die  Freundschaft

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfʁɔʏ̯ntʃaft/

🤝 What does "Freundschaft" mean?

Die Freundschaft (feminine, plural: die Freundschaften) describes a relationship between two or more people based on mutual affection and trust. It translates directly to friendship.

• It signifies a close, personal bond that goes beyond mere acquaintance (Bekanntschaft).
• Freundschaft is often based on shared interests, values, experiences, or sympathy.
• The term can also be used abstractly to describe the general concept of friendship (e.g., "Freundschaft ist wichtig im Leben." - *Friendship is important in life.*).

Because the word ends in "-schaft", like many such nouns, it is feminine (die). There are no other articles for this word. 🚨 Don't confuse it with der Freund (male friend) or die Freundin (female friend).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of "die Freundschaft" in Detail

"Freundschaft" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Unsere Freundschaft hält schon seit der Kindheit.
   (Our friendship has lasted since childhood.)
2. Das ist ein Zeichen wahrer Freundschaft.
   (That is a sign of true friendship.)
3. Ich verdanke unserer Freundschaft viel.
   (I owe a lot to our friendship.)
4. Wir pflegen unsere Freundschaft sehr bewusst.
   (We cultivate our friendship very consciously.)
5. Im Laufe des Lebens schließt man viele Freundschaften.
   (In the course of life, one makes many friendships.)

💬 How to use "Freundschaft"?

• Context: Primarily used in social and personal contexts to describe relationships.
• Abstract Use: Can also be used philosophically or generally (e.g., "Die Bedeutung der Freundschaft" - The meaning of friendship).
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish it from Bekanntschaft (an acquaintance, a less intense relationship) and Liebesbeziehung (a love relationship, which usually includes romantic love, whereas Freundschaft is typically platonic, but doesn't have to be).
• Expressions: Common collocations include "Freundschaft schließen" (to make friends, to form a friendship), "Freundschaft pflegen" (*to nurture/cultivate a friendship*), "eine tiefe Freundschaft" (a deep friendship), "Freundschaft kündigen" (to end a friendship).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

1. Remembering the Article: Nouns ending in -schaft in German are almost always feminine. Think of other examples like Gesellschaft (society), Wissenschaft (science), Leidenschaft (passion)... and, of course, Freundschaft. They all take die! Imagine a ship (Schaft sounds a bit like ship) full of female friends – it's 'die Ship of Friendship'.
2. Remembering the Meaning: Think of the English word 'friend' inside Freundschaft. The '-schaft' part signifies a state or condition, like '-ship' in English (friendship, relationship). So, Freund + schaft = the state of being friends, or friendship.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Bekanntschaft: An acquaintance. The relationship itself is called eine Bekanntschaft. Less close than Freundschaft.
• Liebschaft: A love affair, often implying secrecy.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Freund den anderen: "Warum flüstern wir eigentlich?"
Sagt der andere: "Weil wir eine geheime Freundschaft haben!"
"Aber wir kennen uns doch schon seit 20 Jahren?!"
"Ja, aber das weiß meine Frau nicht!" 😉

Translation:
One friend asks the other: "Why are we whispering?"
The other says: "Because we have a secret friendship!"
"But we've known each other for 20 years?!"
"Yes, but my wife doesn't know that!" 😉

📜 A Poem about Freundschaft

Die Freundschaft, zart und doch so stark,
Ein Licht im Leben, Tag für Tag.
Sie trägt dich durch die dunkle Zeit,
Gibt Halt, Vertrauen, weit und breit.

Ein Lachen teilen, auch die Tränen,
Sich ohne Worte oft verstehen.
Ein Band, geknüpft aus Sympathie,
Das ist die Freundschaft, glaub' es mir!

Translation:
Friendship, tender and yet so strong,
A light in life, day by day.
It carries you through the dark time,
Gives support, trust, far and wide.

Sharing laughter, also the tears,
Often understanding without words.
A bond, tied from sympathy,
That is friendship, believe me!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Band, doch ohne Knoten.
Ich wachse langsam, bin nicht zu kaufen mit Banknoten.
Ich wärme Herzen, teile Leid und Glück.
Man pflegt mich sorgsam, Stück für Stück.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a bond, but without knots.
I grow slowly, cannot be bought with banknotes.
I warm hearts, share sorrow and joy.
One tends to me carefully, bit by bit.

What am I?

Solution: die Freundschaft (friendship)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Freundschaft" is composed of:

• Freund: Meaning friend.
• -schaft: A suffix often indicating a state, condition, relationship, or collectivity (like in Gesellschaft - society, Mannschaft - team, Landschaft - landscape). Here, it signifies the state or relationship of being friends. This is similar to the English suffix '-ship'.

Cultural Aspects

In German culture, Freundschaft holds significant value and is often understood as a lifelong, loyal relationship.