die  Revolution

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁevɔluˈt͡si̯oːn/

📜 What does 'die Revolution' mean?

Die Revolution (noun, feminine) primarily refers to a fundamental, often violent, overthrow of the existing political and social order. It signifies a profound change that eliminates or radically reshapes established power structures and social norms.

Besides its political meaning, die Revolution can also stand for profound, transformative changes in other areas, such as:

• Wissenschaftliche Revolution (Scientific Revolution): A radical shift in scientific theories and methods (e.g., the Copernican Revolution).
• Industrielle Revolution (Industrial Revolution): A profound change in production methods and society due to new technologies.
• Digitale Revolution (Digital Revolution): The transformation brought about by computer technology and the internet.

The word often carries connotations of radicalism, speed, and upheaval. It is always feminine: die Revolution.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Revolution

The noun „Revolution“ is feminine. The article is always „die“.

Example Sentences

• Die Französische Revolution veränderte Europa nachhaltig.
  (The French Revolution changed Europe permanently.)
• Wir erleben gerade eine digitale Revolution.
  (We are currently experiencing a digital revolution.)
• Die Folgen der Revolution waren weitreichend.
  (The consequences of the revolution were far-reaching.)
• Manche sprechen von einer stillen Revolution im Denken.
  (Some speak of a quiet revolution in thinking.)

🗣️ How is 'die Revolution' used?

The term die Revolution is mostly used in the context of history, politics, and society to describe radical upheavals.

• Politischer Kontext (Political Context): Here it describes the overthrow of a government or system (e.g., die Russische Revolution - the Russian Revolution).
• Gesellschaftlicher Kontext (Social Context): Refers to profound changes in social structures or values (e.g., die sexuelle Revolution - the sexual revolution).
• Technologischer/Wissenschaftlicher Kontext (Technological/Scientific Context): Used metaphorically for groundbreaking innovations (e.g., die industrielle Revolution - the industrial revolution, die digitale Revolution - the digital revolution).

Distinction from similar terms:

• Reform: A gradual change within the existing system, less radical than a Revolution.
• Revolte/Aufstand (Revolt/Uprising): Often more spontaneous and less organized than a Revolution, not necessarily aiming for a complete system change.
• Putsch/Staatsstreich (Coup d'état): A swift overthrow attempt, usually carried out by the military or a small group to seize state power, often lacking broad societal support.
• Umsturz/Umwälzung (Overthrow/Upheaval): Synonyms also denoting profound change, with 'Revolution' often having the strongest connotation.

⚠️ Caution: The word can be highly charged, viewed positively (liberation) or negatively (chaos, violence) depending on perspective.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'die': Many German nouns ending in -ion are feminine (like die Nation, die Station, die Diskussion). Remember: The big action is die Revolution! ♀️ You can also think of historical female figures associated with revolutions, or simply link the ending -ion (common in English feminine-associated words like 'creation', 'nation') to die.

For the meaning: Think of the English word 'revolution' itself, which is almost identical. Or imagine things *revolving* and *evolving* rapidly (from Latin *re-volvere* = to roll back, turn over). A Revolution turns everything upside down! 🔄

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Watch out for confusion!

Although similar, Reform, Revolte, and Putsch describe more specific or less comprehensive events than a Revolution.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum mögen Computer keine Revolutionen?
Weil sie Abstürze fürchten! 💻💥

(Why don't computers like revolutions?
Because they fear crashes! [Note: 'Absturz' means both 'crash' (computer) and 'downfall/overthrow'])

✍️ Poem about Revolution

Alte Mauern zittern, brechen,
Ein Ruf nach Freiheit will sich rächen.
Die Revolution, mit Macht und Klang,
Bringt Wandel, dauert oft nicht lang.
Ein Funke zündet, wird zur Glut,
Verändert alles, braucht viel Mut.

(Old walls tremble, start to break,
A call for freedom, vengeance take.
The revolution, with sound and might,
Brings change, its duration often slight.
A spark ignites, becomes a glow,
Changes all, needs courage though.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich stürze Throne, alt und grau,
Veränd're Länder, Stadt und Gau.
Manchmal blutig, manchmal still,
Ein neuer Anfang ist mein Ziel.

Was bin ich?

(I overthrow thrones, old and grey,
I change countries, cities, regions day by day.
Sometimes bloody, sometimes still,
A new beginning is my will.

What am I?)
(Solution: die Revolution)

💡 Other Information

Wortherkunft (Etymology):

The word comes from the Late Latin revolutio, meaning "a turn around," "rolling back" (from revolvere = to roll back, turn over). It was originally used in astronomy for the orbit of celestial bodies (as in "the revolution of the Earth around the Sun") before acquiring its political meaning.

Wortzusammensetzungen (Compound Words - Examples):

• Kulturrevolution: Cultural revolution.
• Konterrevolution: Counter-revolution (movement to restore the old order).
• Samtene Revolution (Velvet Revolution): Term for the non-violent revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989.
• Revolutionsführer: Leader of a revolution.