die
Gnade
🧐 What does "die Gnade" mean?
Die Gnade is a feminine noun with several related meanings, often in the context of leniency, favour, or forgiveness:
- Mercy / Clemency: Leniency towards someone who deserves punishment. Example: Der Richter zeigte Gnade. (The judge showed mercy.)
- Grace / Favour / Goodwill: A benevolent attitude, often from a person of higher rank or a divine power. Example: Er fand Gnade vor dem König. (He found favour with the king.) / Die Gnade Gottes. (The grace of God.)
- Pardon: In a legal sense, the remission or mitigation of a sentence. Example: Er reichte ein Gnadengesuch ein. (He submitted a plea for clemency/pardon.)
- (Archaic) Form of Address: Formerly used as a title or form of address for high-ranking individuals (e.g., „Eure Gnaden“ - Your Grace/Mercy).
The word often carries a formal, ethical, or religious connotation. It describes an act of benevolence that is not necessarily deserved or expected.
⚠️ Attention: The plural "die Gnaden" is rare and mostly limited to specific contexts (e.g., theological concepts, archaic forms of address).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📜 Grammar of "die Gnade"
"Gnade" is a feminine noun. The article is die.
Declension
Since "Gnade" is mostly used as an abstract noun, it predominantly appears in the singular. The plural is uncommon.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gnade |
| Genitive | der | Gnade |
| Dative | der | Gnade |
| Accusative | die | Gnade |
📝 Examples
- Die Gnade des Königs war bekannt. (The king's mercy/grace was known. - Nominative)
- Er war sich der Gnade Gottes bewusst. (He was aware of God's grace. - Genitive)
- Sie dankte dem Herrscher für seine Gnade. (She thanked the ruler for his mercy/grace. - Dative)
- Er bat um Gnade. (He asked for mercy. - Accusative)
💡 How to use "die Gnade"?
"Gnade" is used in various contexts:
- Religious: Very common in connection with God or a higher power. Example: durch Gottes Gnade gerettet werden (to be saved by God's grace).
- Legal/Political: In the sense of a pardon or mitigation of punishment by an authority (head of state, court). Example: ein Gnadengesuch stellen (to file a plea for clemency), jemanden begnadigen (to pardon someone).
- Ethical/Social: Expressing mercy or leniency in human interaction. Example: Gnade vor Recht ergehen lassen (to show mercy rather than strictly applying the law).
- Figurative/Idiomatic: In fixed expressions. Example: auf Gedeih und Verderb ausgeliefert sein (to be at someone's mercy - originally also linked to grace), keine Gnade kennen (to know no mercy, be ruthless).
- Historical: As a form of address ("Euer Gnaden" - Your Grace). Now archaic.
Comparison:
- Barmherzigkeit/Erbarmen (Mercy/Compassion): Similar, but "Gnade" often emphasizes the action of a superior entity or unmerited favour more strongly.
- Vergebung (Forgiveness): Refers to forgiving a debt or wrongdoing, whereas "Gnade" can also include waiving a due punishment or bestowing favour.
- Gunst (Favour): Is more general and can mean goodwill without the aspect of forgiveness or leniency.
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Gnade"
For the article (die): Think of a queen (feminine), who shows Gnade. The -e ending of Gnade fits well with the feminine article "die". Or imagine needing *grace* - you might plead "Oh *die* (dear)! Grant me *Gnade*!"
For the meaning (Mercy/Grace): Imagine someone kneeling ('na' = near) the ground ('de' sounds like 'the' earth), pleading for Gnade (mercy/grace) from above.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "die Gnade"
Synonyms (similar meaning):
⚠️ Similar Words:
- Gnade (die) vs. Gnadenfrist (die): Gnade is the concept of mercy/grace; Gnadenfrist is a period of grace, a reprieve, a deadline extension granted as a favour.
😄 A little joke
Der Angeklagte fragt den Richter: "Herr Richter, gibt es keine Möglichkeit auf Gnade?"
Sagt der Richter: "Doch, doch. Aber erst nach Verbüßung der Strafe."
Translation:
The defendant asks the judge: "Your Honour, is there no possibility of mercy?"
The judge replies: "Oh yes, there is. But only after serving the sentence."
📜 Poem about Gnade
Im Herzen tief, ein leiser Ruf,
nach Milde, die den Schmerz zerschuf.
Nicht Recht allein soll hier bestehen,
lass Güte durch die Urteile wehen.
Ein Funken Licht in dunkler Stunde,
das ist die Gnade, heilt die Wunde.
Translation:
Deep in the heart, a quiet call,
For gentleness, ending pain's thrall.
Not law alone shall hold its sway,
Let kindness through the verdicts play.
A spark of light in darkest hour,
That is grace/mercy (die Gnade), healing power.
🧩 Riddle
Ich bin kein Recht, doch breche Strafen.
Ich wohne oft in Gottes Hafen.
Man bittet drum, wenn Schuld erdrückt,
und hofft, dass man mich zugeschickt.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am not law, yet sentences I break.
I often dwell where prayers awake.
One asks for me when guilt feels tight,
And hopes I'm granted, shining bright.
What am I?
Solution: die Gnade (mercy/grace)
✨ Further Information
- Origin: The word "Gnade" comes from the Old High German "gināda", which originally likely meant "rest, comfort, happiness" and later evolved to mean "favour, help".
- Fixed Expressions: "Gnade vor Recht ergehen lassen" (to temper justice with mercy), "jemanden um Gnade bitten" (to ask someone for mercy), "in Gnaden entlassen werden" (to be graciously dismissed/released), "sich auf Gnade oder Ungnade ergeben" (to surrender unconditionally / at discretion).
- Cultural Significance: The concept of grace/mercy (Gnade) plays a central role in many religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) and legal systems.
Summary: is it der, die or das Gnade?
The word "Gnade" is feminine, so the correct article is die Gnade.