die  Rettung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁɛtʊŋ/

🆘 What does 'die Rettung' mean?

Die Rettung is a feminine German noun that means 'rescue' or 'salvation'. It describes the act of saving someone or something, or the result of that act. It signifies freeing or preserving someone or something from danger, distress, or a threatening situation.

• Main meaning: Liberation from danger or distress (e.g., from a burning house, from drowning).
• Figurative meaning: Salvation, a way out of a difficult situation (e.g., saving a company from bankruptcy, saving one's honor).
• Religious meaning: Redemption, salvation of the soul.

The word is almost exclusively used with the article "die".

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Corner: Declension of 'die Rettung' 🧐

The noun "die Rettung" is feminine. It is usually only used in the singular. The plural "die Rettungen" (rescues, rescue operations) is rare but can occur to describe multiple individual rescue events.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension (rare)

Example Sentences 📝

1. Die Rettung der Bergsteiger war schwierig. (The rescue of the mountaineers was difficult.)
2. Er sah keinen anderen Ausweg, es war seine letzte Rettung. (He saw no other way out, it was his last resort/salvation.)
3. Die Feuerwehr kam zur Rettung der Katze auf dem Baum. (The fire department came to the rescue of the cat in the tree.)
4. Wir danken den Helfern für ihre schnelle Rettung. (We thank the helpers for their quick rescue.)
5. Manchmal gibt es mehrere Rettungen an einem Tag. (Sometimes there are multiple rescues/rescue operations in one day.)

Using 'Rettung' in Context 🗣️

"Die Rettung" is used in various contexts, mostly related to danger and assistance:

• Emergencies: When talking about operations by fire departments (Feuerrettung), ambulances (medizinische Rettung), mountain rescue (Bergrettung), sea rescue (Seenotrettung), etc. (Example: Die Rettung traf nach wenigen Minuten ein. - The rescue (team) arrived within minutes.)
• Figurative Sense: When a solution to a major problem is found. (Example: Dieser Kredit war die Rettung für das Unternehmen. - This loan was the salvation for the company.)
• Expression of Relief: Often used emotionally when help arrives unexpectedly. (Example: Du bist meine Rettung! - You're my savior! / You saved me!)

Distinction from similar words:

• Hilfe (help): "Hilfe" is more general and can include minor assistance. "Rettung" implies a more serious, often life-threatening situation.
• Bergung (recovery, salvage): "Bergung" often refers to retrieving objects or deceased bodies, whereas "Rettung" focuses on saving lives.

Memory Aids for 'die Rettung' 🧠

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine ('die'). Think: the ending '-ung' calls for 'die'. So: die Rettung, die Hoffnung (hope), die Leitung (management, pipe). Remember the ung-ending = 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a dramatic scene where someone needs rescuing – the situation is very pressing! The '-ung' ending sounds a bit like '-ing', connecting to the act of rescuing or the pressing need for it.

Related Words: Synonyms & Antonyms for 'Rettung' ↔️

⚠️ Note: Synonyms are not always interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context.

A Little Joke 😄

German: Warum hat der Rettungsschwimmer immer Sonnencreme dabei?
Damit er keine "Haut-nah-Erfahrung" mit der Sonne macht, während er auf die nächste Rettung wartet!

English Translation: Why does the lifeguard always have sunscreen with him?
So he doesn't have a "skin-close experience" (pun on 'hautnah' meaning 'up close') with the sun while waiting for the next rescue!

Poem about Rescue 📜

German:
In tiefster Not, in dunkler Stund',
Ein Hilferuf, er macht die Rund'.
Dann naht sie schnell, mit Blaulichtschein,
Die Rettung kommt, lässt dich nicht allein.
Aus Flut, aus Feuer, aus Gefahr,
Sie ist der helle Stern, so klar.

English Translation:
In deepest need, in darkest hour,
A cry for help, it gains its power.
Then swiftly nears, with flashing light,
The rescue comes, banishing the night.
From flood, from fire, from danger's way,
It is the bright star, clear as day.

Who or What Am I? A Riddle 🤔

German:
Ich komme, wenn Gefahr besteht,
Wenn jemand um sein Leben fleht.
Ich bin die Hoffnung in der Not,
Bewahre oft vor bittrem Tod.
Mal schnell, mal mühsam, doch stets da,
Ich bin die ...?

English Translation:
I come when there is danger near,
When someone pleads for life so dear.
I am the hope in times of need,
Preventing bitter death indeed.
Sometimes quick, sometimes slow, but always near,
I am the ...?

Solution: die Rettung (the rescue)

Other Interesting Facts 🧐

Word Formation:

• The word "Rettung" is derived from the verb "retten" (to save, to rescue).
• The suffix "-ung" typically forms feminine nouns in German, often denoting a process or its result.

Compound Words (Komposita):

• Rettungsdienst: Emergency medical service(s).
• Rettungswagen: Ambulance.
• Rettungsschwimmer: Lifeguard.
• Rettungsaktion: Rescue operation.
• Seenotrettung: Sea rescue.
• Bergrettung: Mountain rescue.

Idiom:

• "Die letzte Rettung sein": To be the last resort / the only way out.