die  Wahrheit

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaːɐ̯haɪ̯t/

💡 What Exactly is "die Wahrheit"?

Die Wahrheit (feminine) means truth. It signifies the conformity of a statement or thought with reality or a fact. It represents what is actually the case, as opposed to a Lüge (lie), Irrtum (error), or Schein (appearance).

• Core meaning: Correctness, fact, reality.
• Philosophical context: A central concept in epistemology and logic, often discussed in relation to objectivity and subjectivity.

⚠️ Caution: Although often used absolutely, the perception of truth can be subjective ("meine Wahrheit vs. deine Wahrheit" - "my truth vs. your truth"), though this is controversial in a strict philosophical sense.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Wahrheit

The noun "Wahrheit" is feminine. The article is "die". It is usually used in the singular. The plural "die Wahrheiten" exists but is less common, often referring to different kinds of truths or specific true statements.

Example Sentences

1. Er sagte immer die Wahrheit.
   (He always told the truth.)
2. Wir suchen nach der Wahrheit hinter den Ereignissen.
   (We are searching for the truth behind the events.)
3. Man muss der Wahrheit ins Auge sehen.
   (One must face the truth.)
4. Es gibt verschiedene philosophische Wahrheiten.
   (There are different philosophical truths.)

🗣️ How to Use "Wahrheit"?

"Wahrheit" is used in many contexts:

• Everyday language: To express honesty or state facts. "Sag mir die Wahrheit!" (Tell me the truth!)
• Philosophy & Science: As a fundamental concept for describing reality and valid knowledge.
• Law: On the witness stand, one is obliged to tell the truth.
• Idioms (Redewendungen):
  • "Die nackte Wahrheit" (the naked truth)
  • "Die Stunde der Wahrheit" (the moment of truth)
  • "Jemandem reinen Wein einschenken / die Wahrheit sagen" (to tell someone the plain truth / speak frankly)

Distinction: While "Wahrheit" denotes conformity with reality, "Richtigkeit" (correctness) often refers to the correctness of a method or answer (e.g., in a test), and "Ehrlichkeit" (honesty) describes a character trait.

🧠 Mnemonics for Wahrheit

Article Mnemonic: Words ending in "-heit" in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of Schönheit (beauty), Freiheit (freedom), Krankheit (illness) – and also Wahrheit. They all take "die"!

Meaning Mnemonic: "Wahrheit" sounds like the English word "aware" if you stretch it a bit, or simply contains the German word "wahr" which means "true". You become aware of the Wahrheit (truth), or simply remember it's what is wahr (true).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Potential Confusion: Don't confuse with "Weisheit" (wisdom)!

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Schwören Sie, die Wahrheit zu sagen, die ganze Wahrheit und nichts als die Wahrheit?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Na ja, bei den Fragen, die Sie stellen, wird mir wohl nichts anderes übrig bleiben!" 😄

EN: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
The defendant replies: "Well, with the questions you're asking, I probably won't have any other choice!" 😄

📜 Poem about Truth

DE:
Die Wahrheit, klar und rein,
soll stets Begleiter sein.
Manchmal tut sie weh,
doch besser als die Lüg', o weh!
Sie leuchtet hell wie Sonnenlicht,
auch wenn man sie nicht immer spricht.

EN:
The truth, so clear and pure,
should always be your guide, for sure.
Sometimes it brings some pain,
but better than a lie's dark stain.
It shines as brightly as the sun,
though speaking it's not always done.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich habe keinen Körper, aber eine Stimme.
Ich kann verletzen, aber auch heilen.
Manche suchen mich ihr Leben lang,
andere fürchten mein Gesicht.

Was bin ich?

EN:
I have no body, but I have a voice.
I can injure, but also heal.
Some search for me their whole lives long,
others fear my face.

What am I?

Solution: die Wahrheit (the truth)

🧩 More Tidbits

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Wahrheit" is composed of:

• The adjective wahr (true, real)
• The suffix -heit, which forms abstract nouns from adjectives and is usually feminine.

Philosophical Concepts: There are various theories of truth (Wahrheitstheorien), e.g., the correspondence theory (truth as correspondence with reality), the coherence theory (truth as consistency within a system of statements), and the consensus theory (truth as what competent speakers can agree upon).