die
Tapferkeit
Meaning: What is Tapferkeit? 🤔
Die Tapferkeit (feminine) describes the quality of being brave and courageous, especially when facing danger, difficulty, or pain. It represents the inner strength to confront fears and do what is right or necessary despite potential negative consequences.
The word ends in -keit, which almost always indicates a feminine noun (using the article die). It's an abstract noun describing a quality or state.
There are no different meanings based on the article, as 'Tapferkeit' only uses the article 'die'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-keit → always feminine.
📜 Grammar & Declension of Tapferkeit
Die Tapferkeit is a feminine noun. Abstract nouns like this are mostly used only in the singular.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | die | Tapferkeit |
| Genitive (Whose?) | der | Tapferkeit |
| Dative (To whom?) | der | Tapferkeit |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | die | Tapferkeit |
A plural form ('die Tapferkeiten') is very uncommon and typically only used in rare philosophical or literary contexts to refer to different types or acts of bravery.
💡 Example Sentences
- Die Tapferkeit des Ritters wurde im ganzen Land gerühmt. (The knight's bravery was praised throughout the land.)
- Sie bewies große Tapferkeit, als sie dem Verletzten half. (She showed great bravery when she helped the injured person.)
- Es erfordert Tapferkeit, zu seinen Überzeugungen zu stehen. (It requires bravery to stand by one's convictions.)
- Wir bewundern ihre Tapferkeit im Angesicht der Krankheit. (We admire her bravery in the face of illness.)
🗣️ Everyday Usage
Die Tapferkeit is used to describe courage and fearlessness in various situations:
- Physical bravery: Exposing oneself to physical danger (e.g., soldiers, firefighters, athletes). Physische Tapferkeit.
- Moral bravery: Standing up for one's beliefs, even against opposition (civic courage). Moralische Tapferkeit or Zivilcourage.
- Emotional bravery: Enduring and coping with difficult life circumstances, illnesses, or losses. Emotionale Tapferkeit.
Difference from 'Mut': While Mut (courage) often describes a more spontaneous willingness to take a risk, Tapferkeit implies a steadfast, enduring attitude and fearlessness, often linked with moral strength or perseverance through suffering.
Example: One needs Mut to run into a burning house (action), but Tapferkeit to live with the consequences of a severe injury (attitude).
🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Words ending in -keit, -heit, -schaft, -ung are (almost) always feminine in German. Remember: "The happiness (Heiterkeit), the beauty (Schönheit), the friendship (Freundschaft), the practice (Übung) – and of course, die Tapferkeit!" The ending -keit signals die.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of a tapfer knight (tapfer means brave). What quality does he possess? Die Tapferkeit! The adjective tapfer is embedded in the noun.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:
Be careful not to confuse Tapferkeit (bravery) with Tapsigkeit (clumsiness)!
😂 A Little Joke
Deutsch: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir einen Beweis für Tapferkeit!"
Fritzchen: "Wenn mein Papa trotz Mamas Verbot nachts heimlich den Kühlschrank plündert!"
English: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, give me an example of bravery!"
Fritzchen: "When my dad secretly raids the fridge at night despite Mom forbidding it!"
📜 Poem about Bravery
Deutsch:
Die Tapferkeit, ein stiller Held,
Der sich der dunklen Angst entgegenstellt.
Nicht ohne Furcht, doch voller Kraft,
Hat sie schon Schweres oft geschafft.
Ein Leuchten in der tiefsten Nacht,
Durch inn're Stärke angefacht.
English Translation:
Bravery, a silent hero bold,
Against the dark fear takes its hold.
Not without fright, yet full of might,
It managed heavy tasks alright.
A glimmer in the deepest night,
Ignited by inner strength and light.
🧩 Who or What am I?
Deutsch:
Ich wohne im Herzen, nicht im Haus,
Und treibe die Furcht oft hinaus.
Man braucht mich im Kampf und in Not,
Ich helfe durch Leiden und Tod.
Mit -keit am End', feminin im Stand,
Bin Stärke und Mut in dem Land.
Wer bin ich?
Lösung: die Tapferkeit
English Translation:
I live in the heart, not in a house,
And often drive the fear right out.
You need me in struggle and need,
I help through suffering and deed.
With -keit at the end, feminine I stand,
I'm strength and courage in the land.
Who am I?
Solution: die Tapferkeit (bravery)
✨ Other Information
Word Formation:
Tapferkeit is a noun derived from the adjective tapfer (brave). The suffix -keit is used in German to form abstract nouns from adjectives, denoting a quality or state (e.g., Ehrlichkeit from ehrlich - honesty from honest; Heiterkeit from heiter - cheerfulness from cheerful).
Cultural Significance:
Bravery (Tapferkeit) is considered an important virtue in many cultures and is often featured in stories, myths, and legends.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Tapferkeit?
The German word Tapferkeit is feminine. The correct article is die Tapferkeit.