die  Heldin

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɛldɪn/

🦸‍♀️ What does "Heldin" mean?

Die Heldin (plural: die Heldinnen) is the feminine form of the German word Held (hero). It refers to a woman or a female character (e.g., in stories, movies, myths) who distinguishes herself through exceptional bravery, courage, selflessness, or significant achievements. She often performs a heroic deed (eine Heldentat) or stands up for others or a good cause.

It is an exclusively feminine noun, so the article is always "die".

• Main meaning: A woman of great bravery or achievement (heroine).
• In literature/film: The female main character, often the protagonist, who overcomes challenges.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "die Heldin" in Detail

"Heldin" is a feminine noun. The article is always "die".

Declension:

Example Sentences in German

• Marie Curie war eine wahre Heldin der Wissenschaft.
  (Marie Curie was a true heroine of science.)
• Die Feuerwehrfrau wurde als Heldin gefeiert, nachdem sie das Kind aus dem brennenden Haus gerettet hatte.
  (The firefighter was celebrated as a heroine after she rescued the child from the burning house.)
• In vielen Märchen gibt es eine mutige Heldin, die das Böse besiegt.
  (In many fairy tales, there is a brave heroine who defeats evil.)
• Die Krankenschwestern sind die stillen Heldinnen des Alltags.
  (The nurses are the unsung heroines of everyday life.)

💡 How to use "Heldin"?

The term "Heldin" is used to describe women who:

• Show exceptional courage: e.g., in dangerous situations, in the fight against injustice (im Kampf gegen Ungerechtigkeit).
• Accomplish great achievements: e.g., in science (Wissenschaft), sports (Sport), art (Kunst), or social fields (im sozialen Bereich).
• Play a central, positive role: Especially in narratives, films, or legends as the protagonist (Protagonistin).
• Serve as role models: Women whom one looks up to (Vorbilder).

Compared to "Held" (hero), "Heldin" specifically refers to female individuals. It carries a strongly positive connotation. Sometimes the term is used figuratively for women who master everyday challenges ("Heldin des Alltags" - heroine of everyday life).

🧠 Mnemonics for "Heldin"

1. For the article "die": Remember that most nouns ending in "-in" that refer to people are feminine in German, taking the article die (die Lehrerin - the female teacher, die Freundin - the female friend, die Heldin).
2. For the meaning: Think of a heroine who is "Held in high esteem" – she is a hero(ine) held in respect.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for "Heldin"

⚠️ Misleadingly Similar Words:

• Idol: Idol (an admired person, but hasn't necessarily performed heroic deeds).
• Star: Star (famous person, often in entertainment, not necessarily heroic).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: „Wer kann mir eine berühmte Heldin nennen?“
Meldet sich Fritzchen: „Meine Mama!“
Lehrer: „Wieso denn deine Mama?“
Fritzchen: „Die kämpft jeden Morgen gegen meinen Papa um die Fernbedienung – und gewinnt meistens!“

Translation:

The teacher asks: "Who can name a famous heroine?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "My Mom!"
Teacher: "Why your Mom?"
Fritz: "She fights my Dad for the remote control every morning – and usually wins!"

📜 Poem about a Heroine

Mit Mut im Herzen, klar im Blick,
Kämpft die Heldin Stück für Stück.
Nicht Ruhm allein ist ihr Bestreben,
Sie will die Welt zum Bess'ren heben.
Ob laut im Kampf, ob still im Tun,
Ihre Taten lassen niemals ruhn.

Translation:

With courage in her heart, a clear gaze,
The heroine fights phase by phase.
Not fame alone is her endeavor,
She wants to lift the world forever.
Whether loud in battle, or quiet in deed,
Her actions never rest, indeed.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin weiblich, mutig und stark,
Steh oft im Mittelpunkt, im Licht und im Mark.
In Sagen und Büchern findet man mich,
Wer bin ich, so tapfer und löblich?

Translation:

I am female, brave and strong,
Often in the spotlight, where I belong.
In legends and books, you can find me,
Who am I, so valiant and praiseworthy?

Solution: Die Heldin (The heroine)

💡 Other Information

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Heldin" is derived from the masculine noun "Held" (hero) by adding the suffix "-in". This suffix is commonly used in German to form the feminine version of nouns referring to people or professions (e.g., Lehrer -> Lehrerin (teacher), Freund -> Freundin (friend)).

Famous Heroines (Beispiele):

• Jeanne d'Arc: Historical French national heroine.
• Sophie Scholl: Resistance fighter against National Socialism.
• Wonder Woman: Fictional superheroine from comics.
• Hermine Granger: One of the main characters from Harry Potter, known for her intelligence and courage.