die  Gunst

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡʊnst/

👑 What does "die Gunst" mean?

Die Gunst (feminine) is an abstract noun with several related meanings:

• Favour, goodwill: A positive attitude or inclination of one person (often someone in a higher position) towards another. It implies support, sympathy, or preference. Example: Sie erfreute sich der Gunst des Königs. (She enjoyed the king's favour.)
• Advantage, opportune moment: An advantageous situation or a suitable time to do something. Often used in fixed phrases. Example: die Gunst der Stunde nutzen (to seize the opportunity / make hay while the sun shines).
• Favour, kindness shown: A kind act or service rendered to someone. (Slightly dated in this form, 'Gefallen' is more common today). Example: Er bat um eine kleine Gunst. (He asked for a small favour.)

🚨 The word is mostly used in the singular, especially when referring to goodwill. The plural "die Günste" is rare and usually refers to individual tokens of favour or specific advantages.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Gunst

The noun "Gunst" is feminine. The correct article is therefore "die".

Declension of die Gunst

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominative: Die Gunst des Publikums war ihr sicher. (The favour of the audience was assured for her.)
2. Genitive: Sie war sich der Gunst ihrer Vorgesetzten bewusst. (She was aware of her superiors' favour.)
3. Dative: Er verdankte seinen Aufstieg allein der Gunst des Ministers. (He owed his advancement solely to the minister's favour.)
4. Accusative: Er versuchte, die Gunst des Richters zu gewinnen. (He tried to win the judge's favour.)
5. Accusative (Phrase): Wir müssen die Gunst der Stunde nutzen! (We must seize the opportunity!)

💡 How to use "die Gunst"?

"Gunst" is often used in more formal contexts or in set phrases.

• In jemandes Gunst stehen: To be in someone's favour; to be esteemed or preferred by someone. (Der neue Mitarbeiter steht hoch in der Gunst des Chefs. - The new employee is held in high regard by the boss.)
• Um jemandes Gunst werben/buhlen: To court someone's favour; to try hard to gain someone's goodwill. (Die Politiker warben um die Gunst der Wähler. - The politicians courted the voters' favour.)
• Die Gunst der Stunde nutzen: To seize the opportunity; to strike while the iron is hot. (Als der Chef gute Laune hatte, nutzte sie die Gunst der Stunde, um nach einer Gehaltserhöhung zu fragen. - When the boss was in a good mood, she seized the opportunity to ask for a raise.)
• Zu Gunsten von / zuungunsten von: In favour of / to the detriment of. (Die Entscheidung fiel zu Gunsten des Antragstellers. - The decision was made in favour of the applicant. / Das Urteil fiel zuungunsten des Angeklagten. - The verdict went against the defendant.) - Here, "Gunst" is used in the genitive case without an article.

Comparison:

• Gunst vs. Gefallen (favour/kindness): A "Gefallen" is usually a concrete, one-off act of help (Kannst du mir einen Gefallen tun? - Can you do me a favour?). "Gunst" is more of a long-term positive attitude or an abstract advantage.
• Gunst vs. Glück (luck): "Glück" is often pure chance. "Gunst" often implies a conscious positive inclination (from someone) or a specifically advantageous situation ('Gunst der Stunde' - the opportune moment).

🧠 Memory Aids for "die Gunst"

• Article Mnemonic (die):

  Think: Many abstract German nouns describing a quality or state, especially those ending in -t or -st, are feminine: die Nacht (night), die Macht (power), die Kunst (art), die Angst (fear), die Lust (desire)... and also die Gunst! Picture a queen bestowing her favour – die Queen, die Gunst. 👑

• Meaning Mnemonic (favour, advantage):

  Gunst sounds a bit like the English word "grants". When someone shows you their Gunst, they grant you something good (goodwill, an advantage). Or think: having Gunst means something good is granted to you. 👍

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for die Gunst

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Kunst (die): Art, skill. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
• Dunst (der): Haze, mist. Also sounds similar, but is masculine and unrelated in meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie sich schon gut eingelebt?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Oh ja, ich stehe bereits voll in Ihrer Gunst!"
Der Chef: "Ach wirklich? Komisch, ich kann mich gar nicht erinnern, Ihnen welche gegeben zu haben!" 😉

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Have you settled in well already?"
The employee replies: "Oh yes, I'm already fully in your favour!"
The boss: "Oh really? Funny, I can't remember giving you any!" 😉

📜 Poem about Gunst

Die Stunde schlägt, die Tür steht auf,
Ein kurzer Blick, ein schneller Lauf.
Wer zögert, hat die Chance verpasst,
Die Gunst des Moments, die schnell verblasst.

Das Wohlwollen, wie Sonnenlicht,
Erwärmt das Herz, erhellt Gesicht.
Doch launisch ist die Gunst der Zeit,
Sei klug und stets zum Sprung bereit.

Translation:
The hour strikes, the door stands open,
A quick glance, a swift run.
Who hesitates has missed the chance,
The moment's favour, that quickly fades.

Goodwill, like sunlight bright,
Warms the heart, illuminates the sight.
But fickle is the favour of time,
Be wise and always ready for the climb.

🤔 A Little Riddle

Ich bin begehrt von hoch und niedrig,
Mein Verlust macht oft betrüblich.
Man nutzt mich in der rechten Stunde,
Ich komme aus des Höheren Munde.
Mal bin ich Wohlwollen, mal Vorteil klar,
Ich bin feminin, das ist doch wahr!

Wer bin ich?
(Lösung: die Gunst)

Translation:
I am desired by high and low,
My loss often brings woe.
You use me at the opportune hour,
I come from the mouth of power.
Sometimes I'm goodwill, sometimes advantage clear,
I am feminine, that much is true, my dear!

Who am I?
(Answer: die Gunst)

🧩 Further Information

Word Family & Origin:

• The word "Gunst" is closely related to the verb "gönnen" (to grant someone something good, not to begrudge) and the adjective "günstig" (favourable, advantageous, inexpensive).
• The common root lies in the Old High German "unst" (favour, grace), related to "unnan" (to grant, allow).

Interesting Notes:

• The expression "jemandem seine Gunst schenken" (lit. to gift someone one's favour) emphasizes the aspect of voluntarily giving goodwill.
• "Gunst" can also subtly express power dynamics, as favour is often granted by someone in a higher position.