die
Kriegserklärung
📜 What does "die Kriegserklärung" mean?
Die Kriegserklärung is a feminine noun that refers to a formal declaration by one state to another, according to international law, stating that a state of war exists or will exist between them. It's an official diplomatic act, even though it's hostile in nature.
There's only this one meaning for the word, and it always uses the article "die".
- Meaning: Official, formal declaration of the start of a war.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📚 Grammar of "die Kriegserklärung" in Detail
The word "Kriegserklärung" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kriegserklärung |
| Genitive | der | Kriegserklärung |
| Dative | der | Kriegserklärung |
| Accusative | die | Kriegserklärung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kriegserklärungen |
| Genitive | der | Kriegserklärungen |
| Dative | den | Kriegserklärungen |
| Accusative | die | Kriegserklärungen |
Example Sentences
- Die Kriegserklärung wurde vom Botschafter überreicht.
(The declaration of war was delivered by the ambassador.) - Nach der Kriegserklärung mobilisierte das Land seine Truppen.
(After the declaration of war, the country mobilized its troops.) - Die Geschichtsbücher analysieren die Umstände, die zu den Kriegserklärungen führten.
(The history books analyze the circumstances that led to the declarations of war.) - Eine formelle Kriegserklärung ist heute seltener geworden.
(A formal declaration of war has become rarer today.)
🗣️ How to use "Kriegserklärung"?
"Kriegserklärung" is primarily used in the context of international relations, history, and politics. It denotes a specific act under international law.
- Formal Context: Used in diplomatic notes, historical texts, news reports about international conflicts.
- Distinction: A Kriegserklärung is a formal act. A war can also begin without such a declaration (e.g., through an invasion).
- Figurative Meaning (Rare): Sometimes the term is used metaphorically for a very aggressive announcement or challenge in a non-military context (e.g., in sports or business), but this is rather colloquial and can sound exaggerated. Example: "Seine Rede war eine einzige Kriegserklärung an die Konkurrenz." (His speech was a complete declaration of war on the competition.)
💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: The word ends in "-ung" (Erklärung), and nouns ending in "-ung" are almost always feminine (die). Remember: Die Erklärung (the declaration) leads to war → die Kriegserklärung.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Kriegs (war's) + Erklärung (declaration). It literally means a "declaration of war". Quite straightforward!
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- Kriegsansage: Very similar, often used synonymously (war announcement).
- Ultimatum: A final demand, the rejection of which often leads to a declaration of war, but it's not the same thing.
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Friedensschluss / Friedensvertrag: Peace treaty / conclusion of peace (formal end of war).
- Waffenstillstand / Waffenruhe: Ceasefire / armistice (temporary halt of hostilities).
- Kapitulation: Capitulation, surrender.
- Friedenserklärung: (rarer) Declaration of peace.
⚠️ Watch out, don't confuse!
- Kriegszustand: The state of war (the fact that war exists, which can occur without a formal declaration).
- Feindseligkeiten: Hostilities (the acts of fighting themselves).
😄 A Little Joke
Warum brauchen Diplomaten so lange, um eine Kriegserklärung zu verfassen?
Weil sie sicherstellen müssen, dass die Schriftart auch wirklich feindselig genug aussieht! 😉
(Why do diplomats take so long to write a declaration of war?
Because they have to make sure the font looks hostile enough!)
✒️ Poem about the Kriegserklärung
Ein Blatt Papier, mit ernstem Ton,
verkündet Krieg, nicht Hohn, nicht Spott.
Die Tinte schwarz, die Worte schwer,
die Kriegserklärung, nun ist's soweit, Herr.
Ein Akt formal, doch voller Leid,
der Anfang einer dunklen Zeit.
(A sheet of paper, in serious tone,
announces war, not scorn, not mockery.
Ink black, the words weigh heavily,
the declaration of war, now it's time, Sir.
A formal act, yet full of sorrow,
the beginning of a dark tomorrow.)
🤔 Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Dokument, doch bringe selten Glück.
Ich starte offiziell das große Ungeschick.
Zwei Länder sind beteiligt, oft noch mehr,
ich bin der Startschuss für das Waffenheer.
Was bin ich?
(Die Kriegserklärung)
(I am a document, but seldom bring good luck.
I officially start the great misfortune.
Two countries are involved, often even more,
I am the starting signal for the armed force.
What am I?
Answer: The declaration of war)
🌐 Other Interesting Details
Word Composition:
The word "Kriegserklärung" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Der Krieg: (noun, masculine) - War
- -s-: Linking 's'
- Die Erklärung: (noun, feminine) - Declaration, explanation
Together, it means "declaration of war".
Historical Context:
Formal declarations of war were an important part of international law in history, especially following the Hague Conventions. Today, they have become rarer, as many conflicts begin without a formal declaration.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kriegserklärung?
The German word Kriegserklärung is a feminine noun, so it always takes the article die. It refers to the formal, official declaration of the beginning of a war between states.