die
Intoleranz
🧐 What exactly does Intoleranz mean?
Die Intoleranz (feminine) describes an attitude or characteristic of Unduldsamkeit (intolerance) or a lack of willingness to accept or endure other opinions, beliefs, behaviors, or people. It can refer to various areas:
- Social/Political Intolerance: Rejection of other cultures, religions, political views, or lifestyles.
- Personal Intolerance: Lack of patience or acceptance towards the traits or habits of other people.
- Medical Intolerance: A physical Unverträglichkeit (intolerance) towards certain substances (e.g., Laktoseintoleranz - lactose intolerance, Glutenintoleranz - gluten intolerance). ⚠️ In this case, it's not a character trait but a physiological reaction.
The word usually carries a strong negative connotation when referring to social or personal aspects.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-anz → almost always feminine.
📜 Grammar of 'die Intoleranz' under the microscope
The noun 'Intoleranz' is feminine. It is mainly used in the singular as it describes an abstract concept. The plural ('die Intoleranzen') is rare and usually refers to different types or cases of intolerances (often in a medical context).
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Intoleranz |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Intoleranz |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Intoleranz |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Intoleranz |
Example Sentences
- Religiöse Intoleranz hat in der Geschichte viel Leid verursacht.
(Religious intolerance has caused much suffering throughout history.) - Seine Intoleranz gegenüber anderen Meinungen macht Diskussionen schwierig.
(His intolerance towards other opinions makes discussions difficult.) - Wegen ihrer Laktoseintoleranz muss sie auf Milchprodukte verzichten.
(Because of her lactose intolerance, she has to avoid dairy products.) - Wir müssen gegen jede Form von Intoleranz kämpfen.
(We must fight against every form of intolerance.)
🌐 How is Intoleranz used?
'Die Intoleranz' is often used in discussions about society, politics, ethics, and personal relationships. It describes a rejection or lack of acceptance that is viewed negatively.
- Social Context: Rassismus (racism), Fremdenfeindlichkeit (xenophobia), Homophobie (homophobia) are forms of social intolerance.
- Political Context: Rejection of democratic processes or other political beliefs.
- Personal Context: Lack of patience with dissenters or people with different lifestyles.
- Medical Context: More neutral here, describes a physiological reaction (e.g., Nahrungsmittelintoleranz - food intolerance).
In contrast to Toleranz (tolerance), which means forbearance and acceptance, Intoleranz stands for demarcation and rejection. It's a stronger word than, for example, 'Skepsis' (skepticism) or 'Kritik' (criticism).
💡 Mnemonics for 'die Intoleranz'
Article Mnemonic: Think of DIE attitude that is intolerant. Or imagine a queen (feminine -> die) who is very intolerant. Feminine nouns ending in "-anz" (like Toleranz, Akzeptanz, Arroganz) are common – Intoleranz fits this pattern.
Meaning Mnemonic: IN-toleranz means being NOT tolerant. The prefix 'in-' often means 'not' or 'un-'. It sounds very similar to the English word intolerance.
🔄 Opposites and Similarities
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Unduldsamkeit: Lack of willingness to tolerate something.
- Engstirnigkeit: Narrow-mindedness, lack of openness.
- Unverträglichkeit: (often medical) Inability to tolerate a substance; (figuratively) Difficulty in dealing with others.
- Fanatismus: Extreme, often intolerant devotion to an idea.
- Radikalität: Uncompromising attitude.
⚠️ Be careful with Kritik (criticism): Criticism is a reasoned judgment, whereas intolerance is often a sweeping rejection without willingness to engage.
😂 A little Joke
Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Haben Sie eine Laktoseintoleranz?"
Antwortet der Patient: "Nein, Herr Doktor, gegen Laktose habe ich persönlich nichts, aber ich vertrage sie einfach nicht!"
Translation:
The doctor asks the patient: "Do you have lactose intolerance?"
The patient replies: "No, Doctor, I personally have nothing against lactose, I just can't tolerate it!"
✍️ Poem about Intolerance
Die Mauer im Kopf, sie steht so fest,
Die Intoleranz hält uns im Nest.
Ein enges Nest, wo Fremdes stört,
Wo Anderssein nicht gern gehört.
Doch reiß die Mauer endlich ein,
Lass Offenheit und Duldung sein.
Die Welt ist bunt, so wunderbar,
Erst ohne Hass wird Zukunft klar.
Translation:
The wall in the head, it stands so firm,
Intolerance keeps us in the nest, confirmed.
A narrow nest, where difference disturbs,
Where being different isn't gladly heard.
But tear the wall down, finally break free,
Let openness and tolerance be.
The world is colorful, so wonderful to see,
Only without hate will the future be clear, agree?
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin das Gegenteil von Duldung und Ruh',
verschließe die Tür und mach' Herzen zu.
Ich sehe nur meins, nicht das Andere, das Fremde,
und sorge für Streit und unschöne Geländ'e.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung: die Intoleranz)
Translation:
I am the opposite of tolerance and peace,
I close the door and make hearts cease.
I see only mine, not the other, the strange,
And cause strife and unpleasant exchange.
What am I?
(Answer: die Intoleranz / intolerance)
🧩 Further Details
Etymology: The word 'Intoleranz' comes from the Latin intolerantia, meaning 'impatience' or 'intolerability'. It is composed of the negation particle in- ('not') and tolerantia ('tolerance', from tolerare = 'to bear', 'to endure').
Related Terms: Toleranz (opposite), intolerant (adjective).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Intoleranz?
The correct article for Intoleranz is die. It is a feminine noun (die Intoleranz, der Intoleranz, ...). It describes intolerance or the inability to endure something.