die /
der
Verwundete
🤕 What does 'Verwundete/r' mean?
'Verwundete/r' is a nominalized adjective, derived from the past participle of the verb 'verwunden' (to wound). It refers to a person who has suffered an injury or wound.
- der Verwundete: Refers to a male person who is wounded.
- die Verwundete: Refers to a female person who is wounded.
- die Verwundeten (Plural): Refers to multiple wounded people, regardless of gender.
🚨 It's crucial to use the correct article depending on the person's gender.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📐 Grammar of Verwundete/r in Detail
As a nominalized adjective, 'Verwundete/r' is declined like an adjective following a definite article (weak declension).
Declension 'der Verwundete' (Masculine)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | der Verwundete |
| Accusative | den Verwundeten |
| Dative | dem Verwundeten |
| Genitive | des Verwundeten |
Declension 'die Verwundete' (Feminine)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Verwundete |
| Accusative | die Verwundete |
| Dative | der Verwundeten |
| Genitive | der Verwundeten |
Declension 'die Verwundeten' (Plural)
| Case | Form |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Verwundeten |
| Accusative | die Verwundeten |
| Dative | den Verwundeten |
| Genitive | der Verwundeten |
Example Sentences
- Der Verwundete wurde sofort ins Krankenhaus gebracht.
(The wounded man was taken to the hospital immediately.) - Die Sanitäter kümmerten sich um die Verwundete.
(The paramedics took care of the wounded woman.) - Man errichtete ein Lazarett für die Verwundeten des Konflikts.
(A field hospital was set up for the wounded of the conflict.) - Die Namen der Verwundeten wurden bekannt gegeben.
(The names of the wounded were announced.)
🗣️ Usage in Context
'Verwundete/r' is typically used in contexts where injuries are reported, such as:
- News reports about accidents, disasters, or conflicts.
- Medical reports and discussions.
- Military contexts.
- Historical accounts of battles or wars.
The word emphasizes the state of being injured. It is more specific than 'Person' (person) or 'Opfer' (victim), as it directly indicates a physical injury.
Comparison: While 'der Verletzte' / 'die Verletzte' (the injured person) is often used synonymously, 'Verwundete/r' can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of wounds inflicted by external force (e.g., in war), but they are largely interchangeable in general usage.
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic: Think of the person's gender: Der is for the man (der Verwundete), like 'der Mann'. Die is for the woman (die Verwundete), like 'die Frau'. It matches the natural gender.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains 'Wunde' (wound). A Verwundeter is someone with a 'Wunde'.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- der/die Verletzte: (The injured person) Very common and often interchangeable.
- der/die Blessierte: (The person with a minor injury) Tends to imply less severe injuries.
- der/die Geschädigte: (The damaged/harmed person) Can include non-physical harm, but used for injuries too.
- das Opfer: (The victim) More general, someone who suffered harm (not just physical).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- der/die Gesunde: (The healthy person) Someone without illness or injury.
- der/die Unverletzte: (The uninjured person) Someone who hasn't taken damage.
- der/die Unversehrte: (The unharmed/intact person) Similar to Unverletzte/r.
- der/die Heilgebliebene: (The person who remained safe/whole) Someone who was spared.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Arzt den Verwundeten: "Tut es sehr weh?"
Antwortet der Verwundete: "Nur wenn ich lache, Herr Doktor!"
(The doctor asks the wounded man: "Does it hurt a lot?"
The wounded man replies: "Only when I laugh, Doctor!")
📜 Poem about the Wounded
Ein Schrei zerreißt die Stille,
Ein Körper liegt im Staub.
Ob Mann, ob Frau, ein letzter Wille,
Dem Schmerz fast aller Hoffnung Raub.
Der Helfer eilt, die Hand so lind,
Versorgt die Wunde, schnell, geschwind.
Der Verwundete atmet schwer,
Die Verwundete hofft nun mehr.
Ein jeder zählt, in Not und Pein,
Mögen sie bald genesen sein.
(A cry tears the silence,
A body lies in dust.
Whether man or woman, a last will,
Pain robbing almost all hope.
The helper hurries, hand so gentle,
Tends the wound, quickly, swiftly.
The wounded man breathes heavily,
The wounded woman now hopes more.
Everyone counts, in need and pain,
May they soon recover.)
🧩 Who am I? A Riddle
Ich trage eine Wunde, sichtbar oder klein,
Mal bin ich männlich ('der'), mal weiblich ('die') muss ich sein.
Im Lazarett, am Unfallort findet man mich oft,
Auf Hilfe und Genesung wird von mir gehofft.
Wer bin ich?
(I bear a wound, visible or small,
Sometimes I must be masculine ('der'), sometimes feminine ('die').
In the field hospital, at the accident site, you often find me,
Help and recovery are hoped for from me.
Who am I?) Answer: der/die Verwundete (the wounded person)
💡 Other Information
Word Formation:
- The word is a nominalization (noun created from) the past participle (Partizip II) of the verb verwunden (to wound).
- verwunden = ver- (prefix) + Wunde (noun 'wound', used as verb stem) + -n (infinitive ending)
- verwundet (adjective/participle) -> der/die Verwundete (nominalization)
Cultural Context: The term is strongly associated with reports of wars and conflicts, but also common in everyday accident reporting. Caring for the Verwundeten is a central element of humanitarian aid and medical services (Sanitätswesen).
📝 Summary: is it der or die Verwundete?
The word 'Verwundete' is a nominalized adjective. Use 'der Verwundete' for a male wounded person and 'die Verwundete' for a female wounded person. The plural is 'die Verwundeten'.