die  Träne

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtʁɛːnə/

💧 What exactly is a 'Träne'?

Die Träne (noun, feminine) refers to the salty fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands of the eye. This happens in response to emotions (like sadness, joy, anger), as a protective mechanism against irritation (e.g., from dust, smoke, onions), or to moisturize the eye.

The plural is die Tränen (the tears).

⚠️ There is only this one meaning and the article die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar Spotlight: die Träne

The noun „Träne“ is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences:

• Eine einzelne Träne rollte über ihre Wange. (A single tear rolled down her cheek.)
• Die Tränen liefen ihr in Strömen übers Gesicht. (Tears streamed down her face.)
• Er vergoss bittere Tränen der Enttäuschung. (He shed bitter tears of disappointment.)
• Freudentränen standen ihr in den Augen. (Tears of joy welled up in her eyes.)

🗣️ Everyday Usage

„Die Träne“ is mainly used in the context of emotions or physical reactions of the eye.

• Emotional tears: Crying out of sadness, happiness, emotion, anger, or pain. Example: „Nach dem Film musste ich ein paar Tränen verdrücken.“ (After the movie, I had to hold back a few tears.)
• Reflex tears: In response to external stimuli like onion vapors, wind, dust, or bright light. Example: „Vom Zwiebelschneiden tränen mir die Augen.“ (My eyes are watering from cutting onions.)
• Basal tears: The constant lubrication of the eye. This is less often explicitly called „Träne“, but it's the physiological basis.

Idioms (Redewendungen):

• Krokodilstränen weinen: To cry crocodile tears (to show hypocritical, feigned sadness).
• Nah am Wasser gebaut sein: To be built close to the water (to be very emotional and cry easily).
• Tränen lachen: To cry with laughter (to laugh very hard and long).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Träne'

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Emotion' (the emotion). Emotions often cause tears. Both words are feminine in German, helping you remember die Träne.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine tears 'training' your eyes to wash out dust. T-RÄNE sounds a bit like 'training'. Or think of 'rain' coming from the 'sky's eye' – the Träne comes from the human eye.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Potentially Confusing Words:

No direct confusions with similarly spelled words, but the distinction between emotional and physical tears depends on context.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat die Zwiebel geweint, als sie geschnitten wurde?
Weil sie ihre eigene Schärfe nicht ertragen konnte und eine Träne vergießen musste!

(Why did the onion cry when it was cut?
Because it couldn't handle its own sharpness and had to shed a tear!)

📜 A Little Poem

Ein kleiner Tropfen, salzig, klar,
brichst aus dem Aug', bist plötzlich da.
Ob Freud', ob Leid dich auch bewegt,
die Träne oft Gefühle legt
still auf die Wange, warm und weich,
machst manches Herz dem andern gleich.

(A little drop, salty, clear,
breaks from the eye, is suddenly here.
Whether joy or sorrow moves you so,
the tear often lays feelings low
silent on the cheek, warm and mild,
makes many a heart reconciled.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme aus dem Auge, doch sehen kann ich nicht.
Ich zeige Trauer, manchmal auch ein frohes Licht.
Bin flüssig, salzig, manchmal heiß.
Was bin ich wohl? Sag's mir leis'.

(I come from the eye, but cannot see.
I show sadness, sometimes also glee.
I'm liquid, salty, sometimes hot.
What am I? Tell me, like it or not.)

Solution: die Träne (the tear)

🧐 More Tidbits

• Etymology: The word „Träne“ comes from the Old High German „trahan“ or „tran“, meaning „drop“.
• Biology: Tears contain water, salts, antibodies, and enzymes (like lysozyme) that have an antibacterial effect and protect the eye.
• Culturally: Crying and showing tears are valued differently in various cultures – from a sign of weakness to an expression of deep emotionality and empathy.