die  Selbstbestimmung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɛlpstbəˈʃtɪmʊŋ/

🧩 What does 'die Selbstbestimmung' mean?

The German noun die Selbstbestimmung translates to self-determination or autonomy. It describes the ability and right of an individual or a group to make their own decisions about their own life or affairs, free from external coercion or influence.

It's a central concept in various fields:

• Philosophy/Ethics: Autonomy of the will, moral responsibility.
• Psychology: Intrinsic motivation, personal growth, sense of control.
• Politics/Law: Sovereignty of peoples (Völkerrecht auf Selbstbestimmung), individual rights (e.g., advance directives - Patientenverfügung).

It is an abstract noun and therefore mostly used in the singular.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Corner: Die Selbstbestimmung

The word 'Selbstbestimmung' is feminine. The definite article is 'die'. The indefinite article is 'eine'.

It is typically used in the singular as it describes an abstract concept. A plural ('die Selbstbestimmungen') is very rare and would refer to specific acts or instances of self-determination.

Declension Singular

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Recht auf Selbstbestimmung ist ein hohes Gut. (The right to self-determination is a precious commodity.)
2. Ihre Entscheidung basierte auf dem Prinzip der persönlichen Selbstbestimmung. (Her decision was based on the principle of personal self-determination.)
3. Die psychologische Forschung betont die Wichtigkeit von Selbstbestimmung für das Wohlbefinden. (Psychological research emphasizes the importance of self-determination for well-being.)
4. Das Streben nach nationaler Selbstbestimmung prägte die Geschichte vieler Länder. (The pursuit of national self-determination shaped the history of many countries.)

💬 How to use 'Selbstbestimmung'

Selbstbestimmung is a somewhat formal word, often used in discussions about ethics, politics, law, and psychology. It describes a fundamental concept of autonomy.

• In a personal context: Refers to the ability to make one's own life choices (career, lifestyle, medical decisions). Example: "Die Patientenverfügung stärkt die Selbstbestimmung am Lebensende." (The living will strengthens self-determination at the end of life.)
• In a political context: Often refers to the right of peoples or groups to freely determine their political status and development. Example: "Das Selbstbestimmungsrecht der Völker ist in der UN-Charta verankert." (The right of peoples to self-determination is enshrined in the UN Charter.)
• In a psychological context: Describes the feeling of control over one's own actions and motivation. Example: "Förderung der Selbstbestimmung bei Kindern ist wichtig für ihre Entwicklung." (Promoting self-determination in children is important for their development.)

There is little risk of confusion as the word is quite specific. It differs from 'Freiheit' (freedom), as Selbstbestimmung emphasizes the active aspect of deciding and shaping, whereas Freiheit can also simply mean the absence of coercion.

🧠 Mnemonics for Selbstbestimmung

Article 'die': Many German nouns ending in -ung are feminine ('die'). Think of die Entscheidung (the decision), die Bestimmung (the determination). Selbstbestimmung follows this pattern, so it's die Selbstbestimmung.

Meaning: Break it down: Selbst (self) + Bestimmung (determination, defining). So, you 'determine' things for your 'self'. You are the captain of your own ship.

↔ Synonyms & Antonyms

🤣 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Therapeut: "Und was möchten Sie heute erreichen?"
Patient: "Selbstbestimmung! Ich möchte endlich selbst entscheiden, wann ich zur Therapie komme!"
Therapeut: "Sehr gut! Dann entscheiden Sie sich doch gleich dafür, nächsten Dienstag um 10 Uhr wieder hier zu sein."

English Translation: The therapist asks: "And what would you like to achieve today?"
Patient: "Self-determination! I finally want to decide for myself when I come to therapy!"
Therapist: "Very good! Then why don't you decide right now to be back here next Tuesday at 10 am."

🖋️ Poem about Self-Determination

German:
Nicht fremder Wille, nicht des Schicksals Hand,
Nein, Selbstbestimmung knüpft das eigne Band.
Den Kurs zu wählen, frei und unregiert,
Das Ruder fest, das Leben selbst geführt.
Ein Recht, ein Streben, tief in uns entfacht,
Des eignen Lebens Meister sein, bei Tag und Nacht.

English Translation:
Not foreign will, nor the hand of fate,
No, self-determination ties its own state.
To choose the course, free and ungoverned might,
The rudder firm, guiding one's own life's light.
A right, a striving, deep within us sparked,
To be the master of one's life, day and dark.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Recht, doch ohne festes Haus,
Ich wohne im Willen, treibe Zwänge aus.
Ich lasse dich wählen, deinen Pfad, dein Ziel,
Ob Volk, ob Mensch – ich bedeute dir viel.

Was bin ich? Lösung: die Selbstbestimmung

English Translation:
I am a right, but have no fixed abode,
I live in the will, driving out the goad.
I let you choose your path, your aim, your way,
For people or person – I mean much each day.

What am I? Answer: Self-determination (die Selbstbestimmung)

🧰 Word Building Blocks: Selbst + Bestimmung

The word 'Selbstbestimmung' is a compound noun, formed from:

• Selbst: (Pronoun/Adverb meaning 'self', 'oneself')
• Bestimmung: (Noun derived from the verb 'bestimmen' meaning 'to determine', 'to decide', 'to define'). Can mean determination, destiny, definition, purpose.

Literally, it means 'self-determination' or the act of determining one's own course, rules, or destiny.