die  Schweigeminute

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃvaɪɡəˌmɪnuːtə/

🤫 What Exactly is a Schweigeminute?

The Schweigeminute (feminine, article: die) refers to a short period, usually one minute long, during which people remain silent together. This silence typically serves to commemorate the deceased, victims of disasters, or as a sign of protest or solidarity. It is a moment of silence, reflection, and respect.

It's a compound noun formed from schweigen (to be silent) and die Minute (the minute).

⚠️ Although often referred to as a 'minute', the actual duration can vary but usually remains brief.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: die Schweigeminute

The word „Schweigeminute“ is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Declension

Examples for Clarity

1. Vor der Beerdigung wurde eine Schweigeminute für den Verstorbenen eingelegt.
   (A minute of silence was observed for the deceased before the funeral.)
2. Die Abgeordneten gedachten der Opfer mit einer Schweigeminute.
   (The members of parliament commemorated the victims with a minute of silence.)
3. Während der Schweigeminute herrschte absolute Stille im Stadion.
   (During the minute of silence, there was absolute silence in the stadium.)

When is a Schweigeminute Used?

The Schweigeminute is used in specific, mostly solemn or serious contexts:

• Memorial services: To honorably remember the deceased, e.g., at funerals, memorial days (like Volkstrauertag in Germany), or after accidents.
• Protests: As a silent form of protest or expression of solidarity.
• Sporting events: Occasionally before sports events to commemorate victims of tragedies.
• Political assemblies: In parliament or at other official occasions as a sign of respect or mourning.

It is a powerful non-verbal signal expressing unity and collective emotion (grief, respect, remembrance). It differs from simple silence in that it is deliberately initiated as a communal act and is time-limited.

Memory Aids 🧠

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'the minute'. Since 'Schweigeminute' ends in '-minute' and 'Minute' is feminine (die Minute), 'Schweigeminute' is also feminine: die Schweigeminute.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine everyone pausing for a Minute and being schweigen (silent) – that's the Schweigeminute. A quiet moment for important thoughts.

Related and Opposite Terms

A Little Joke 😄

Warum hat der Wecker eine Schweigeminute eingelegt?

Er wollte mal zur Ruhe kommen!

(Why did the alarm clock observe a minute of silence?
It wanted some peace and quiet!)

A Short Poem about the Schweigeminute

Ein Augenblick, die Zeit steht still,
Kein Laut erklingt, so ist der Will'.
Die Schweigeminute, tief und rein,
Lässt uns im Gedenken sein.
Ein Band der Stille, das uns eint,
Wenn Herz bei Herz leise weint.

(A moment, time stands still,
No sound is heard, such is the will.
The minute of silence, deep and pure,
Lets us be in remembrance sure.
A bond of silence that unites us,
When heart to heart quietly cries thus.)

Who or What Am I? 🤔

Ich dauere meist sechzig Sekunden,
habe aber keine Uhr gefunden.
Ich ehre die Toten, mahne zum Frieden,
bin hörbar nur, wenn alle Laute mieden.
Man legt mich ein, doch ich bin kein Objekt.
Was bin ich, das Respekt bezweckt?

(I usually last sixty seconds,
but have found no clock that beckons.
I honor the dead, call for peace,
am heard only when all sounds cease.
People observe me, but I'm not an object to inspect.
What am I, that aims for respect?)

Solution: die Schweigeminute (the minute of silence)

Trivia and Word Structure

Word Composition

The word Schweigeminute is a compound noun, composed of:

• The verb stem of schweigen (to be silent)
• The noun die Minute (the minute)

Cultural Significance

The Schweigeminute holds significant symbolic meaning in many cultures. It is a universal sign of respect, mourning, and collective remembrance. Its observance at public events underscores the importance of the occasion or the person(s) being commemorated.