die
Verwunderung
😮 What does "die Verwunderung" mean?
Die Verwunderung is a feminine noun and describes a feeling of astonishment, surprise, or amazement about something unexpected, new, or incomprehensible. It's the state of wondering about something.
There is only this one article and this one main meaning for Verwunderung. It is often used to express an emotional reaction.
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 of "die Verwunderung" in Detail
Die Verwunderung is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular, as it describes an abstract feeling. The plural (die Verwunderungen) is very rare and hardly ever used.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (1st case) | die | Verwunderung |
| Genitive (2nd case) | der | Verwunderung |
| Dative (3rd case) | der | Verwunderung |
| Accusative (4th case) | die | Verwunderung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Verwunderungen |
| Genitive | der | Verwunderungen |
| Dative | den | Verwunderungen |
| Accusative | die | Verwunderungen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Seine Reaktion löste allgemeine Verwunderung aus.
His reaction caused general astonishment. - Mit großer Verwunderung betrachtete sie das Kunstwerk.
She looked at the artwork with great amazement. - Ich kann meine Verwunderung über dieses Ergebnis nicht verbergen.
I cannot hide my surprise at this result. - Die Verwunderung stand ihm ins Gesicht geschrieben.
Astonishment was written all over his face.
🗣️ How to use "Verwunderung"?
Verwunderung is used to express a state of astonishment or surprise. It is often stronger than a simple surprise (Überraschung) and includes an element of not understanding or fascination.
- Typical Contexts: When seeing, hearing, or experiencing something unexpected. In reactions to news, events, or human behaviour.
- Prepositions: Often used with prepositions like "über" (+ Accusative) or "vor" (+ Dative): Verwunderung über seine Entscheidung (astonishment about his decision), Verwunderung vor so viel Mut (amazement at so much courage).
- Expressions: "zu meiner Verwunderung" (to my astonishment), "in Verwunderung versetzen" (to astonish someone), "seine Verwunderung ausdrücken" (to express one's astonishment).
- Difference to Überraschung: Überraschung is often more neutral or can even be negative (shock). Verwunderung often implies wonder, sometimes slight confusion or fascination. Bewunderung (admiration) is positive and refers to respect or appreciation, not surprise.
💡 Mnemonics for "die Verwunderung"
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ung are feminine (like die Rechnung, die Meinung, die Hoffnung). Remember the ending: "-ung" calls for "die"! So: die Verwunderung.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains "Wunder" (wonder/miracle). When you see a Wunder, you feel great Verwunderung. Imagine looking at a miracle with wide eyes ("Oh!") – that's Verwunderung.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- das Staunen: Amazement, wonder (emphasizes pausing and looking).
- das Erstaunen: Astonishment (very similar, often interchangeable).
- die Überraschung: Surprise (general term for something unexpected).
- die Verblüffung: Bafflement, stupefaction (strong surprise leaving one speechless).
- das Befremden: Disconcertment, puzzlement (astonishment mixed with slight disapproval or irritation).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- die Gleichgültigkeit: Indifference.
- das Desinteresse: Lack of interest.
- die Erwartung: Expectation (opposite of surprise).
- die Fassung: Composure, self-control.
- die Selbstverständlichkeit: Matter of course, obviousness (seeing something as normal).
⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:
- Die Bewunderung: Means admiration or respect, not surprise. You might admire (bewundern) someone for their skills, but be astonished (sich wundern über) by their sudden disappearance.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Mathematiker das Lineal mit ins Bett genommen?
Aus Verwunderung darüber, wie lang die Nacht werden könnte! 😉
Translation: Why did the mathematician take the ruler to bed?
Out of astonishment (Verwunderung) at how long the night could be! (Pun on 'lang' meaning long in length and duration)
📜 Poem about Verwunderung
Ein Funke klein, ein Blitz so hell,
Ein unerwartetes Karussell.
Die Augen weit, der Mund steht still,
Das ist die Verwunderung, wie sie will.
Sie packt den Geist, stellt Fragen laut,
Auf Neues, das man grad erschaut.
Translation:
A tiny spark, a flash so bright,
An unexpected carousel's flight.
The eyes are wide, the mouth stands still,
That is astonishment, as it will.
It grabs the mind, asks questions loud,
At novelty just seen, endowed.
❓ Riddle
Ich komme schnell, ganz ohne Schritt,
Wenn Unerwartetes geschieht.
Ich male Fragezeichen ins Gesicht,
Und raube oft die Worte schlicht.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: die Verwunderung
Translation:
I come quickly, without a pace,
When the unexpected takes place.
I paint question marks upon the face,
And often steal words, leaving empty space.
What am I?
Solution: Verwunderung (astonishment)
🧩 Further Details
Word Composition:
Die Verwunderung is derived from the verb verwundern (to astonish, to surprise). This verb itself is composed of:
- The prefix ver-: often intensifying or indicating a change.
- The stem Wunder: (miracle, wonder).
- The ending -n for the verb.
The noun is formed by adding the suffix -ung to the verb stem, which is typical for forming feminine nouns from verbs in German (e.g., hoffen -> die Hoffnung, meinen -> die Meinung).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Verwunderung?
The German noun Verwunderung is feminine, so the correct article is die. It describes the feeling of astonishment, surprise, or amazement.