die  Konjunktur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔn.jʊŋkˈtuːɐ̯/

📈 What exactly is 'die Konjunktur'?

Die Konjunktur (feminine noun) describes the overall economic situation and development of an economy, particularly the fluctuations in economic growth. It refers to the upswing and downswing of economic activity over a certain period.

We often talk about different Konjunkturphasen (economic phases/stages of the business cycle):

• Aufschwung (Expansion): The economy grows, production increases, unemployment decreases.
• Hochkonjunktur (Boom): Capacities are fully utilized; overheating may occur.
• Abschwung (Recession): Economic growth slows down or becomes negative, unemployment rises.
• Tiefphase (Depression/Slump): Prolonged sharp decline in economic activity, high unemployment.

The word is almost exclusively used in the singular. The plural "Konjunkturen" is very rare and usually refers to different business cycles or trends in different countries or sectors.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Konjunktur'

The noun "Konjunktur" is feminine. Here is the declension in the singular:

The plural "die Konjunkturen" is rare but formed regularly:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die aktuelle Konjunktur in Deutschland ist robust.
   (The current economic situation in Germany is robust.)
2. Experten erwarten eine Abkühlung der Konjunktur im nächsten Jahr.
   (Experts expect a cooling of the economy next year.)
3. Viele Unternehmen profitieren von der guten Konjunktur.
   (Many companies benefit from the good economic situation.)
4. Die Regierung versucht, die Konjunktur durch Investitionen anzukurbeln.
   (The government is trying to boost the economy through investments.)

🗣️ How to use 'Konjunktur'?

"Konjunktur" is primarily used in an economic context to describe the general state of the economy.

• Typical expressions: "die Konjunktur ankurbeln" (to boost the economy), "die Konjunktur schwächelt" (the economy is weakening), "eine boomende Konjunktur" (a booming economy), "von der Konjunktur profitieren" (to benefit from the economic situation).
• Context: You often find the word in news reports, economic analyses, political discussions, and academic papers.
• Distinction: While "Wirtschaft" (economy) describes the entire system, "Konjunktur" specifically refers to its cyclical fluctuations and current state. "Wirtschaftslage" (economic situation) is a very similar term, but "Konjunktur" often emphasizes the dynamic aspect of ups and downs more strongly.
• Figurative use: Sometimes, "Konjunktur haben" is used more generally to mean "to be currently in high demand/popular" (e.g., "Gesundheits-Apps haben gerade Konjunktur." - Health apps are currently booming.). However, this is a figurative meaning.

💡 Mnemonics for 'die Konjunktur'

Article Mnemonic: Think of the economy as a somewhat unpredictable entity, perhaps like Mother Nature (die Natur) or Culture (die Kultur) – often represented by feminine nouns in German, especially those ending in "-ur". So it's die Konjunktur.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Konjunktur" involves the *junctures* (connections, situations) of the economy coming together (Latin *con-*) to create the current up or down trend. Think of the *juncture* the economy is currently at.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with "Konjunktion" (conjunction in grammar) or "Konjunktiv" (subjunctive mood of a verb).

😄 A Little Economic Joke

Fragt der Banker den anderen: "Wie schläfst du eigentlich bei dieser Konjunktur?" Sagt der andere: "Wie ein Baby! Ich wache jede Stunde auf und weine."

Translation: One banker asks the other: "How do you sleep with the economy like this?" The other replies: "Like a baby! I wake up every hour and cry."

📜 Poem about the Konjunktur

Die Wirtschaft schwankt, mal hoch, mal tief,
Ein Auf und Ab, das nie schlief.
Mal brummt der Motor, voller Kraft,
Mal stockt der Handel, kaum geschafft.
Die Konjunktur, sie tanzt im Kreis,
Mal heiß begehrt, mal kalter Schweiß.

Translation:
The economy sways, now high, now deep,
An up and down that never sleeps.
Sometimes the engine hums, full of might,
Sometimes trade stalls, barely in sight.
The economic cycle, it dances around,
Sometimes hotly desired, sometimes cold sweat is found.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe Zyklen, bin mal stark, mal schwach,
beeinflusse Arbeit, Geld und Dach.
Mal bring ich Boom, mal Rezession,
Politiker beobachten mich mit Passion.
Ich bin feminin, mein Artikel ist "die",
Wie nennt man die Wirtschaftslage – wie?

Translation:
I have cycles, sometimes strong, sometimes weak,
Affecting jobs, money, and the roof you seek.
Sometimes I bring boom, sometimes recession's plight,
Politicians watch me with all their might.
I am feminine, my article is "die",
What is the name for the economy's state - tell me why?

Solution: die Konjunktur

🌐 Other Information

Etymology: The word "Konjunktur" comes from the Latin verb coniungere, meaning "to connect" or "to meet". It refers to the coming together of various economic factors and circumstances that determine the overall situation.

Compound Words: There are many compound German words involving "Konjunktur", e.g.:

• Konjunkturzyklus (business cycle)
• Konjunkturprognose (economic forecast)
• Konjunkturflaute (economic slump)
• Konjunkturpaket (economic stimulus package)
• Konjunkturforschung (business cycle research)
• Hochkonjunktur (boom period) / Sonderkonjunktur (special economic boom, often sector-specific)