die
Furcht
😨 What Exactly is 'die Furcht'?
Die Furcht (noun, feminine) describes a strong feeling of anxiety or worry caused by a perceived danger, threat, or pain. It's a fundamental human emotion.
Unlike the more general Angst (anxiety, fear), Furcht often refers to a specific, identifiable threat or situation.
- Example: Die Furcht vor Spinnen ist weit verbreitet. (The fear of spiders is widespread.)
- Example: Er empfand tiefe Furcht bei dem Gedanken an die Prüfung. (He felt deep fear at the thought of the exam.)
🚨 Attention: Although often used synonymously, Furcht tends to have a stronger, more serious connotation than Angst in everyday language.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Furcht
Die Furcht is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular. The plural form (die Fürchte) is rare and often considered archaic or elevated language.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Furcht | eine Furcht |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Furcht | einer Furcht |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Furcht | einer Furcht |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Furcht | eine Furcht |
Declension Plural - Rare
| Case | Definite Article |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Fürchte |
| Genitive | der Fürchte |
| Dative | den Fürchten |
| Accusative | die Fürchte |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Furcht vor dem Unbekannten lähmte ihn.
(The fear of the unknown paralyzed him.) - Trotz seiner Furcht ging er weiter. (More commonly: Trotz der Furcht...)
(Despite his fear, he went on.) - Er begegnete der Gefahr ohne Furcht.
(He faced the danger without fear.) - Sie konnte ihre Furcht nicht verbergen.
(She could not hide her fear.)
💡 How to Use 'die Furcht'
Die Furcht is used to express an intense feeling of fear, often related to a specific threat or event.
- Furcht vor etwas haben/empfinden: This is the most common construction. (e.g., Furcht vor Hunden - fear of dogs, Furcht vor Ablehnung - fear of rejection)
- Aus Furcht handeln: Describes actions motivated by fear. (e.g., Er log aus Furcht vor Strafe. - He lied out of fear of punishment.)
- Jemandem Furcht einflößen/einjagen: To frighten someone else, intentionally or unintentionally. (e.g., Der Diktator flößte dem Volk Furcht ein. - The dictator instilled fear in the people.)
- In ständiger Furcht leben: To live in constant fear.
Context: Furcht is generally stronger and more serious than Angst. Angst can also describe general anxiety or nervousness (e.g., Prüfungsangst - exam anxiety), whereas Furcht often implies a deeper, more existential threat (e.g., Furcht vor dem Tod - fear of death).
Sometimes Furcht is used in a religious context (Gottesfurcht - fear of God), which means more like awe and reverence.
🧠 Memory Aids for 'die Furcht'
Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Gefahr' (the danger). Where there's danger, there's often die Furcht (the fear). Both are feminine!
Meaning Mnemonic: Furcht sounds a bit like the English word "forced". When you feel fear (Furcht), you might feel "forced" into a reaction (like running away!). Or connect it to the German adjective furchtbar (terrible, awful) - terrible things cause Furcht.
🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Angst: Often interchangeable, but usually more general or less intense.
- Schrecken: Sudden, intense fear, often a reaction to an event (terror, fright).
- Grauen / Grusel: Fear mixed with disgust or horror, often related to the uncanny (dread, horror).
- Panik: Sudden, uncontrollable fear (panic).
- Bammel (coll.): Mild, colloquial term for fear/anxiety.
- Beklemmung: A feeling of tightness and fear (apprehension).
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Mut: The willingness to act despite fear (courage).
- Tapferkeit: Courage in the face of danger (bravery).
- Zuversicht: Confidence in a positive outcome (confidence, assurance).
- Gelassenheit: Inner calm, fearlessness (serenity, composure).
- Sicherheit: Absence of threat or fear (safety, security).
⚠️ Similar Sounding Words (Beware of Confusion):
- Die Frucht: The edible product of plants (e.g., apple - fruit). Sounds similar, but has a completely different meaning!
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir fünf Tiere nennen, die in Afrika leben?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Zwei Löwen und drei Elefanten!"
Lehrer: "Und warum hast du solche Furcht in den Augen?"
Fritzchen: "Ich habe Furcht, dass sie mich fressen!"
--- Translation ---
The teacher asks: "Who can name five animals that live in Africa?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "Two lions and three elephants!"
Teacher: "And why do you have such fear in your eyes?"
Little Fritz: "I have fear that they'll eat me!"
📜 Poem about Furcht
Die Furcht, ein Schatten, dunkel, kalt,
Schleicht sich ins Herz, macht plötzlich alt.
Sie lähmt den Schritt, vernebelt Sicht,
Ein eis'ger Hauch im Kerzenlicht.
Doch tief im Innern, klein und zart,
Ein Funken Mut, ganz eig'ner Art.
Stell dich der Furcht, schau ihr ins Aug',
Dann löst sich auf der kalte Rauch.
--- Translation ---
The Fear, a shadow, dark and cold,
Creeps into the heart, makes suddenly old.
It numbs the step, clouds the sight,
An icy breath in candlelight.
But deep inside, small and tender,
A spark of courage, its own defender.
Face the fear, look in its eye,
Then the cold smoke will dissolve and die.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich habe keinen Körper, doch ich kann dich lähmen.
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch Sorgen kann ich säen.
Manchmal bin ich klein, manchmal riesengroß,
Vor Spinnen, Dunkelheit oder dem bloßen Stoß.
Was bin ich?
(... Die Furcht)
--- Translation ---
I have no body, yet I can paralyze you.
I have no voice, yet worries I can sow.
Sometimes I am small, sometimes immensely vast,
Of spiders, darkness, or a simple blow's cast.
What am I?
(... Fear / Die Furcht)
🤓 More about Furcht
Word Formation & Origin:
- The word Furcht originates from the Old High German word forhta.
- Related words include: fürchten (verb - to fear), furchtbar (adjective - terrible, awful), furchtsam (adjective - timid, fearful), furchtlos (adjective - fearless), Gottesfurcht (noun - fear of God, reverence).
Idioms:
- Furcht und Zittern: Expression of great fear (Fear and trembling).
- Keine Furcht kennen: To be very brave (To know no fear).
Summary: is it der, die or das Furcht?
The German word "Furcht" is feminine, so the correct article is die Furcht. It refers to a strong feeling of fear, often directed towards a specific danger or threat.