die  Kehrseite

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkeːɐ̯ˌzaɪ̯tə/

📖 What does "die Kehrseite" mean?

The German word die Kehrseite primarily has two meanings:

1. The reverse side or other side of something flat: This often refers to objects like coins (Münzen), medals (Medaillen), sheets of paper (Blätter Papier), or fabrics (Stoffe). It's the side not typically considered the front (Vorderseite).
2. The downside, the flip side, or the negative aspect of something (figurative meaning): This is the most common usage in a figurative sense. When something positive also has negative consequences or aspects, one speaks of the Kehrseite. The phrase "die Kehrseite der Medaille" (the other side of the coin) is famous.

It is a feminine noun, so it's always die Kehrseite. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with similar-sounding words like "Kehrtwende" (U-turn).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Kehrseite

"Kehrseite" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:

Declension (Feminine)

Example Sentences

• Literal: Auf der Kehrseite der Münze ist eine Zahl eingeprägt.
  (A number is embossed on the reverse side of the coin.)
• Figurative: Der Ruhm hat auch seine Kehrseite; man hat kaum noch Privatsphäre.
  (Fame also has its downside; one hardly has any privacy anymore.)
• Figurative: Wir müssen auch die Kehrseite dieser Entscheidung betrachten.
  (We also have to consider the downside of this decision.)
• Idiom: Jede Medaille hat ihre Kehrseite.
  (Every coin has its flip side / Every rose has its thorn.)

💡 Usage in Context

The use of die Kehrseite heavily depends on the context:

• Literal Meaning: Used less frequently in everyday life, mostly when describing objects (coins, medals, documents). Example: "Bitte unterschreiben Sie auf der Kehrseite des Formulars." (Please sign on the reverse side of the form.)
• Figurative Meaning: Very common! Used to point out the negative, often hidden aspects of an otherwise positive or neutral matter. It implies that one should look at a situation from all angles. Typical collocation: "die Kehrseite der Medaille" (the flip side of the coin).

One often uses "Kehrseite" to show a balanced perspective or to warn about undesirable consequences.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Kehrseite"

Article Mnemonic: Imagine turning a coin over. 'DIE andere Seite' (the other side) is 'DIE Kehrseite'. The word 'Seite' (side) is feminine, and 'Kehrseite' inherits this gender.

Meaning Mnemonic (Figurative): When you have something good (the 'Sonnenseite' - sunny side), you often have to 'kehren' (sweep away) something negative – that's the 'Kehrseite'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful with Gegenteil (opposite): While logically an antonym, its usage in German often differs (e.g., 'das Gegenteil behaupten' - to claim the opposite) and doesn't always fit as a direct antonym for Kehrseite in its figurative sense.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum ist die Kehrseite der Medaille oft so unbeliebt?
(Why is the flip side of the coin often so unpopular?)

Weil sie immer alles umdreht! 😉
(Because it always turns everything around! / Because it's always turning things over!)

📜 Poem about the Kehrseite

Jedes Ding hat zwei Gesichter,
(Everything has two faces,)
Eins zum Licht, eins dunkler, schlichter.
(One towards light, one darker, plainer.)
Was vorn glänzt in hellem Schein,
(What shines brightly at the front,)
Trägt hinten oft den Dorn hinein.
(Often carries the thorn within at the back.)
Man nennt es schlicht die Kehrseite,
(It's simply called the flip side,)
Des Lebens ernste, zweite Breite.
(Life's serious, second breadth.)
Drum prüfe wohl, was ewig bindet,
(Therefore, examine well what binds forever,)
Ob nicht ein Haken sich dahinter findet.
(Whether a catch is not found behind it.)

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin die andere Seite, oft nicht gleich bekannt,
(I am the other side, often not immediately known,)
Bin der Nachteil, der Schatten in sonnigem Land.
(Am the disadvantage, the shadow in a sunny land.)
Man findet mich auf Münzen und im übertragenen Sinn,
(You find me on coins and in a figurative sense,)
Zeige auf, dass nicht alles Gold ist, was glänzt von Beginn.
(Show that not all that glitters from the start is gold.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: die Kehrseite

🤓 Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word "Kehrseite" is composed of:

• kehren: This verb can mean "to turn", "to revert" (e.g., 'kehrtmachen' - to make a U-turn) or also "to sweep", "to clean". In the context of "Kehrseite", the meaning "to turn" is relevant.
• Seite: A feminine noun meaning "side", "face", or "aspect".

So, "Kehrseite" literally means the "turned side".

Common Idiom:

"Die Kehrseite der Medaille" (The flip side of the coin) is a very common German idiom meaning that every matter or situation also has a negative or less pleasant side, even if it appears positive at first glance.