die  Konstellation

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/kɔn.stɛ.laˈt͡si̯oːn/

🌌 What does 'die Konstellation' mean?

'Die Konstellation' is a feminine noun with two primary meanings:

1. Astronomical: The apparent grouping of stars in the sky that form a pattern (Sternbild - constellation). Example: Der Große Wagen (the Big Dipper/Plough) is a well-known Konstellation.

2. Figurative: The specific combination of circumstances, conditions, or factors interacting at a particular time, shaping a situation. Example: Die politische Konstellation (the political situation/setup) is very tense right now.

There are no common pitfalls 🚨, as the word is almost exclusively used with the article 'die' and the meaning is usually clear from the context.

📐 Grammar Explained: Die Konstellation

'Die Konstellation' is a feminine noun. The ending '-ion' often indicates a feminine noun in German.

Example Sentences

• Die Astronomen beobachteten eine seltene Konstellation am Nachthimmel.
  (The astronomers observed a rare constellation in the night sky.)
• In dieser schwierigen finanziellen Konstellation müssen wir sparen.
  (In this difficult financial situation/setup, we have to save money.)
• Die Konstellation der Planeten soll unser Schicksal beeinflussen.
  (The constellation/alignment of the planets is said to influence our destiny.)
• Eine günstige Konstellation der Ereignisse führte zum Erfolg des Projekts.
  (A favourable constellation/combination of events led to the project's success.)

💡 Using 'Konstellation'

The word 'Konstellation' is used in both scientific (astronomy) and everyday language.

• Astronomy/Astrology: Refers directly to the arrangement of celestial bodies. Example: Die Konstellation des Orion ist im Winter gut sichtbar. (The constellation Orion is easily visible in winter.)
• Everyday/Figurative Meaning: Describes the specific mix of circumstances, influences, or people involved in a particular situation. It's often used to describe complex interrelationships. Example: Die personelle Konstellation im Team hat sich geändert. (The personnel constellation/makeup within the team has changed.)

Comparison with similar words:

• Situation/Lage (Situation/Position): These words are more general, simply describing a state or circumstance. 'Konstellation' emphasizes the coming together and specific arrangement of different factors.
• Sternbild (Constellation): This is a more specific term for an officially named group of stars in astronomy. 'Konstellation' can more generally mean any arrangement of stars or, figuratively, circumstances.
• Anordnung/Gefüge (Arrangement/Structure): These terms emphasize the structure, whereas 'Konstellation' often implies the resulting effect or significance.

🧠 Mnemonics

Article 'die': Many nouns ending in -ion (like Revolution, Station, Diskussion) are feminine in German. Remember: Die information about the Konstellation. (Information is also 'die Information').

Meaning: Imagine stars (Latin stella) standing together (Latin con-) – that's a Konstellation in the sky. Figuratively, circumstances or people also 'stand together' in a specific arrangement – a Konstellation of factors.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• die Installation: Refers to the act of installing something (e.g., software, an art piece), not an existing arrangement of circumstances or stars.
• die Konstitution: Refers to the constitution (of a state, or a person's physical/mental makeup).

😄 A Little Joke

Der Astronomielehrer fragt: "Wer kann mir eine bekannte Konstellation nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Die ungünstige Konstellation meiner Noten auf dem Zeugnis!"

Translation:
The astronomy teacher asks: "Who can name a well-known constellation?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "The unfavourable constellation of my grades on my report card!"

📜 Poem about Konstellation

Am Himmel Sterne, hell und klar,
bilden Muster, wunderbar.
Die Konstellation, ein stilles Zeichen,
lässt alte Mythen neu aufweichen.

Doch auch im Leben, Tag für Tag,
was die Konstellation wohl sagt?
Aus Glück und Zufall, Plan und Tat,
ergibt sich oft ein neuer Pfad.

Translation:
In the sky, stars bright and clear,
form patterns, wonderful to peer.
The constellation, a silent sign,
lets ancient myths again entwine.

But also in life, day by day,
what does the constellation say?
From luck and chance, plan and deed,
often sprouts a path, a new lead.

❓ Riddle

Ich zeig am Himmel Sterne aufgereiht,
und beschreib im Leben die Gegebenheit.
Mal günstig, mal bringt sie Beschwer.
Sag, wer bin ich, bitte sehr?

Translation:
I show stars lined up in the sky,
And describe life's circumstances, low or high.
Sometimes favorable, sometimes bringing strife.
Tell me, who am I, upon my life?

Solution: Die Konstellation (The constellation / The situation)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition (Etymology):

The word comes from the Latin constellatio, meaning 'constellation'. It is composed of:

• con- (together)
• stella (star)

Typical Collocations:

• eine günstige/ungünstige Konstellation (a favourable/unfavourable constellation/situation)
• eine besondere/seltene Konstellation (a special/rare constellation/situation)
• die politische/wirtschaftliche/persönliche Konstellation (the political/economic/personal constellation/situation)