die  Einigkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪnɪçkaɪ̯t/

🤝 What does 'die Einigkeit' mean?

Die Einigkeit (feminine) describes a state of mutual agreement in thought, feeling, or action within a group or between parties. It signifies harmony, consensus, or the absence of discord.

It's an abstract noun, often used in political, social, or philosophical contexts. There are no different meanings based on different articles, as Einigkeit is always feminine (die).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of Einigkeit in Detail

Die Einigkeit is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes a state. A plural form is uncommon and formally doesn't exist in everyday language.

Declension (Singular)

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Einigkeit in der Gruppe war beeindruckend. (The unity in the group was impressive.)
• Politische Einigkeit ist oft schwer zu erreichen. (Political unity is often difficult to achieve.)
• Sie erzielten endlich Einigkeit über das weitere Vorgehen. (They finally reached agreement on the further course of action.)
• Der Vertrag wurde in großer Einigkeit unterzeichnet. (The contract was signed in great concord / with unanimous agreement.)

🗣️ How to use 'Einigkeit'

Die Einigkeit is used to describe a state of agreement or cohesion.

• Politics & Society: Often in the context of national unity, political parties, or international relations (e.g., „Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit“ – German national anthem: 'Unity and Justice and Freedom').
• Groups & Teams: Describes consensus or harmonious cooperation within a group.
• Abstract Concept: Can also stand philosophically for harmony or agreement of ideas.

Comparison:

• Übereinstimmung (agreement): Often refers to a specific opinion or fact. Einigkeit is broader and more emotional.
• Konsens (consensus): Emphasizes the result of a discussion or negotiation. Einigkeit can also be a fundamental state.
• Eintracht (concord, harmony): Very similar to Einigkeit, often used synonymously, emphasizing harmonious disposition.

⚠️ Sometimes people mistakenly try to form a plural, but it is not commonly used.

💡 Mnemonics for 'die Einigkeit'

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -keit and -heit are almost always feminine (*die*). Think of common words: die Möglichkeit (possibility), die Schönheit (beauty), and thus also die Einigkeit. Remember the 'kite' (-keit) is flying high with 'her' (*die*) string.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine everyone being of one (einig) mind to achieve ONE goal. Being einig leads to Einigkeit (unity).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Potential Confusion:

• Einheit (die): Means unity or unit, often referring to an administrative, political, or measurable whole (e.g., unit of measurement, political entity), whereas Einigkeit describes the state of agreement or concord.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum streiten sich zwei Nullen nie?
Weil sie sich immer in allem einig sind – es geht ja um nichts! 😉

(Why do two zeros never argue?
Because they always agree on everything – it's all about nothing!)

✒️ Poem about Einigkeit

Wo Herzen schlagen im gleichen Takt,
wo Wille eint und fest der Pakt,
wo Zwietracht flieht und Argwohn schweigt,
dort hat die Einigkeit sich gezeigt.

Sie stärkt die Schwachen, macht Große klein,
lässt viele Stimmen eine sein.
Ein Band, gewoben aus Vertrau'n und Mut,
hält fest zusammen, tut allen gut.

Where hearts beat in the same rhythm,
where will unites and the pact is firm,
where discord flees and suspicion falls silent,
there unity has shown itself.

It strengthens the weak, makes the great small,
lets many voices be one.
A bond, woven from trust and courage,
holds tightly together, benefits all.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Vertrag, doch schaffe Frieden.
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch werde beschieden.
In Gruppen bin ich stark, allein ganz schwach.
Man strebt nach mir, bei Tag und Nacht.

Was bin ich?

I am not a contract, yet I create peace.
I have no voice, yet I am decided upon.
In groups I am strong, alone quite weak.
People strive for me, day and night.

What am I?

Solution: die Einigkeit (unity)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

Einigkeit is derived from the adjective einig (agreed, of one mind) by adding the suffix -keit, which is used to form feminine nouns expressing a quality or state.

Cultural Significance (Kulturelle Bedeutung):

The term holds significant importance in German history and culture, prominently featured in the lyrics of the German national anthem: „Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit“ (Unity and Justice and Freedom).