die  Leidenschaft

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlaɪdnʃaft/

❤️ What exactly does "die Leidenschaft" mean?

Die Leidenschaft (feminine noun) describes a very strong feeling or intense inclination towards a particular thing, person, or activity. It goes beyond mere interest or preference and is often associated with great devotion, enthusiasm, and sometimes even suffering (as hinted at by the word part 'Leiden' = suffering).

• Strong Emotion/Devotion: A deep, often all-consuming affection or enthusiasm (e.g., Leidenschaft für Musik - passion for music, leidenschaftliche Liebe - passionate love).
• Intense Hobby/Interest: An activity pursued with great joy and commitment (e.g., Seine Leidenschaft ist das Kochen - His passion is cooking).
• Affect/Desire: Can also denote a strong, sometimes uncontrolled urge or desire (often in plural: die Leidenschaften - the passions).

⚠️ Although 'Leiden' (suffering) is part of the word, the connotation today is mostly positive in the sense of enthusiasm and dedication.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Leidenschaft"

"Leidenschaft" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Ihre Leidenschaft für die Malerei ist unübersehbar.
   (Her passion for painting is unmistakable.)
2. Er widmete sich ganz der Leidenschaft seines Lebens: dem Segeln.
   (He devoted himself entirely to the passion of his life: sailing.)
3. Sie entdeckte ihre Leidenschaft für alte Bücher.
   (She discovered her passion for old books.)
4. Manchmal muss man seine Leidenschaften zügeln.
   (Sometimes one must restrain one's passions.)

💡 How to use "Leidenschaft"?

"Leidenschaft" is used to express a very strong emotional connection or enthusiasm. It's stronger than 'Interesse' (interest) or 'Hobby'.

• For Hobbies & Interests: When someone pursues an activity with great dedication. Example: Fußball ist seine große Leidenschaft (Football is his great passion).
• For Relationships: To describe deep, intense feelings in a romantic relationship. Example: Ihre Beziehung war voller Leidenschaft (Their relationship was full of passion).
• For Professions/Vocations: When someone practices their profession with great enthusiasm. Example: Sie ist Lehrerin aus Leidenschaft (She is a teacher out of passion).
• In Plural ('Leidenschaften'): Often for strong urges or desires, sometimes viewed as negative or uncontrollable. Example: Er kämpfte gegen seine inneren Leidenschaften (He fought against his inner passions).

Distinction from similar terms:

• Hobby: A leisure activity that is enjoyable but doesn't necessarily have the intensity of Leidenschaft.
• Interesse (Interest): A general curiosity or inclination towards a topic, less intense than Leidenschaft.
• Begeisterung (Enthusiasm): A strong feeling of joy and excitement, often more momentary than the deeper Leidenschaft.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Leidenschaft"

Article Mnemonic (die): Many German nouns ending in -schaft are feminine (die Freundschaft - friendship, die Gesellschaft - society...). Imagine a woman (die Frau) who does something with great Leidenschaft (passion). 'She' (die) has passion!

Meaning Mnemonic: Think that for a real Leidenschaft, you might be willing to endure 'Leiden' (suffering) or overcome difficulties. The ending -schaft often indicates a state or quality (-ship). So, it's the state of intensely experiencing or 'suffering' for something you love.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Leiden (das): The suffering, the ailment (noun form of the verb 'to suffer').
• Leid (das): Sorrow, grief, pain.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist deine größte Leidenschaft?"
Fritzchen: "Schlafen, Herr Lehrer!"
Lehrer: "Aber Fritzchen, das ist doch Faulheit!"
Fritzchen: "Ja, aber mit Leidenschaft!"

Translation:

The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what is your greatest passion?"
Fritzchen: "Sleeping, Sir!"
Teacher: "But Fritzchen, that's just laziness!"
Fritzchen: "Yes, but with passion!"

📜 Poem about Leidenschaft

Die Leidenschaft

Ein Feuer, das im Herzen brennt,
Ein Ruf, den jede Faser kennt.
Für Kunst, Musik, ein fernes Land,
Hält sie uns fest in ihrer Hand.

Sie treibt uns an, bei Tag, bei Nacht,
Hat uns schon oft um Schlaf gebracht.
Mal süße Qual, mal reines Glück,
Die Leidenschaft, Stück für Stück.

Translation:

Passion

A fire that burns within the heart,
A call known by every part.
For art, for music, a distant land,
It holds us firmly in its hand.

It drives us on, by day, by night,
Has often robbed us of sleep's light.
Sometimes sweet torment, sometimes pure bliss,
Passion, bit by bit, like this.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Gefühl, stark und tief,
Halte dich wach, wenn alles schlief.
Ich kann für ein Hobby sein oder die Liebe,
Manchmal auch Ursache wilder Triebe.
Ich wohne im Herzen, treibe dich an,
Beende mit "-schaft", fange mit "Leiden" an.

Was bin ich?
(What am I?)

Solution: Die Leidenschaft (Passion)

Translation of the riddle:

I am a feeling, strong and deep,
Keep you awake while others sleep.
I can be for a hobby or for love's art,
Sometimes the cause of wild desires of the heart.
I live in the heart, I drive you on,
End with "-schaft", start with "Leiden" from the dawn.

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation

The word "Leidenschaft" is composed of:

• Leiden: Originally, "leiden" also meant "to endure" or "to experience". The connection to today's meaning of "pain" or "suffering" came later. In "Leidenschaft", the idea of experiencing something intensely or even "suffering" for it (in the sense of enduring much for it) resonates.
• -schaft: A suffix often expressing a state, quality, collective, or relationship (as in Freundschaft - friendship, Gesellschaft - society). '-ship' in English is a rough equivalent.

Etymologically, "Leidenschaft" thus describes the state of intense experience or endurance.

Cultural Context

In German culture, Leidenschaft (passion) is often valued, whether in one's profession, art, or personal relationships. At the same time, there is a certain caution against unbridled 'Leidenschaften' (passions), which is reflected in the use of the plural form.