die  Rage

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaːɡə/

😠 What does 'die Rage' mean?

Die Rage (feminine) describes a state of extreme, often uncontrolled anger or fury. It's a very strong emotion that can manifest in violent outbursts. In German, the word is considered somewhat elevated or literary and is used less often in everyday life than synonyms like Wut (anger) or Zorn (wrath).

There is only this one meaning for the word 'Rage' in German, and it's always feminine (die Rage).

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse it directly with the English word 'rage'. While the meaning is similar, the German noun specifically is 'die Rage'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: Die Rage

The noun 'Rage' is feminine. Here are the declension tables for singular and plural:

Note: The plural 'die Ragen' is very rare and hardly ever used. Usually, people talk about Wutausbrüche (outbursts of anger) or Zornesanfälle (fits of wrath) in the plural.

Example Sentences

• In blinder Rage schlug er auf den Tisch. (In blind rage, he hit the table.)
• Ihre Augen funkelten vor Rage. (Her eyes sparkled with rage.)
• Die Rage des Publikums war nach der Entscheidung spürbar. (The audience's rage was palpable after the decision.)
• Er versuchte, seine aufkommende Rage zu unterdrücken. (He tried to suppress his rising rage.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

'Die Rage' is used to describe a particularly intense form of anger, often causing loss of control over one's actions. It's more commonly found in:

• Literature and poetry: Used here to vividly portray strong emotions.
• Elevated language: Can be used in more formal or expressive contexts.
• Descriptions of extreme states: When simple 'Wut' (anger) doesn't seem sufficient.

In everyday German conversation, die Wut or der Zorn are much more common. Using 'die Rage' in a casual chat might sound almost theatrical.

Typical collocations (word combinations) are:

• in Rage geraten / jemanden in Rage bringen (to fly into a rage / to infuriate someone)
• blinde Rage (blind rage)
• vor Rage kochen / schäumen (to boil / foam with rage)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Rage'

Article Mnemonic: Think of die Furie (a Fury, a female mythological figure of vengeance) who is full of Rage. The 'die' and the feminine association can help you remember 'die Rage'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone so angry they 'RAise a huGE' fuss, turning red and maybe steaming – that's more than just anger, that's Rage! The 'R' sound at the beginning can sound like a growl of anger.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Feelings

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words

Be careful not to confuse 'die Rage' (noun) with the verb 'ragen' (to tower, to stick out, e.g., a tower ragen into the sky).

😂 A Joke to Cool Down

Fragt der eine Wüterich den anderen: "Warum bist du denn so in Rage?"
Sagt der andere: "Ich habe versucht, mit meinem Computer zu streiten, aber er hat einfach nicht zurückgeschrien! Das macht mich RASEND!"

Translation: One furious person asks the other: "Why are you in such a rage?"
The other says: "I tried arguing with my computer, but it just wouldn't shout back! That makes me FURIOUS!"

✒️ Rage in Verse

Ein Funke zündet, Glut entfacht,
Die Galle kocht, die Faust geballt mit Macht.
Mehr als nur Zorn, ein wilder Sturm,
Die Rage bricht hervor, ein innerer Wurm.
Sie blendet Augen, lässt Vernunft vergeh'n,
Ein rotes Tuch, kaum mehr zu übersteh'n.

Translation:
A spark ignites, embers flare,
Bile boils, the fist clenched tight with might to bear.
More than just wrath, a savage storm,
The Rage erupts, an inner worm.
It blinds the eyes, lets reason fade away,
A red rag waved, scarce bearable this day.

❓ Emotion Riddle

Ich bin stärker als Wut, wilder als Zorn,
Kontrolle verlier ich, kaum bin ich gebor'n.
Ich lasse dich schreien, toben, fast blind,
Ein weibliches Wort für ein stürmisches Kind (des Gefühls).

Was bin ich? ... Die Rage

Translation:
I am stronger than anger, wilder than wrath,
Control I lose, shortly after my birth's path.
I make you scream, rant, nearly blind,
A feminine word for a tempestuous child (of feeling) you find.

What am I?
... Die Rage

💡 Trivia about Rage

Etymology: The German word 'Rage' comes from the French word rage, which in turn derives from the Latin rabies (rabies, madness, fury). This connection explains the intensity of its meaning, which goes beyond simple anger.

Cultural Aspects: In many cultures, uncontrolled rage is seen as negative and destructive, whereas controlled anger (e.g., in response to injustice) might sometimes be viewed as legitimate.