die  Gewissheit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈvɪsˌhaɪt/

🧐 What does 'die Gewissheit' mean?

Die Gewissheit translates to certainty, assurance, or the state of being sure about something. It signifies the absence of doubt.

It's an abstract noun and is always feminine, so you always use the article die. There are no alternative articles or meanings associated with 'Gewissheit'.

• Meaning: Certainty, assurance, the state of being free from doubt.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: Die Gewissheit

'Gewissheit' is a feminine noun. The article is always die. It's typically used only in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. A plural form ('die Gewissheiten') is grammatically possible but rare, usually referring to specific instances or facts that are certain.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

💡 Grammar Examples

1. Ich brauche Gewissheit, bevor ich eine Entscheidung treffe.
   I need certainty before I make a decision. (Accusative, often without article after 'brauchen')
2. Die Gewissheit seines Sieges gab ihm Mut.
   The certainty of his victory gave him courage. (Nominative)
3. Trotz aller Zweifel hielt er an der Gewissheit fest.
   Despite all doubts, he held onto the certainty. (Dative)
4. Das Gefühl der Gewissheit war trügerisch.
   The feeling of certainty was deceptive. (Genitive)

🤔 How to use 'Gewissheit'?

'Gewissheit' is used to express a state of being absolutely sure about something. It often implies a subjective feeling but can also describe an objective fact.

• Typical Contexts: Personal convictions, scientific findings (when considered proven), emotional states, the need for clarity.
• Formal vs. Informal Language: The word is common in both formal and informal contexts but tends to sound slightly more elevated than, for example, simply 'Sicherheit'.
• Comparison with 'Sicherheit': While 'Sicherheit' can also mean 'certainty', it is more frequently used for 'safety' or 'security'. Gewissheit specifically refers to the absence of doubt. Example: One can have financial Sicherheit (security), but not necessarily Gewissheit about the future (certainty).
• Fixed Expressions: "Gewissheit haben/erlangen" (to have/gain certainty), "zur Gewissheit werden" (to become certain, to turn out to be true).

⚠️ Sometimes 'Gewissheit' is used in an almost absolute sense, which can be philosophically or practically questionable. Absolute certainty is often difficult to achieve.

🧠 Memory Aids for 'die Gewissheit'

Mnemonic for the article 'die':

Think of die Sicherheit (certainty/security) or die Wahrheit (truth). Like Gewissheit, these are feminine nouns ending in -heit that express a strong state or quality. Feminine '-heit' helps remember 'die'.

Mnemonic for the meaning:

The word contains gewiss, which means 'certain' or 'sure'. The suffix -heit turns the adjective 'gewiss' into the noun expressing the state of being certain: Gewissheit = 'certain-ness' = certainty.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Watch out for similar words:

• Gewissen: (das Gewissen - conscience) - Do not confuse these!

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir mit absoluter Gewissheit sagen, was morgen passiert?" Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Ich, Herr Lehrer! Morgen ist Freitag!"

Teacher asks: "Who can tell me with absolute certainty what will happen tomorrow?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "Me, teacher! Tomorrow is Friday!"

📜 A Short Poem

Im Meer des Zweifels, tief und kalt,
Sucht mancher nach dem festen Halt.
Ein Leuchtturm strahlt, vertreibt die Nacht,
Die Gewissheit, klar und mit Bedacht.
Sie gibt uns Kraft, den Schritt zu wagen,
Und lässt uns nicht mehr lange zagen.

In seas of doubt, so deep and cold,
Many search for a grip to hold.
A lighthouse shines, dispels the night,
Certainty, clear and thought-out right.
It gives us strength, the step to dare,
And lets us hesitate no more there.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin das Ende allen Fragens,
Die Antwort auf verborg'nes Zagen.
Ich mache sicher, fest und klar,
Was vorher nur Vermutung war.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: die Gewissheit)

I am the end of all questioning,
The answer to hidden hesitating.
I make things sure, firm, and clear,
What before was just assumption, dear.

What am I?
(Answer: die Gewissheit / certainty)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

'Gewissheit' is a compound noun:

• gewiss: Adjective meaning 'certain', 'sure'.
• -heit: A common German suffix used to form abstract feminine nouns (die) from adjectives or participles, indicating a state or quality (like Freiheit - freedom, Schönheit - beauty, Krankheit - illness).

Cultural Significance:

The quest for Gewissheit (certainty) is a central theme in philosophy, science, and religion. There is ongoing debate about whether absolute certainty is achievable or if we must content ourselves with probabilities and well-founded beliefs.