Not by loud roaring, no, through pure strength,
the dominance, it draws the line.
In the market the giant, broad and large,
Competition? He leaves them no chance.
His power, a web, so finely spun,
has clearly won the lead.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich habe keinen Körper, doch übe Macht aus.
Im Tierreich, im Geschäft, zu Haus.
Ein Gen kann mich tragen, ein Blick kann mich zeigen,
ich lasse oft andere schweigen.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Dominanz

Translation:
I have no body, yet I wield power.
In the animal kingdom, in business, at home.
A gene can carry me, a look can show me,
I often make others fall silent.

What am I?

Solution: die Dominanz (dominance)

✨ More Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word "Dominanz" comes from the Latin verb dominari, meaning "to rule" or "to dominate". It is related to dominus (master/lord) and domina (mistress/lady). The ending "-anz" is typical for abstract nouns derived from Latin or French.

Related Terms:

• dominant (adjective): dominating, prevailing (e.g., ein dominantes Gen - a dominant gene, ein dominanter Charakter - a dominant character)
• dominieren (verb): to dominate, to prevail