die  Revolte

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁeˈvɔltə/

🧐 What Exactly is a Revolte?

The word die Revolte (noun, feminine) refers to a revolt, uprising, or violent resistance against an existing order or authority. Often, a Revolte is more spontaneous, disorganized, or limited to a smaller group than a revolution, although it can certainly be violent.

In contrast to the more comprehensive Revolution, which usually aims for a fundamental change of system, a Revolte often targets specific grievances or decisions, or is an expression of sudden discontent.

🚨 Attention: Depending on the context, the term can have a slightly negative connotation, emphasizing chaos or lack of control.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar & Declension: Die Revolte in Detail

Die Revolte is a feminine noun. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences:

1. Die Gefangenen starteten eine Revolte gegen die schlechten Haftbedingungen.
   (The prisoners started a revolt against the poor prison conditions.)
2. Nach der Verkündung der neuen Steuergesetze kam es in mehreren Städten zu spontanen Revolten.
   (After the announcement of the new tax laws, spontaneous revolts occurred in several cities.)
3. Die Regierung versuchte, die Revolte schnell niederzuschlagen.
   (The government tried to quickly suppress the revolt.)

💡 Usage in Context: When to use "die Revolte"?

The term die Revolte is typically used in political, social, or historical contexts.

• Distinction from Revolution: A Revolte is often smaller, less organized, and doesn't necessarily aim for a complete system overthrow. Examples: a prison revolt, a mutiny on a ship, spontaneous riots in a city.
• Distinction from Aufstand (uprising): 'Aufstand' is often a more general term and can be more organized than a 'Revolte'. However, the boundaries are fluid.
• Connotation: Can sometimes be used to express chaos or rash action, but also legitimate resistance against oppression.
• Typical Verbs: eine Revolte anzetteln/starten (instigate/start a revolt), niederschlagen/unterdrücken (suppress/quell a revolt); es kommt zu einer Revolte (a revolt occurs).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the article: Many German nouns ending in -e are feminine (die). Think of die rebellious woman (feminine!) leading die Revolte.

Mnemonic for the meaning: The word Revolte sounds very similar to the English word revolt. Imagine people revolting against something.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Be careful to distinguish from Revolution, which refers to a fundamental change.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Geschichtslehrer: "Was war der Hauptgrund für die meisten Revolten im Mittelalter?"
Schüler: "Wahrscheinlich schlechtes WLAN?"

(History teacher asks: "What was the main reason for most revolts in the Middle Ages?"
Student: "Probably bad Wi-Fi?")

📜 A Little Poem about die Revolte

Ein Funke Zorn, ein lauter Schrei,
Die alte Ordnung ist vorbei.
Die Revolte bricht hervor mit Macht,
Hat neue Hoffnung angefacht.
Doch ob sie hält, was sie verspricht,
Zeigt erst das nahende Gericht.

(A spark of anger, a loud cry,
The old order has passed by.
The revolt erupts with might,
Has kindled new hope, burning bright.
But whether it delivers what it claims,
Only the coming judgment frames.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Aufstand, oft spontan,
brech' aus der Menge, fahr' voran.
Nicht ganz so groß wie 'ne Revolution,
doch bring' ich Unruh' und Konfrontation.

Wer bin ich, feminin und laut?

(I'm an uprising, often spontaneous,
I break from the crowd, advance impetuous.
Not quite as big as a revolution,
But I bring unrest and confrontation.

Who am I, feminine and loud?)

Answer: ... Die Revolte

🌐 Origin and Other Info

The word Revolte comes from the French révolte, which in turn comes from the Italian rivolta. This derives from the verb rivoltare, meaning "to turn over", "to overturn". The Latin root is revolvere ("to roll back", "to turn around").