die  Nässe

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnɛsə/

💧 What does "die Nässe" mean?

Die Nässe describes the state of being wet or the presence of liquid, usually water. It's the noun form of the adjective "nass" (wet).

• Main meaning: Moisture, wetness, dampness (e.g., on the ground after rain, on clothes).
• It's often used in the context of weather (Regen - rain, Tau - dew) or unwanted moisture (e.g., im Keller - in the basement).
• ⚠️ Note: 'Nässe' is almost exclusively used in the singular because it describes a state or an uncountable quantity. A plural form is very rare and uncommon.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of "Nässe" in Detail

"Nässe" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Declension (Singular):

Plural: The plural ("die Nässen") is highly unusual and practically never used in everyday language. Instead, one talks about "nasse Stellen" (wet spots) or uses other descriptions.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Die Nässe auf der Straße war gefährlich.
   (The wetness on the street was dangerous.)
2. Nach dem Regen spürte man die kalte Nässe in der Luft.
   (After the rain, you could feel the cold dampness in the air.)
3. Schütze das Holz vor Nässe!
   (Protect the wood from moisture!)
4. Die Nässe zog durch seine Schuhe.
   (The dampness soaked through his shoes.)

🤔 How to Use "die Nässe"?

"Die Nässe" is used to describe a state of wetness or moisture.

• Weather: Often related to rain, snow, or dew. Example: Die anhaltende Nässe weichte den Boden auf. (The persistent wetness softened the ground.)
• Clothing/Objects: When something is damp or soaked. Example: Die Nässe der Kleidung war unangenehm. (The dampness of the clothes was unpleasant.)
• Environment: Describing damp places. Example: Im Keller herrschte eine modrige Nässe. (There was a musty dampness in the basement.)
• Abstract: Sometimes used for emotional coldness (rare).

Distinction from similar words:

• Feuchtigkeit (moisture): Often interchangeable with Nässe, but 'Feuchtigkeit' can also refer to lower levels of wetness or humidity. 'Nässe' often implies a higher degree of wetness.
• Regen (rain): Refers to the precipitation itself, while 'Nässe' describes the result of the rain (the state of being wet).

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Nässe"

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -e are feminine (die). Think of die Wiese (meadow) full of Nässe after the rain.

Meaning Mnemonic: When it's wet, you might have a runny nose (Nase). That's caused by Nässe (wetness).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Der Regen: (Rain) The precipitation itself.
• Nass (adjective): (Wet) Describes the state, while 'Nässe' is the noun.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Pilze immer einen Regenschirm mit?
(Why do mushrooms always take an umbrella?)

Damit sie nicht in die Nässe geraten, sondern im Trockenen wachsen können! 😉
(So they don't get into the wetness, but can grow in the dry!)

📜 Poem about Wetness

Grauer Himmel, Tropfen fallen schwer,
(Grey sky, drops fall heavily,)
die Nässe kriecht, man fröstelt sehr.
(the wetness creeps, one shivers greatly.)
Auf Straßen glänzt ein nasser Schein,
(On streets, a wet sheen glistens,)
die Welt getaucht in Regenwein.
(the world immersed in rain wine.)
Doch nach der Nässe, kühl und rein,
(But after the wetness, cool and pure,)
strahlt oft die Sonne hell und fein.
(the sun often shines bright and fine.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich komme oft von oben herab,
(I often come down from above,)
mach Kleider und Schuhe schlapp.
(make clothes and shoes limp.)
Bin ich im Keller, ist's nicht fein,
(If I'm in the cellar, it's not nice,)
was kann ich wohl nur sein?
(what can I possibly be?)

Solution: die Nässe (the wetness/dampness)

Curious Minds Corner: More on Nässe

Word Formation:

The word "Nässe" is derived from the adjective "nass" (wet). Adding the suffix "-e" turns the adjective into a feminine noun describing the state or quality (similar to Kälte from kalt (cold), Wärme from warm (warm), Größe from groß (big)).

Cultural Aspects:

In Germany, Nässe is often associated with unpleasant weather (rain, cold). At the same time, it is essential for nature and agriculture.