die
Schrecksekunde
😮 What does 'die Schrecksekunde' mean?
Die Schrecksekunde is a feminine noun (Nomen) and refers to a very short period of time, usually just a moment or a few seconds, during which someone experiences sudden fright or shock. It's the instant when you briefly freeze or flinch because something unexpected or frightening happens.
It's a compound word made up of der Schreck (fright, shock) and die Sekunde (second).
🚨 There is only this one article 'die' for this word.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declension of Schrecksekunde
The word 'Schrecksekunde' is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
Declension Singular
| Case (Kasus) | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (1st Case) | die Schrecksekunde | eine Schrecksekunde |
| Genitive (2nd Case) | der Schrecksekunde | einer Schrecksekunde |
| Dative (3rd Case) | der Schrecksekunde | einer Schrecksekunde |
| Accusative (4th Case) | die Schrecksekunde | eine Schrecksekunde |
Declension Plural
| Case (Kasus) | Definite Article | Indefinite Article / No Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (1st Case) | die Schrecksekunden | Schrecksekunden / einige Schrecksekunden |
| Genitive (2nd Case) | der Schrecksekunden | Schrecksekunden / einiger Schrecksekunden |
| Dative (3rd Case) | den Schrecksekunden | Schrecksekunden / einigen Schrecksekunden |
| Accusative (4th Case) | die Schrecksekunden | Schrecksekunden / einige Schrecksekunden |
Example Sentences ✍️
- Nach dem lauten Knall gab es eine kurze Schrecksekunde, bevor alle realisierten, was passiert war.
(After the loud bang, there was a brief moment of shock before everyone realized what had happened.) - Er brauchte eine Schrecksekunde, um sich von dem plötzlichen Anblick zu erholen.
(He needed a moment of shock to recover from the sudden sight.) - In der Schrecksekunde hielt sie den Atem an.
(In the moment of shock, she held her breath.) - Solche Schrecksekunden können einem das Herz in die Hose rutschen lassen.
(Such moments of shock can make your heart sink into your boots / scare you stiff.)
💡 How to use 'Schrecksekunde'?
'Die Schrecksekunde' is used to describe the brief, intense moment of being startled or frightened. It often appears in narratives or reports to build suspense or describe a sudden reaction.
- Typical Contexts: Unexpected noises (a bang, a scream), sudden appearance of something or someone, near-accidents, surprising news.
- Style: Ranges from colloquial to standard language, but can also be found in literary texts.
- Comparison: Similar to 'Schockmoment' (moment of shock) or 'Schreckmoment' (moment of fright), but 'Schrecksekunde' emphasizes the brevity of the moment even more strongly. It is more specific than just 'Schreck' (fright) or 'Angst' (fear, anxiety).
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Sekunde (the second). Since 'Sekunde' is feminine, die Schrecksekunde is also feminine. A second of fright -> die Schrecksekunde.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine freezing for a Sekunde (second) out of Schreck (fright). That's exactly the meaning: Schreck + Sekunde = Schrecksekunde.
↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- Der Schockmoment: Emphasizes the shock aspect more.
- Der Schreckmoment: Very similar, perhaps slightly less focused on the duration.
- Der Augenblick des Schreckens: A description meaning 'the moment of fright'.
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- Der Ruhemoment: A moment of quiet and relaxation.
- Die Entspannung: Relaxation, the state of being relaxed.
- Die Gelassenheit: Composure, serenity, imperturbability.
⚠️ Caution: Words like 'Panik' (panic) or 'Angst' (fear, anxiety) describe longer-lasting states and are not direct synonyms for the brief 'Schrecksekunde'.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Geist eine Schrecksekunde erlebt?
Weil er sich im Spiegel gesehen hat und dachte, er hätte einen Geist gesehen! 👻
(Why did the ghost experience a moment of shock?
Because he saw himself in the mirror and thought he'd seen a ghost!)
📜 A Short Poem
Ein Knall, ein Blitz, ein kurzer Schrei,
Die Welt steht still, ist kurz vorbei.
Das Herz, es pocht, die Luft bleibt weg,
Die Schrecksekunde, voller Schreck.
Dann löst sich's auf, der Spuk ist aus,
Doch dieser Moment, er war ein Graus.
(A bang, a flash, a short cry,
The world stands still, briefly passes by.
The heart, it pounds, breath held in check,
The moment of shock, full of fright.
Then it dissolves, the spook is gone,
But that moment was truly dire.)
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich bin extrem kurz, doch fühl mich lang,
Ich komme plötzlich, mit lautem Klang,
oder leis' und unerwartet sehr.
Ich lasse dein Herz klopfen, was bin ich, wer?
(I am extremely short, yet feel long,
I come suddenly, with a loud sound,
or quietly and very unexpectedly.
I make your heart pound, what am I, who?)
Solution: Die Schrecksekunde (The moment of shock)
✨ Other Info about die Schrecksekunde
Word Composition (Kompositum):
The word 'Schrecksekunde' is a compound noun (Kompositum), consisting of:
The base word is 'Sekunde', which determines the gender (feminine). Therefore, it's die Schrecksekunde.
Cultural Note: In many stories and films (in German-speaking countries and beyond), the 'Schrecksekunde' is used to create suspense or introduce turning points in the plot.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Schrecksekunde?
The noun 'Schrecksekunde' is always feminine. The correct article is therefore die. It's always die Schrecksekunde.