die
Hilfsbereitschaft
🤝 What does 'die Hilfsbereitschaft' mean?
Die Hilfsbereitschaft describes the quality or attitude of a person being ready and willing to help other people, support them, or stand by them. It's the inner inclination to offer help, often without being asked directly or expecting anything in return. It is an abstract noun expressing a positive social trait.
There is only this one article die for this word, as it is a feminine noun, which is very common for German words ending in "-schaft".
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ft/ -schaft → almost always feminine.
All -schaft nouns are feminine, but not all -ft nouns are.
📊 Grammar in Detail: die Hilfsbereitschaft
The noun "Hilfsbereitschaft" is feminine. It is generally used only in the singular form.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Hilfsbereitschaft | eine Hilfsbereitschaft |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Hilfsbereitschaft | einer Hilfsbereitschaft |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Hilfsbereitschaft | einer Hilfsbereitschaft |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Hilfsbereitschaft | eine Hilfsbereitschaft |
A plural form ("die Hilfsbereitschaften") is grammatically possible but extremely rarely used in common language because it's an abstract quality.
Example Sentences
- Ihre Hilfsbereitschaft ist wirklich bewundernswert. (Her helpfulness is truly admirable.)
- Wir sind dankbar für die große Hilfsbereitschaft der Nachbarn nach dem Sturm. (We are grateful for the great helpfulness of the neighbors after the storm.)
- Er zeigte stets eine große Hilfsbereitschaft gegenüber Bedürftigen. (He always showed great helpfulness towards those in need.)
💬 How is 'Hilfsbereitschaft' used?
"Hilfsbereitschaft" is used to describe a positive character trait or to praise an action based on this trait.
- Context: Often in social interactions, descriptions of people, reports on social projects, or emergency situations.
- Typical Phrases: "große Hilfsbereitschaft zeigen" (to show great helpfulness), "für die Hilfsbereitschaft danken" (to thank for the helpfulness), "auf Hilfsbereitschaft angewiesen sein" (to depend on helpfulness).
- Distinction: While "Hilfe" is the concrete act of helping, "Hilfsbereitschaft" describes the general willingness to do so. "Freundlichkeit" (friendliness) is a general positive attitude, whereas "Hilfsbereitschaft" specifically targets helping.
🧠 How to remember 'Hilfsbereitschaft'
Article Mnemonic: Abstract nouns ending in -schaft are almost always feminine in German – think of Freundschaft (friendship), Wissenschaft (science), Bereitschaft (readiness). Therefore: die Hilfsbereitschaft.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the components: "Hilfe" (help) + "bereit" (ready/willing) + "-schaft" (suffix for abstract quality) = The quality (-schaft) of being ready (bereit) to provide help (Hilfe).
🔄 Related and Opposite Words
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Nächstenliebe: (Charity/love for one's neighbor) Emphasizes the altruistic aspect, often with religious/ethical connotations.
- Großzügigkeit: (Generosity) Often refers to material gifts but can include helpfulness.
- Entgegenkommen: (Accommodation/obligingness) Describes more of a cooperative attitude in a specific situation.
- Bereitwilligkeit (zu helfen): (Willingness (to help)) Very similar, emphasizes volition.
- Altruismus: (Altruism) Philosophical/psychological term for selflessness.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Egoismus / Selbstsucht: (Egoism / Selfishness) Focus on one's own advantage.
- Gleichgültigkeit: (Indifference) Lack of interest in the well-being of others.
- Ablehnung: (Rejection/Refusal) Actively refusing to help.
- Rücksichtslosigkeit: (Recklessness/Inconsiderateness) Lack of regard for others' needs.
⚠️ Caution: "Mitleid" (pity/compassion) is not the same as Hilfsbereitschaft. Mitleid is a feeling, while Hilfsbereitschaft is a readiness to act.
😂 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir einen Satz mit 'Hilfsbereitschaft' bilden?" Fritzchen überlegt kurz und sagt: "Klar! 'Hilf's bereit, Schaft! Wir müssen die Wiese mähen!'"
English Translation: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you make a sentence with 'Hilfsbereitschaft'?" Fritzchen thinks for a moment and says: "Sure! 'Help it ready, sheep! We need to mow the meadow!'"
(It's a pun, playing on "Hilfsbereitschaft" sounding a bit like "Hilf's bereit, Schaf" which means "Help it ready, sheep". It's grammatically nonsensical but meant humorously.)
📜 A Little Poem
German:
Ein offenes Ohr, eine helfende Hand,
so knüpft man ein unsichtbar' Band.
Nicht fragen warum, nicht zögern, nicht ruh'n,
einfach Gutes für Andre tun.
Die Hilfsbereitschaft, ein warmes Licht,
zeigt Menschlichkeit im Angesicht.
English Translation:
An open ear, a helping hand,
thus one ties an invisible band.
Not asking why, not hesitating, not resting,
simply doing good for others' testing.
Helpfulness, a warm light,
shows humanity in plain sight.
🧩 Who or What am I?
German:
Ich koste nichts, doch bin viel wert.
Ich zeige mich, wenn Not gekehrt.
Man kann mich schenken, Tag für Tag,
ich bin die Antwort auf manch' Klag'.
Ich wohne im Herzen, groß und klein,
und lass' niemanden gern allein.
Wer bin ich? ... Die Hilfsbereitschaft
English Translation:
I cost nothing, yet I'm worth a lot.
I show myself when need has got
A hold on someone, day by day,
I'm the answer to complaints, they say.
I live in hearts, both big and small,
And don't like leaving anyone to fall.
Who am I?
... Helpfulness (die Hilfsbereitschaft)
📌 More Tidbits
Word Composition: The word is a compound noun, composed of:
- Hilfe: The noun for 'help' or 'assistance'.
- -s-: A linking 's' for easier pronunciation.
- bereit: The adjective for 'ready' or 'willing'.
- -schaft: A suffix forming abstract nouns (often feminine), denoting a quality, state, or collective (like Freundschaft - friendship, Bereitschaft - readiness).
Hilfsbereitschaft (helpfulness) is considered an important social virtue in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hilfsbereitschaft?
The word "Hilfsbereitschaft" is a feminine noun. The correct article is always die: die Hilfsbereitschaft.