die  Kapitulation

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kapiˌtulaˈt͡si̯oːn/

📜 What does 'die Kapitulation' mean?

Die Kapitulation (noun, feminine) primarily means surrender or capitulation in a military context, i.e., ceasing combat and yielding to the enemy. It often occurs under specific, negotiated terms.

In a figurative sense, Kapitulation can also mean giving up resistance, yielding, or resignation in other areas of life (e.g., facing a difficult task or in an argument).

• Military context: Die bedingungslose Kapitulation beendete den Krieg. (The unconditional surrender ended the war.)
• Figurative context: Seine Weigerung weiterzudiskutieren war eine klare Kapitulation. (His refusal to discuss further was a clear capitulation/surrender.)

⚠️ This word only takes the feminine article 'die'.

📊 Grammar Corner: 'die Kapitulation'

The word 'Kapitulation' is a feminine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Die Kapitulation der Armee erfolgte nach langer Belagerung. (The army's surrender occurred after a long siege.)
2. Nach stundenlanger Debatte glich sein Schweigen einer Kapitulation. (After hours of debate, his silence resembled a surrender.)
3. Historische Dokumente beschreiben die Bedingungen der Kapitulation. (Historical documents describe the terms of the surrender.)
4. Manchmal ist die Kapitulation vor einer unlösbaren Aufgabe der einzige Weg. (Sometimes, surrendering to an unsolvable task is the only way.)

💡 Usage Notes: When to use Kapitulation?

The term 'die Kapitulation' is mainly used in formal or historical contexts, especially regarding military conflicts.

• Military/History: In reports about wars, peace negotiations, or historical events (e.g., die Kapitulation von Stalingrad - the surrender of Stalingrad).
• Politics/Law: In negotiations where one side gives up or makes concessions equivalent to surrender.
• Figurative Sense: Often used to describe a clear act of giving up or yielding in discussions, personal challenges, or sports competitions. It often sounds stronger and more final than 'aufgeben' (to give up) or 'nachgeben' (to yield).

Compared to 'Aufgabe' (giving up, task) or 'Unterwerfung' (submission), 'Kapitulation' often emphasizes the formal act of surrender, sometimes linked to contractual terms.

🧠 Mnemonics for Kapitulation

For the article 'die': Think of 'the' end of the fight, or 'the' white flag often associated with surrender. In German, 'die Fahne' (the flag) is feminine, just like 'die Kapitulation'.

For the meaning: 'Kapitulation' sounds very similar to the English word 'capitulation', which has the same meaning. You can also imagine someone feeling 'kaput' (German slang for broken/exhausted) and deciding on Kapitulation.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Watch out for similar words:

Kapital: Refers to capital (money, assets) and is unrelated to 'Kapitulation', despite the similar beginning.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker vor der Aufgabe kapituliert?
(Why did the mathematician capitulate before the task?)

Er sah zu viele Probleme!
(He saw too many problems!)

📜 Poem about Kapitulation

Die Fahne weiß, der Mut ist fort,
(The flag is white, courage departed,)
Ein letztes, schweres, stilles Wort.
(A final, heavy, silent word.)
Kein Kampf mehr, nur die bittre Ruh,
(No more fighting, just bitter rest,)
Der Feind rückt nah, schließt Tore zu.
(The enemy approaches, closes gates.)
Die Waffen ruhn, gesenkt der Blick,
(Weapons rest, gaze lowered,)
Die Kapitulation – kein Weg zurück.
(The capitulation – no way back.)
Ein Ende mit Bedacht, vielleicht,
(An end perhaps considered,)
Doch Narben tief die Seele zeich't.
(But scars mark the soul deeply.)

❓ Riddle

Ich beende Streit und Krieg,
(I end conflict and war,)
bin oft kein stolzer Sieg.
(am often not a proud victory.)
Manchmal bin ich bedingungslos,
(Sometimes I am unconditional,)
manchmal verhandelt, groß.
(sometimes negotiated, grand.)
Die weiße Fahne ist mein Zeichen,
(The white flag is my sign,)
wenn Armeen weichen.
(when armies yield.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: die Kapitulation

🧩 Other Information

Word Origin: The word 'Kapitulation' comes from Middle Latin capitulatio, which originally meant 'drafting of articles or chapters' (from Latin capitulum = little head, chapter). Later, the meaning evolved to 'contractual surrender of a fortress' and then more generally to military surrender.

Famous Capitulations: The German surrender at the end of World War II (May 1945) is a central event in modern history.