die  Erfüllung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛɐ̯ˈfʏlʊŋ/

🎯 What Exactly is 'die Erfüllung'?

The noun die Erfüllung generally describes the occurrence or realization of something desired, required, or predicted. It has several related meanings:

• Realization/Fulfillment of wishes, hopes, or goals: When a long-held dream comes true. Example: Die Reise nach Japan war die Erfüllung eines Lebenstraums. (The trip to Japan was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.)
• Execution of a duty, task, or promise: Complying with an obligation. Example: Die pünktliche Lieferung war die Erfüllung des Vertrags. (The punctual delivery was the fulfillment of the contract.)
• Coming true of a prophecy or prediction: When something foretold happens. Example: Die alten Schriften sprachen von der Erfüllung dieser Prophezeiung. (The ancient scriptures spoke of the fulfillment of this prophecy.)
• Inner feeling of satisfaction and purpose: A state of deep personal contentment. Example: Sie fand Erfüllung in ihrer ehrenamtlichen Arbeit. (She found fulfillment in her volunteer work.)

🚨 It's important to consider the context to understand the precise nuance of 'die Erfüllung'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: die Erfüllung

Die Erfüllung is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:

The plural ('die Erfüllungen') is rarely used, mostly only when referring to specific acts of fulfillment (e.g., fulfillment of several contracts).

Example Sentences

1. Die Erfüllung ihrer Träume machte sie sehr glücklich. (The fulfillment of her dreams made her very happy.)
2. Wir gedenken der Erfüllung seiner Pflichten. (We commemorate the fulfillment of his duties.)
3. Er strebte nach der Erfüllung im Leben. (He strove for fulfillment in life.)
4. Sie erlebte die Erfüllung ihrer kühnsten Hoffnungen. (She experienced the fulfillment of her wildest hopes.)
5. Die verschiedenen Erfüllungen des Vertrages wurden dokumentiert. (The various fulfillments of the contract were documented. - rare plural)

💡 Everyday Use: When to Use 'Erfüllung'?

Die Erfüllung is used in various contexts:

• Personal Goals & Wishes: Often used when talking about the 'Erfüllung' (fulfillment) of a dream, wish, or goal (e.g., "seine berufliche Erfüllung finden" - to find one's professional fulfillment).
• Duties & Contracts: In legal or business contexts, it refers to the 'Erfüllung' (fulfillment, discharge) of duties, tasks, contracts, or promises (e.g., "die Erfüllung der Vertragsbedingungen" - the fulfillment of the contract terms).
• Prophecies & Predictions: In more literary or spiritual contexts, one speaks of the 'Erfüllung' (fulfillment) of a prophecy.
• Inner State: It can also describe 'Erfüllung' as a feeling of deep satisfaction and purpose (e.g., "Erfüllung im Leben suchen/finden" - to seek/find fulfillment in life).

Distinction: While 'Realisierung' or 'Verwirklichung' often emphasize the process or result of implementing an idea, 'Erfüllung' more strongly highlights the achievement of an expected or longed-for state or the compliance with an obligation.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Erfüllung'

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ung are feminine ('die'). Think of: die Hoffnung (hope), die Leitung (management/pipe), die Meinung (opinion)... and also die Erfüllung! It's a common pattern.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine filling something up completely – a wish, a duty – until it's full. This act of 'fulfilling' leads to die Erfüllung (fulfillment). 🏺➡️💖

🔄 Opposites Attract? Synonyms & Antonyms for Erfüllung

⚠️ Note: Related words like 'Erfüllungsgehilfe' (vicarious agent, someone who fulfills a duty on behalf of another) have specific legal meanings.

😂 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist die Steigerung von Erfüllung?"
Fritzchen: "Übererfüllung!"
Lehrer: "Und was kommt danach?"
Fritzchen: "Der Plan für nächstes Jahr!" 😉

Translation:
Teacher: "Fritzchen, what's the comparative/intensification of fulfillment?"
Fritzchen: "Overfulfillment!"
Teacher: "And what comes after that?"
Fritzchen: "Next year's plan!" 😉

✒️ A Poem about Fulfillment

Ein Wunsch, ganz leis', im Herzen schläft,
Ein Ziel, das nach Verwirklichung strebt.
Die Pflicht, die ruft, der Vertrag, der bindet,
Ein Pfad, der sich zur Klarheit windet.

Dann kommt der Tag, die Stunde, der Moment,
Wo Sehnsucht Wirklichkeit erkennt.
Das Herz wird weit, die Seele lacht,
Die Erfüllung ist vollbracht!

Translation:
A wish, so soft, asleep in the heart,
A goal that strives for realization's start.
The duty that calls, the contract that binds,
A path that its way to clarity finds.

Then comes the day, the hour, the moment's might,
Where longing recognizes reality's light.
The heart expands, the soul laughs free,
Fulfillment is achieved, for all to see!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin das Ziel von manchem Traum,
Beende Pflichten, geb' dem Leben Raum.
Man sucht mich oft ein Leben lang,
Bin mal Vertrag, mal süßer Klang.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Erfüllung

Translation:
I am the goal of many a dream,
I end duties, give life space, it would seem.
People often seek me lifelong,
Sometimes I'm a contract, sometimes a sweet song.

What am I?

Solution: die Erfüllung (fulfillment)

🧩 More Trivia about Erfüllung

Word Formation: 'Die Erfüllung' is a noun derived from the verb 'erfüllen' (to fulfill). The prefix 'er-' often indicates achieving a state or result (compare 'erreichen' - to reach, 'erleben' - to experience), and 'füllen' means 'to fill'. The suffix '-ung' turns the verb into a noun, a very common pattern in German, typically resulting in feminine nouns.

Common Collocations (Word Pairings):

• in Erfüllung gehen (to come true, be fulfilled)
• seine Erfüllung finden (to find one's fulfillment)
• zur Erfüllung bringen (to bring to fulfillment, realize)
• die Erfüllung von Pflichten/Wünschen/Träumen (the fulfillment of duties/wishes/dreams)