die  Klärung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈklɛːʁʊŋ/

🤔 What does "die Klärung" mean?

The noun die Klärung is feminine and has several related meanings:

• Clarification / Elucidation: Removing ambiguities or misunderstandings. Making something understandable or talking through a situation.
  Example: Nach dem Gespräch gab es endlich Klärung über die Zuständigkeiten. (After the discussion, there was finally clarification regarding the responsibilities.)
• Resolution / Settlement: Solving a conflict or problem, finding an agreement.
  Example: Die Klärung des Streits dauerte mehrere Stunden. (The resolution of the dispute took several hours.)
• Purification (esp. of liquids): The process of cleaning, especially wastewater in a sewage treatment plant (Kläranlage).
  Example: Die Klärung des Abwassers ist wichtig für die Umwelt. (The purification of wastewater is important for the environment.)

⚠️ Although mostly used in the singular, the plural "die Klärungen" can occur to denote multiple individual clarification processes or efforts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Klärung

The word die Klärung is a feminine noun. It's derived from the verb "klären" (to clarify, to clear) and follows the typical declension pattern for feminine nouns, especially those ending in "-ung".

Declension (Singular):

Declension (Plural - rare):

The plural "die Klärungen" is used less frequently, usually meaning "several clarification processes" or "efforts towards clarification".

📝 Example Sentences

1. Wir brauchen dringend eine Klärung der Situation.
   (We urgently need a clarification of the situation.)
2. Die Klärung des Sachverhalts erforderte viele Nachfragen.
   (The clarification of the facts required many inquiries.)
3. Dank der Mediation kam es zu einer friedlichen Klärung des Konflikts.
   (Thanks to mediation, a peaceful resolution of the conflict was reached.)
4. Die biologische Klärung von Abwasser ist ein komplexer Prozess.
   (The biological purification of wastewater is a complex process.)

💡 How to use "die Klärung"?

Die Klärung is used in various contexts:

• In Conversation / Communication: When something is unclear and needs explanation. One might ask for Klärung or offer it. ("Zur Klärung: Ich meinte damit Folgendes..." - "For clarification: I meant the following...")
• With Conflicts / Problems: When a solution or agreement needs to be found. One speaks of the Klärung of a dispute, a question, or a problem. ("Wir arbeiten an einer Klärung." - "We are working on a resolution.")
• Technical / Environmental: In connection with purification processes, especially for liquids like wastewater in a Kläranlage (sewage treatment plant).

Typical Collocations:

• bedarf der Klärung / einer Klärung bedürfen (requires clarification)
• zur Klärung beitragen (to contribute to clarification)
• um Klärung bitten (to ask for clarification)
• eine Klärung herbeiführen (to bring about clarification/resolution)

Distinction: While Erläuterung often just means explanation, Klärung often implies also removing misunderstandings or solving problems. Aufklärung can also mean investigation (e.g., solving a crime).

🧠 Mnemonics for Klärung

For the Article (die): Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine. Think of: die Meinung (opinion), die Lösung (solution), die Hoffnung (hope) – and therefore also die Klärung. It's a very reliable rule!

For the Meaning: Imagine something murky and unclear (like dirty water or a confusing situation). The verb is "klären" (to clear up, make understandable). The result of this process is die Klärung – when everything is clear and understandable again. Think 'clearing' leads to 'Klärung'.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Klärung

Similar, but potentially misleading words:

• Erklärung: Can mean explanation, but also declaration or definition, not necessarily just clearing up ambiguity.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir den Unterschied zwischen Klärung und Erklärung erklären?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Bei der Klärung wird's sauber, bei der Erklärung wird's hoffentlich klarer!"

Translation: The teacher asks: "Who can explain the difference between Klärung (clarification/purification) and Erklärung (explanation)?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "With Klärung things get clean, with Erklärung things hopefully get clearer!"

📜 A Poem about Klärung

Manch Wort verwirrt, manch Satz bleibt vage,
es stellt sich dringend die Sinnfrage.
Doch Kommunikation, Gespräch im Raum,
bringt Klärung, löst den dunklen Traum.
Was trüb erschien, wird hell und rein,
so soll Verstehen immer sein.

Translation: Some words confuse, some sentences remain vague,
the question of meaning urgently arises.
But communication, conversation in the room,
brings clarification, dispels the dark dream.
What seemed murky becomes bright and pure,
thus understanding should always endure.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich mache Unsinn wieder klar,
und löse Knoten, wunderbar.
Ob Streit, ob Schmutz im Wasserlauf,
ich räume Hindernisse auf.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Klärung

Translation:
I make nonsense clear again,
and untie knots, wonderfully.
Whether dispute, or dirt in the watercourse,
I clear away obstacles.

What am I?

Solution: die Klärung (clarification/resolution/purification)

✨ More Information

Word Formation:

The word "Klärung" is a so-called Nomen Actionis (noun describing an action), formed from the verb "klären" (to clarify, clear) by adding the suffix "-ung". This formation typically describes the act or the result of the verb.

• klären (verb) + -ung (suffix) → die Klärung (noun)

Related Terms:

• Kläranlage: Sewage treatment plant.
• Klärschlamm: Sewage sludge.
• Klärbedarf: Need for clarification.
• Aufklärung: Can also mean (sexual) education or the historical Age of Enlightenment.