die
Unterweisung
📚 What does 'die Unterweisung' mean?
Die Unterweisung (feminine) refers to a specific, often formal or official, transfer of knowledge, skills, or rules of conduct. It's a type of instruction, briefing, or training that typically takes place in a structured setting, for example, at the workplace (Sicherheitsunterweisung - safety briefing) or in education.
At its core, it means taking someone unter (under) one's Weisung (direction/instruction) and teaching them something. Unlike general information, an Unterweisung is usually focused on a specific topic or task.
⚠️ There is only this one article (*die*) and this one primary meaning for 'Unterweisung'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Unterweisung
'Unterweisung' is a feminine noun. The article is die. The plural is 'die Unterweisungen'.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Unterweisung |
| Genitive | der | Unterweisung |
| Dative | der | Unterweisung |
| Accusative | die | Unterweisung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Unterweisungen |
| Genitive | der | Unterweisungen |
| Dative | den | Unterweisungen |
| Accusative | die | Unterweisungen |
Example Sentences
- Die Unterweisung in Erster Hilfe ist für alle Mitarbeiter verpflichtend. (The first aid instruction is mandatory for all employees.)
- Vor der Bedienung der Maschine erhielt er eine gründliche Unterweisung. (Before operating the machine, he received thorough instruction.)
- Regelmäßige Unterweisungen zur Arbeitssicherheit sind gesetzlich vorgeschrieben. (Regular safety briefings are legally required.)
- Die religiöse Unterweisung findet am Nachmittag statt. (The religious instruction takes place in the afternoon.)
💡 How is 'Unterweisung' used?
'Unterweisung' is often used in formal or official contexts. Typical areas of application include:
- Workplace: Sicherheitsunterweisungen (safety briefings), instructions for new tasks or equipment.
- Education: Instructions in class, practical guidance.
- Legal/Administrative field: Briefings on rights and obligations (Belehrungen).
- Religious context: Religious instruction, catechism.
Comparison with similar words:
- Anleitung: Often more practical and detailed, e.g., assembly instructions (Bauanleitung). Less formal than Unterweisung.
- Schulung: Usually more comprehensive and longer than an Unterweisung, often for further training.
- Belehrung: Can have a moral or admonishing undertone, which Unterweisung doesn't necessarily have.
- Einweisung: Very similar, often specific to familiarization with a new area or device.
An Unterweisung often implies a certain authority of the person giving the instruction.
🧠 Mnemonics for Unterweisung
Article mnemonic: Most German nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine (*die*). Think of: *die Anweisung* (instruction), *die Weisung* (direction), *die Schulung* (training) -> therefore, it's also die Unterweisung.
Meaning mnemonic: Imagine someone being taken unter (under) someone's wing and receiving a Weisung (direction/instruction) on how to do something. That's the Unterweisung – the *instruction* or *briefing*.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Anweisung: General order or instruction.
- Instruktion: Very similar, often detailed instruction.
- Schulung: More comprehensive, often longer training measure.
- Belehrung: Can also mean advice or reprimand.
- Einweisung: Specific introduction to something new (task, device).
- Anleitung: Often practically oriented (e.g., user manual).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Selbststudium / Autodidaktik: Self-study / learning without direct instruction.
- Ignoranz / Unkenntnis: Ignorance / lack of knowledge or instruction.
- Fehlinformation: Misinformation, the opposite of correct instruction.
- Desinformation: Deliberate spreading of false information.
Similar but potentially misleading words:
- Weisung: An order or directive, often from an authority. *Unterweisung* is the act of imparting such instructions.
- Unterrichtung: Very similar, but perhaps broader than just practical instruction, more like 'briefing' or 'informing'.
😄 A little joke
German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter nach der Sicherheitsunterweisung: "Haben Sie alles verstanden?" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Chef! Wenn der Alarm losgeht, soll ich als Letzter ganz entspannt das Gebäude verlassen und vorher noch Kaffee kochen, richtig?"
English: The boss asks the new employee after the safety briefing: "Did you understand everything?" The employee replies: "Yes, boss! When the alarm goes off, I should be the last one to leave the building calmly, and make coffee beforehand, right?"
📜 Poem about Unterweisung
German:
Die Weisheit kommt nicht von allein,
drum muss 'ne Unterweisung sein.
Sie zeigt den Weg, erklärt das Tun,
lässt Wissen in uns sicher ruhn.
Ob Arbeit, Hobby oder Pflicht,
sie bringt uns Klarheit, spendet Licht.
English:
Wisdom doesn't come alone,
So an instruction must be shown.
It shows the way, explains the deed,
Lets knowledge safely rest, indeed.
Be it work, hobby, or a must,
It brings us clarity, builds trust.
🧩 Little Riddle
German:
Ich werde oft gegeben, bevor man startet,
damit kein Fehler wird erwartet.
Ich lehre Regeln, zeige den Dreh,
ob bei der Arbeit oder am See.
English:
I am often given before you start,
So that no mistake is expected from the heart.
I teach rules, show you the knack,
Whether at work or on the lake's track.
Solution: die Unterweisung (the instruction/briefing)
➕ Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Unterweisung" is composed of:
- unter-: Prefix, here meaning 'under the guidance/direction of'.
- Weisung: The noun form of "weisen" (to show, to direct). A *Weisung* is an order or instruction.
Together, they form the meaning of guided instruction.
Formality: "Unterweisung" is a rather formal term, more common in official language, regulations, and professional contexts than in everyday conversation among friends.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Unterweisung?
The German word Unterweisung is feminine. The correct article is die. It means instruction, briefing, or training, usually in a formal context (e.g., die Sicherheitsunterweisung - the safety briefing).