die  Hexerei

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɛksəʁaɪ/

🧙‍♀️ What does "die Hexerei" mean?

Die Hexerei translates to witchcraft or sorcery, especially the kind traditionally attributed to witches. The term often carries a negative connotation, associated with black magic, harmful spells, and pacts with dark forces, particularly in the historical context of witch hunts. 🧹

However, in modern usage, it can be employed more neutrally in the context of fairy tales, legends, fantasy literature, or films. Sometimes it also metaphorically describes very complicated, obscure, or tricky processes.

🚨 Caution: The term is historically heavily loaded and can be perceived as derogatory in certain contexts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Insights for "Hexerei"

The word "Hexerei" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is mostly used in the singular.

Declension (Beugung)

The plural "die Hexereien" is rare and usually refers to individual magical acts or sorceries. It is often avoided and replaced by circumlocutions.

✨ Example Sentences

1. Im Mittelalter wurde vielen Frauen Hexerei vorgeworfen.
   (In the Middle Ages, many women were accused of witchcraft.)
2. In diesem Märchenbuch geht es um Zauberer und Hexerei.
   (This fairy tale book is about wizards and sorcery.)
3. Das ist doch keine normale Technik mehr, das ist ja reine Hexerei! (metaphorisch)
   (That's not normal technology anymore, that's pure witchcraft!) (metaphorical)

🗣️ How to Use "Hexerei"

• Historical Context: In connection with witch hunts and superstition. Here, the term is strongly negative.
• Fairy Tales & Fantasy: Describing magical practices in fictional worlds, often portrayed more neutrally or even fascinatingly.
• Metaphorically: For something inexplicable, very complicated, or tricky. Example: "Wie er das geschafft hat, ist mir schleierhaft – das grenzt ja an Hexerei!" (How he managed that is beyond me – it borders on witchcraft!)
• Distinction from "Magie": While *Magie* (magic) is often more neutral or broader (including stage magic, positive magic), *Hexerei* focuses more specifically on the often darker arts traditionally attributed to witches.

💡 Memory Aids for Hexerei

Article Mnemonic: The ending "-ei" often indicates feminine nouns in German (die Bäckerei - bakery, die Bücherei - library, die Polizei - police...). Remember: Die Hexe (the witch) performs die Hexerei.

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture a classic witch (Hexe) with a pointy hat and broomstick, muttering spells – that's the image of Hexerei (witchcraft).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words: *Magie* (magic) is broader and more neutral than *Hexerei*. Don't confuse them!

😂 A Little Joke

Warum können Hexen keine Kinder bekommen?

Weil ihre Männer Zauberstäbe haben! ✨

--- English Translation ---

Why can't witches have children?

Because their husbands have magic wands! ✨

📜 Poem about Hexerei

Im Kessel brodelt's, grün und schwer,
Die Hexerei, sie lockt gar sehr.
Mit Kräutern, Spruch und Mondenschein,
Soll Zauber wirken, stark und rein.
Doch hüte dich, was daraus wird,
Ob Segen oder Fluch es birgt.

--- English Translation ---

In the cauldron it bubbles, green and heavy,
The witchcraft, it tempts greatly.
With herbs, spell, and moonlight's gleam,
Magic should work, strong and clean.
But beware what becomes of it,
Whether blessing or curse it emits.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin die Kunst mit Besenflug,
Mit Zaubertrank und Spruch genug.
Im Märchen oft, im Wahn verfolgt,
Was bin ich, wenn die Hexe tollt?

Lösung: Die Hexerei

--- English Translation ---

I am the art with broomstick flight,
With magic potion and spell enough might.
Often in fairy tales, persecuted in delusion,
What am I, when the witch causes commotion?

Solution: Witchcraft (Die Hexerei)

🧩 More Info

• Word Formation: The word is composed of "Hexe" (witch) and the suffix "-erei", which often denotes an activity or a place (sometimes pejoratively).
• Cultural Significance: The concept of *Hexerei* has strongly influenced culture, literature (e.g., Goethe's Faust, Harry Potter), film, and history, especially through the tragic witch hunts of the Early Modern period.