die
Verfassung
📜 What does "die Verfassung" mean?
The German word die Verfassung has two primary meanings:
- The constitution of a state: This is the most common meaning. Die Verfassung defines the fundamental political and legal order of a country. It establishes the form of government, the basic rights of citizens, and the organization of state power. Synonyms include das Grundgesetz (Basic Law, especially for Germany) or die Konstitution. 🏛️
- The physical or mental condition/state of a person: In this sense, Verfassung describes a person's general well-being or condition. Someone can be in guter Verfassung (in good condition) or in schlechter Verfassung (in bad condition). Synonyms include der Zustand (state), das Befinden (well-being), or die Kondition (condition, often physical). 💪🧠
Although both meanings use the same word, the context (der Kontext) is crucial for understanding which one is intended.
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 Compass for "die Verfassung"
Verfassung is a feminine noun (hence die Verfassung). The suffix "-ung" often indicates feminine nouns in German.
Declension (Beugung):
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | eine | Verfassung |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | einer | Verfassung |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | einer | Verfassung |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | eine | Verfassung |
| Case | Definite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Verfassungen |
| Genitive | der | Verfassungen |
| Dative | den | Verfassungen |
| Accusative | die | Verfassungen |
Example Sentences:
- Meaning 1 (Constitution): Das deutsche Grundgesetz wird oft als Verfassung bezeichnet.
(The German Basic Law is often referred to as the constitution.) - Meaning 1 (Constitution): Änderungen der Verfassung erfordern eine Zweidrittelmehrheit.
(Amendments to the constitution require a two-thirds majority.) - Meaning 2 (Condition): Nach dem Marathon war sie in keiner guten Verfassung.
(After the marathon, she was not in good condition.) - Meaning 2 (Condition): Seine geistige Verfassung hat sich deutlich verbessert.
(His mental state has improved significantly.)
💡 Everyday Application: When to use "Verfassung"?
The use of die Verfassung strongly depends on the context:
- Political/Legal: Here, Verfassung almost always refers to the basic law or constitution of a state, organization, or sometimes a group. People talk about die Einhaltung der Verfassung (adherence to the constitution), die Verfassungsänderung (constitutional amendment), or der Verfassungsschutz (the German domestic intelligence service, literally 'protection of the constitution').
- Personal/Medical: In this context, Verfassung describes the physical or mental state. You might ask someone about their Verfassung or say you are in guter/schlechter Verfassung (in good/bad shape/condition). This is often slightly more formal than using Zustand (state) or Befinden (well-being). Kondition is more common in a sporting context.
Risk of Confusion? 🚨 Sometimes die Fassung (e.g., die Fassung verlieren - to lose one's composure) is mistakenly confused with Verfassung in the sense of 'condition'. However, Verfassung is broader, referring to the general state, not just emotional control at a specific moment.
🧠 Mnemonics for "Verfassung"
Article Mnemonic: Words ending in "-ung" are almost always feminine, thus "die". Remember: Die Verfassung requires Ordnung (order) – and "die" brings it!
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you have to verfassen (compose, write) the rules (die Verfassung 📜) for your country. At the same time, you need to be in good Verfassung (condition 💪) to manage this important task! This connects both meanings.
🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- For Constitution:
- Konstitution: (More formal/educated term)
- Grundgesetz: (Basic Law, esp. for Germany, often used synonymously)
- Charta: (Charter, more historical or for specific documents)
- For Condition/State:
Antonyms (Opposite Words)
- For Constitution:
- For Condition/State:
- Unwohlsein: (Malaise, feeling unwell)
- Krankheit: (Illness, sickness - opposite of good health)
- Erschöpfung: (Exhaustion - poor physical condition)
Watch out! Similar words:
⚠️ Don't confuse with die Fassung (composure, capacity, frame/setting for a gem).
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Arzt den Patienten nach der Operation: "Und, wie ist Ihre Verfassung heute?" Antwortet der Patient: "Stabil, Herr Doktor, ganz wie die unseres Grundgesetzes – hoffentlich hält sie länger!"
English: The doctor asks the patient after surgery: "And how is your condition (Verfassung) today?" The patient replies: "Stable, Doctor, just like our constitution (Verfassung) – hopefully, it will last longer!"
✍️ Poem about Verfassung
German:
Die Verfassung, fest und klar,
schützt das Recht, Jahr für Jahr.
Ob Grundgesetz, ob Zustand schlicht,
sie wahrt das innere Gleichgewicht.
Bist du fit, in guter Norm,
hält auch dein Körper seine Form.
Zwei Seiten hat das Wort so fein,
möge beides stets in Ordnung sein!
English Translation:
The Constitution / Condition, firm and clear,
protects the law, year after year.
Be it Basic Law, or simple state,
it keeps the inner balance straight.
If you are fit, in form so good,
your body's shape is understood.
Two sides the word has, fine and true,
may both always be sound for you!
❓ A Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin das höchste Recht im Lande,
und geb' dem Staat ein festes Bande.
Doch fragt man dich: "Wie geht es dir?",
bin ich die Antwort, glaube mir!
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I am the highest law in the land,
and give the state a steady hand (lit: 'a firm bond').
But if someone asks: "How do you do?",
I am the answer, believe me, it's true!
What am I?
(Solution: die Verfassung)
🧐 Other Interesting Info
Word Formation (Wortbildung): The word Verfassung derives from the verb verfassen, which means "to write", "to compose", or "to draw up". The suffix -ung turns it into a noun, describing the result or process of composing/writing. The meaning "condition" or "state" evolved later, possibly from the idea of a specific "composition" or order of the body or mind.
Verfassungsschutz: In Germany, der Verfassungsschutz refers to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (*Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz*) and corresponding state agencies. Their task is to protect the free democratic basic order (i.e., the constitution) against extremism and other threats.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Verfassung?
The word "Verfassung" is always feminine, so the correct article is die Verfassung. It has two main meanings: the constitution of a state and the physical or mental condition of a person.