die
Rücksicht
🤔 What does "die Rücksicht" mean?
Die Rücksicht (feminine noun, article: die) describes the attitude or action of paying attention to and considering the needs, feelings, or circumstances of other people or things. It's about not only thinking of oneself but also incorporating the perspective and well-being of others into one's actions. It translates well to consideration or thoughtfulness.
There's only this one meaning, and the article is always die. The plural form "die Rücksichten" is very rare and mostly used in formal or philosophical contexts.
🚨 Caution: Don't confuse Rücksicht with Ansicht (view, opinion) or Vorsicht (caution).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-icht → mostly feminine.
📚 Grammar of "die Rücksicht" in Detail
Rücksicht is a feminine noun. It's mostly used in the singular.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rücksicht | (Subject) |
| Genitive | der | Rücksicht | (Possessive) |
| Dative | der | Rücksicht | (Indirect Object) |
| Akkusativ | die | Rücksicht | (Direct Object) |
The plural ("die Rücksichten") is very uncommon.
Example Sentences
- Bitte nimm Rücksicht auf die älteren Fahrgäste.
(Please show consideration for the elderly passengers.) - Aus Rücksicht auf die Nachbarn machen wir keine laute Musik mehr.
(Out of consideration for the neighbours, we don't play loud music anymore.) - Seine fehlende Rücksicht ärgert mich.
(His lack of consideration annoys me.) - Das Wohl der Gemeinschaft erfordert die Rücksicht jedes Einzelnen.
(The well-being of the community requires the consideration of each individual.)
🗣️ How to use "Rücksicht"?
Rücksicht is primarily used in social contexts concerning interaction with others.
- Rücksicht nehmen auf + Accusative: This is the most common phrase. It means to show consideration for / to consider someone or something.
- Example: Man sollte im Straßenverkehr immer Rücksicht auf Radfahrer nehmen. (One should always show consideration for cyclists in traffic.)
- Aus Rücksicht auf + Accusative: Expresses the reason for an action (out of consideration for).
- Example: Aus Rücksicht auf seine Gesundheit raucht er nicht mehr drinnen. (Out of consideration for his health, he no longer smokes inside.)
- Mit Rücksicht auf + Accusative: Similar to "aus Rücksicht auf", emphasizing the consideration given.
- Example: Die Entscheidung wurde mit Rücksicht auf alle Beteiligten getroffen. (The decision was made with consideration for everyone involved.)
- Ohne Rücksicht auf Verluste: An idiom meaning regardless of the consequences / ruthlessly (very negative connotation!).
- Example: Er verfolgte seine Karriere ohne Rücksicht auf Verluste. (He pursued his career ruthlessly / regardless of the cost to others.)
Rücksicht describes an important social skill and ethical value.
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Rücksicht"
Mnemonic for the Article (die):
Consideration (die Rücksicht) is often seen as a nurturing, perhaps stereotypically feminine quality. Think of "die" nice lady who always shows Rücksicht.
Mnemonic for the Meaning:
Think of "Rück-sicht" as looking back (rück-) or around to get a better sight (Sicht) of how your actions affect others.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Berücksichtigung: Consideration, taking into account.
- Achtsamkeit: Mindfulness, attentiveness.
- Behutsamkeit: Carefulness, gentleness.
- Anteilnahme: Sympathy, compassion.
- Bedachtnahme (formal): Consideration (formal).
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Rücksichtslosigkeit: Inconsiderateness, ruthlessness.
- Egoismus / Selbstsucht: Egoism, selfishness.
- Gleichgültigkeit: Indifference.
- Ignoranz: Ignorance (often willful).
⚠️ Similar Sounding Words:
- Vorsicht: Caution.
- Aufsicht: Supervision.
- Nachsicht: Leniency, forbearance.
😄 A Little Joke
Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Rücksicht und Vorsicht?"
Fritzchen: "Wenn ich nachts heimlich aus dem Fenster steige, um meine Freundin zu treffen, bin ich vorsichtig. Wenn ich dabei leise bin, damit meine Eltern nicht aufwachen, ist das Rücksicht!"
Teacher: "Freddy, what's the difference between consideration (Rücksicht) and caution (Vorsicht)?"
Freddy: "When I secretly climb out the window at night to meet my girlfriend, I'm being cautious. When I'm quiet about it so my parents don't wake up, that's consideration!"
✍️ Poem about Rücksicht
Ein leises Wort, ein sanfter Blick,
ein Schritt zurück vom eig'nen Glück.
Den andern sehen, ihn versteh'n,
das heißt, mit Rücksicht durchs Leben geh'n.
Sie kostet nichts, doch gibt sie viel,
ein friedliches Gefühl als Ziel.
A quiet word, a gentle gaze,
A step back from one's own happy maze.
To see the other, understand their way,
That's walking through life with Rücksicht each day.
It costs nothing, yet gives so much,
A peaceful feeling as its touch.
❓ Riddle
Ich habe Augen, doch seh' ich nicht mich allein.
Ich habe Ohren, hör' auf des Anderen Pein.
Ich bremse mein Tempo, lass Schwäch'ren den Vortritt,
und denke an morgen bei jedem Schritt.
Was bin ich?
I have eyes, but don't see just me nearby.
I have ears, I hear the other's cry.
I slow my pace, let the weaker go first,
And think of tomorrow, quenching my own thirst.
What am I?
(... Die Rücksicht / Consideration)
🧩 Other Interesting Details
Word Composition
The word "Rücksicht" is composed of:
- rück-: related to 'back' or 'again'.
- Sicht: related to 'sight', 'view', or 'perspective'.
Metaphorically, it means 'to look back' or 'to direct one's view towards others' before acting.
Cultural Significance
Rücksichtnahme (showing consideration) is considered an important social value in German-speaking countries, both in private interactions and in public spaces (e.g., traffic rules, noise regulations).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rücksicht?
The noun "Rücksicht" is always feminine. The correct article is die. It means consideration or thoughtfulness – taking into account the needs and feelings of others. The plural form "die Rücksichten" is very rare.