die  Krönung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʁøːnʊŋ/

👑 What exactly is a Krönung?

The word die Krönung has two main meanings:

1. Literal meaning: The ceremonial act of placing a crown on a monarch's (king, queen, emperor, empress) head. This symbolizes the assumption of power.

   Example: Die Krönung (The coronation) of King Charles III took place in London.

2. Figurative meaning: The high point, the peak, or the culmination of something. It often refers to the best or most successful part of a development or event. It can also be used ironically.

   Example (positive): Der Sieg im Finale war die Krönung (The victory in the final was the culmination) of his career.

   Example (ironic): Und zur Krönung (And as the crowning glory / to top it all off) des Ganzen hat es dann auch noch angefangen zu regnen! (...it then also started to rain!)

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Die Krönung in Detail

Die Krönung is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

📜 Example Sentences

• Die feierliche Krönung wurde im Fernsehen übertragen.
  (The solemn coronation was broadcast on television.) (Literal meaning)
• Seine Rede war die Krönung des Abends.
  (His speech was the highlight/crowning glory of the evening.) (Figurative meaning: highlight)
• Nach all der Mühe war der erste Platz die verdiente Krönung.
  (After all the effort, first place was the deserved culmination/reward.) (Figurative meaning: culmination/reward)
• Historische Krönungen waren oft prunkvolle Ereignisse.
  (Historical coronations were often magnificent events.) (Plural)

💡 How to use "die Krönung"?

The usage of die Krönung strongly depends on the context:

• Historical/Political: In the context of monarchies, history, and official ceremonies, the literal meaning is used.
• Everyday language (positive): When you want to describe a highlight, a special success, or the successful conclusion of something. Example: Das Dessert war die Krönung des Menüs. (The dessert was the crowning glory of the menu.)
• Everyday language (ironic/negative): Often introduced with "zur Krönung" or "als Krönung", to express that something negative is the 'crowning' event in a series of problems (similar to 'to top it all off'). Example: Erst der Stau, dann der Platten, und zur Krönung fing es an zu schneien. (First the traffic jam, then the flat tire, and to top it all off, it started to snow.)

Comparison:

• Höhepunkt (high point): Similar to Krönung (figurative), but more neutral. Krönung often implies a more celebratory or significant conclusion.
• Gipfel (peak, summit): Similar, but emphasizes reaching the highest point (of a career, a development).
• Inthronisation (enthronement): Refers more specifically to the installation into an (royal) office, often part of the coronation ceremony, but not exactly the same.

🧠 Mnemonics for Krönung

Article mnemonic: Think of the queen – she is feminine, so die Queen gets die Krone (crown) at die Krönung.

Meaning mnemonic: Imagine a crown 👑. It sits right on top of the head (literal meaning: coronation) and symbolizes the highest point, the peak (figurative meaning: culmination).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar words (potential confusion):

• Krönchen: Diminutive of Krone, meaning a small crown or coronet.
• krönen: The verb meaning 'to crown'.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der König seinen Hofnarren: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen meiner Krönung und dem Wetterbericht?"
Narr: "Nun, Majestät, bei Eurer Krönung wusste jeder, dass Ihr regieren werdet. Beim Wetterbericht ist das nicht immer so sicher!"

Translation:
The king asks his court jester: "What's the difference between my coronation and the weather forecast?"
Jester: "Well, Your Majesty, at your coronation, everyone knew you were going to reign (pun on 'regieren' - to rule, and 'regnen' - to rain). With the weather forecast, that's not always so certain!"

📜 Poem about Krönung

Samt und Seide, Glanz und Pracht,
die Krone wird zum Haupt gebracht.
Ein Volk hält inne, schaut gebannt,
die Krönung für das ganze Land.

Doch auch im Kleinen, Tag für Tag,
was Mühe kost', was man gern mag,
findet oft am End' den Lohn,
als Krönung auf dem kleinen Thron
des Alltags, der uns viel abverlangt,
sei's Dank, der süß und ehrlich klingt.

Translation:

Velvet and silk, splendour and might,
the crown is brought to head so bright.
A people pauses, watches, bound,
the coronation for the land around.

But also small, from day to day,
what effort costs, what we like, hey,
often finds its reward at last,
as coronation on the small throne cast
of everyday life, demanding much,
be it thanks, with a sweet and honest touch.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich setze Herrschern Glanz aufs Haupt,
bin oft ein Fest, wie man's erlaubt.
Auch nenn' ich stolz den höchsten Punkt,
wenn etwas Großes ist gelung'n.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I place splendour on rulers' heads,
Am often a feast, as allowed instead.
I also proudly name the highest place,
when something great is achieved with grace.

What am I?

Solution: die Krönung (the coronation / the culmination)

⚙️ Word Formation & Trivia

Word Formation: The word "Krönung" is a nominalization (forming a noun) of the verb "krönen" (to crown) by adding the suffix "-ung". "Krönen" itself derives from the noun "Krone" (crown).

Trivia:

• Die Krönungsinsignien (The coronation regalia - crown, sceptre, orb etc.) are important symbols of power and often valuable historical artifacts.
• Not all monarchies still practice a formal coronation ceremony today; some have an inauguration or swearing-in ceremony instead.