die  Information

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪnfɔʁmaˈt͡si̯oːn/

💡 What does 'die Information' mean?

Die Information (feminine, plural: die Informationen) generally refers to news, information, a message, or knowledge about a specific matter, event, or person. It serves to convey knowledge and eliminate ignorance.

It can refer to individual data points or a more comprehensive body of knowledge.

• Concrete: A single piece of information (e.g., die Abfahrtszeit eines Zuges - the departure time of a train).
• Abstract: Knowledge or awareness about a topic (e.g., Information über den Klimawandel - information about climate change).

🚨 Attention: In German, 'Information' is often used in the plural (Informationen) when referring to multiple specific pieces of information (Ich brauche Informationen über Hotels - I need information about hotels), but also in the singular as a general concept (Der Zugang zu Information ist wichtig - Access to information is important).

📚 Grammar Compass: Die Information

The noun 'Information' is feminine. The correct article is therefore 'die'. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Diese Information war sehr hilfreich. (This information was very helpful.)
2. Ich benötige dringend die Information über den Zeitplan. (I urgently need the information about the schedule.)
3. Dank der Information konnte ich das Problem lösen. (Thanks to the information, I could solve the problem.)
4. Der Wert der Information ist unschätzbar. (The value of the information is invaluable.)
5. Die Informationen auf der Webseite sind veraltet. (The information on the website is outdated.)
6. Wir sammeln alle relevanten Informationen. (We are collecting all relevant information.)
7. Mit diesen Informationen können wir arbeiten. (We can work with this information.)
8. Die Richtigkeit der Informationen muss überprüft werden. (The accuracy of the information must be checked.)

🗣️ How and when to use 'Information'?

Die Information is a very common word in German. Here are some typical contexts:

• Getting/Giving Information: Können Sie mir bitte eine Information geben? (Could you please give me some information?) Ich habe die Information erhalten, dass... (I received the information that...)
• Knowledge Transfer: Das Buch enthält viele nützliche Informationen. (The book contains a lot of useful information.) Die Informationstechnologie (IT) hat unser Leben verändert. (Information technology (IT) has changed our lives.)
• News/Reports: Often used in the plural: Die neuesten Informationen zur Lage finden Sie online. (You can find the latest information on the situation online.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Nachricht: Often more specific, referring to a concrete message or piece of news (e.g., breaking news). Information can be more general.
• Auskunft: Usually refers to an answer to a specific question, often verbally or at a counter. Information is broader.
• Daten: Raw data, facts, figures. Information often arises from the interpretation and structuring of data.

In technical or scientific contexts, 'Information' is often defined more precisely (e.g., in computer science or information theory).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Information'

Here are two mnemonics to help you remember the article and meaning of 'die Information':

For the article 'die': Many German nouns ending in '-ion' are feminine (die Nation, die Diskussion, die Aktion). So, remember: -ion at the end? Very often die! This applies to die Information too.

For the meaning: The word 'Information' looks very similar to the English word 'information' and means the same thing. When you want to know something, you need info – Informationen.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Be careful with 'Daten': Data is often the basis for information, but not the same thing. Information has context and meaning, while data can be just raw numbers or facts.

😄 A Little Info Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Können Sie mir bitte die wichtigsten Informationen über unser neues Projekt zusammenfassen?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Chef: Es ist neu."

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Could you please summarize the most important information about our new project for me?"
The employee replies: "Yes, boss: It's new."

📜 Poem about Information

Die Information, mal kurz, mal lang,
Verbreitet sich mit hellem Klang.
Sie fließt durch Kabel, Wort und Bild,
Ein Wissensstrom, mal sanft, mal wild.

Von A nach B, von hier nach dort,
Ein wertvoller, geheimer Hort?
Nein, offen oft, für jeden klar,
Macht Unbekanntes offenbar.

Translation:
The information, sometimes short, sometimes long,
Spreads itself with a bright sound along.
It flows through cable, word, and sight,
A stream of knowledge, gentle or wild in might.

From A to B, from here to there,
A valuable, secret treasure rare?
No, often open, for all to see,
Making the unknown clear as can be.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch kann ich sprechen.
Ich habe keine Beine, doch kann ich reisen.
Ich kann Wissen bringen oder Herzen brechen.
Man sucht mich oft auf vielerlei Weisen.

Was bin ich? ... Die Information

Translation:
I have no mouth, yet I can speak.
I have no legs, yet I can travel.
I can bring knowledge or make hearts weak.
People often seek me in ways that unravel.

What am I?
... Information

➕ Other Interesting Facts

Etymology (Word Origin):

The word 'Information' comes from the Latin verb informare, meaning 'to shape', 'to form', 'to instruct'. The noun informatio meant 'concept', 'idea', 'instruction'.

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen):

'Information' is part of many compound words in German, e.g.:

• Informationsquelle (source of information)
• Informationstechnologie (IT - information technology)
• Informationsfluss (information flow)
• Informationsschalter (information desk)
• Verbraucherinformation (consumer information)

Note the linking 's' ('Informations-'), which is often used in compounds.