die
Freundlichkeit
💖 What does Freundlichkeit mean?
Die Freundlichkeit describes a benevolent, approachable, and polite attitude or quality of a person. It is the quality of being freundlich (friendly).
It is an abstract noun derived from the adjective freundlich.
- Meaning 1: The quality of being nice, obliging, and well-disposed towards others (friendliness, kindness).
- Meaning 2: (rarer, often plural: Freundlichkeiten) A friendly act or gesture (an act of kindness).
🚨 There is only one article for Freundlichkeit: die. The feminine article is typical for nouns ending in -keit.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-keit → always feminine.
📚 Grammar of die Freundlichkeit
The noun die Freundlichkeit is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract quality. The plural (die Freundlichkeiten) is rare and refers to individual friendly actions or remarks.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Freundlichkeit |
| Genitive | der | Freundlichkeit |
| Dative | der | Freundlichkeit |
| Accusative | die | Freundlichkeit |
Declension Plural (rare)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Freundlichkeiten |
| Genitive | der | Freundlichkeiten |
| Dative | den | Freundlichkeiten |
| Accusative | die | Freundlichkeiten |
Example Sentences
- Ihre Freundlichkeit hat mich sehr beeindruckt.
(Her kindness impressed me very much.) - Ein wenig mehr Freundlichkeit im Alltag würde allen guttun.
(A little more friendliness in everyday life would do everyone good.) - Er ist bekannt für seine aufrichtige Freundlichkeit.
(He is known for his sincere kindness.) - Sie überschütteten uns mit kleinen Freundlichkeiten.
(They showered us with small acts of kindness. - rare plural usage)
🗣️ Everyday Usage
Freundlichkeit is used to describe a person's behavior or character that is marked by goodwill, politeness, and approachability.
- Context: Social interactions, describing people, customer service, personal relationships.
- Nuances: It often refers to outward behavior, the way someone interacts with others. It implies a positive and respectful attitude.
- Distinction:
- Herzlichkeit (Warmth/Cordiality): Often more emotional, warmer than Freundlichkeit.
- Güte (Goodness/Kindness): Refers more to an inner disposition of goodwill, not necessarily the outward form.
- Nettigkeit (Niceness): Similar to Freundlichkeit, sometimes perceived as slightly more superficial.
One might speak of "übersteigerte Freundlichkeit" (exaggerated friendliness) when it seems forced or insincere.
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic: All German nouns ending in -keit are feminine (die). Think of: die Möglichkeit (possibility), die Sauberkeit (cleanliness), die Geschwindigkeit (speed)... and therefore also die Freundlichkeit!
Meaning Mnemonic: A Freund (friend) is someone well-disposed towards you and treats you well. Freundlichkeit is exactly that kind of good, benevolent behavior.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Nettigkeit (Niceness): Very similar, sometimes more informal.
- Zuvorkommenheit (Obligingness, Courteousness): Emphasizes helpful, accommodating behavior.
- Herzlichkeit (Cordiality, Warmth): Warmer, more emotional than Freundlichkeit.
- Liebenswürdigkeit (Amiability, Charm): Emphasizes the charming, pleasant aspect.
- Wohlwollen (Benevolence): The inner attitude of wishing someone well.
Antonyms (Opposites):
⚠️ Be careful distinguishing it from Höflichkeit (Politeness): Höflichkeit can be purely formal, whereas Freundlichkeit usually carries a warmer, more personal touch.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir bitte drei Arten von Freundlichkeit!"
Fritzchen überlegt kurz und sagt: "Normale Freundlichkeit, übertriebene Freundlichkeit und... 'Schönen Tag noch!', wenn man gerade rausgeworfen wird." 😄
Teacher asks: "Fritzchen, please name three types of friendliness!"
Fritzchen thinks for a moment and says: "Normal friendliness, exaggerated friendliness, and... 'Have a nice day!' when you've just been thrown out." 😄
✍️ Poem about Freundlichkeit
Ein Lächeln hier, ein gutes Wort,
trägt Freundlichkeit von Ort zu Ort.
Sie kostet nichts, doch gibt so viel,
ist Balsam für der Seele Spiel.
Mit offnem Ohr und Herz dabei,
macht sie das Leben sorgenfrei.
Drum schenke sie, wo immer du gehst,
damit du selbst im Licht erblühst.
(A smile here, a kind word there,
Carries friendliness everywhere.
It costs nothing, yet gives so much,
Is balm for the soul's gentle touch.
With open ear and heart along,
It makes life free from worry's song.
So give it freely where you roam,
That you yourself in light may bloom.)
❓ Riddle
Ich habe keinen Körper, doch eine warme Hand.
Ich spreche keine Sprache, doch werd' im Nu erkannt.
Ich koste keinen Euro, doch bin wertvoller als Gold.
Ich wachse, wenn man mich teilt, bin selten ungewollt.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung: Die Freundlichkeit)
(I have no body, but a warm hand.
I speak no language, but am quickly scanned.
I cost no euro, yet am more valuable than gold.
I grow when shared, am rarely uncontrolled (unwanted).)
What am I?
(Answer: Friendliness / die Freundlichkeit)
💡 Other Tidbits
Word Formation:
The word is composed of:
- Freund: Base word (noun for a friend).
- -lich: Suffix to form adjectives (freundlich = like a friend).
- -keit: Suffix to form abstract nouns from adjectives (Freundlichkeit = the quality of being friendly).
Cultural Significance: Freundlichkeit (friendliness) is generally valued in Germany, although a certain directness can sometimes prevail, which might be interpreted as less friendly by other cultures. In the service sector, increasing emphasis is placed on friendliness.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Freundlichkeit?
The correct article for the word Freundlichkeit is die. It is a feminine noun. Remember: Nouns ending in -keit are always feminine in German.