die
Rivalität
🧐 What does Rivalität mean?
Die Rivalität is the German word for rivalry. It describes a relationship of mutual competition or contention between individuals, groups, or organizations striving for the same goal, which often only one can achieve. It frequently implies a tense relationship and the desire to outperform or defeat the other.
It's an abstract noun, mostly used in the singular. The plural form, die Rivalitäten, is possible but less common, referring to multiple specific instances of rivalry.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-tät → always feminine.
📊 Grammar of 'die Rivalität' in Detail
The noun 'Rivalität' is feminine. Here is its declension in the singular:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rivalität |
| Genitive | der | Rivalität |
| Dative | der | Rivalität |
| Accusative | die | Rivalität |
The plural 'die Rivalitäten' is used less frequently:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rivalitäten |
| Genitive | der | Rivalitäten |
| Dative | den | Rivalitäten |
| Accusative | die | Rivalitäten |
💬 Example Sentences
- Die Rivalität zwischen den beiden Sportvereinen ist legendär. (The rivalry between the two sports clubs is legendary.)
- Man spürte die alte Rivalität zwischen den Geschwistern. (One could sense the old rivalry between the siblings.)
- Politische Rivalitäten können die Zusammenarbeit erschweren. (Political rivalries can complicate cooperation.)
💡 How to Use Rivalität
The term 'Rivalität' is commonly used in contexts involving competition or contest. Typical areas include:
- Sports: Rivalry between teams or athletes (e.g., eine sportliche Rivalität - a sporting rivalry).
- Work/Profession: Rivalry between colleagues for a position or recognition (e.g., die Rivalität im Büro - the rivalry in the office).
- Politics: Rivalry between parties or politicians (e.g., politische Rivalitäten - political rivalries).
- Business: Rivalry between companies for market share (e.g., die Rivalität der Konkurrenten - the rivalry of the competitors).
- Personal Relationships: Rivalry between siblings, friends, or partners (e.g., Geschwisterrivalität - sibling rivalry).
The word `Rivalität` often emphasizes the intensity and sometimes the negative tension of the competition, compared to a more neutral term like 'Wettbewerb' (competition).
🧠 Mnemonics for Rivalität
Article Mnemonic: Remember that 'Rivalität' often describes a type of relationship (die Beziehung) between competitors. Many German nouns ending in '-heit', '-keit', '-schaft', '-ung', and also '-tät' are feminine (die) – `die Rivalität` fits this pattern.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds very similar to the English word 'rivalry'. Imagine two rivals fighting with great intensity – that's Rivalität.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Konkurrenz (die): Strong synonym, often more neutral, especially in business contexts (competition).
- Wettbewerb (der): Emphasizes organized competition or contest.
- Wetteifer (der): Emphasizes the eagerness to be better (emulation, contention).
- Gegnerschaft (die): Highlights the aspect of opposition, often more hostile (adversary relationship).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Kooperation (die): Cooperation.
- Partnerschaft (die): Partnership.
- Zusammenarbeit (die): Collaboration.
- Harmonie (die): Harmony.
- Solidarität (die): Solidarity.
⚠️ Note: While 'Konkurrenz' is often interchangeable, 'Rivalität' frequently carries a stronger emotional or personal component.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette nie an Wettkämpfen teil?
Weil sie keine Rivalität im Blut haben – sie haben ja gar kein Blut! 😉
(Why do skeletons never take part in competitions?
Because they have no rivalry in their blood – they have no blood at all!)
📜 Poem about Rivalität
Zwei streben nach dem gleichen Licht,
Ein Ziel vor Augen, nah und dicht.
Die Spannung steigt, der Puls geht schnell,
Die Rivalität, sie wirkt so grell.
Mal treibt sie an, mal sät sie Streit,
Ein steter Kampf, zu jeder Zeit.
(Two strive for the same light,
A goal in sight, near and tight.
Tension rises, the pulse beats fast,
The rivalry, it shines so vast.
Sometimes it motivates, sometimes sows strife,
A constant battle, throughout life.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich blühe auf, wo zwei das Gleiche wollen,
Im Sport, im Job, beim kindlichen Trollen.
Ich kann anspornen oder entzweien,
Und bringe oft zum Schreien.
Ich bin feminin und ende auf '-tät'.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: die Rivalität
(I bloom where two want the same thing,
In sports, at work, in childish playing.
I can spur on or divide,
And often make people cry.
I am feminine and end in '-tät'.
What am I?
Solution: die Rivalität / rivalry)
🧩 Other Information
Word Origin: The word 'Rivalität' comes from the French 'rivalité', which in turn derives from the Latin word 'rivalis'. Originally, 'rivales' were people living on the banks of the same stream ('rivus'), who often disputed water rights – an early form of rivalry!
Word Formation: It's a noun derived from the adjective 'rival' (rivaling, competing) or directly from the noun 'Rivale' (the rival / competitor).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rivalität?
The German word for 'rivalry' is die Rivalität. It is a feminine noun.