die
Weitergabe
🎁 What does "die Weitergabe" mean?
Die Weitergabe (feminine) refers to the act of passing something on, transferring, or handing something over (like information, objects, data, costs, knowledge, etc.) from one person or entity to another. It implies a movement or transfer from one point to the next.
- It's a noun derived from the verb weitergeben (to pass on).
- It only takes the feminine article die. 🚨 Confusion with other compound words is rare, but the focus is always on 'giving' (Gabe) and 'further' (weiter).
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 Spotlight: Declension
"Weitergabe" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Weitergabe |
| Genitive | der | Weitergabe |
| Dative | der | Weitergabe |
| Accusative | die | Weitergabe |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Weitergaben |
| Genitive | der | Weitergaben |
| Dative | den | Weitergaben |
| Accusative | die | Weitergaben |
💡 Example Sentences
- Die Weitergabe von vertraulichen Informationen ist strengstens untersagt.
(The passing on of confidential information is strictly forbidden.) - Die schnelle Weitergabe der Testergebnisse war entscheidend.
(The quick dissemination/passing on of the test results was crucial.) - Er dankte für die unkomplizierte Weitergabe des Pakets.
(He thanked them for the uncomplicated handover of the package.) - Die Weitergabe von Wissen zwischen Generationen ist wichtig für die Gesellschaft.
(The transmission of knowledge between generations is important for society.)
🗣️ How to use "die Weitergabe"?
"Die Weitergabe" is used in various contexts, mostly in formal or factual language:
- Information & Data: Often related to data protection, communication, or reporting (e.g., die Weitergabe von Patientendaten - the disclosure of patient data, die Weitergabe von Forschungsergebnissen - the dissemination of research results).
- Objects: Handing over physical items (e.g., die Weitergabe eines Buches - passing on a book, die Weitergabe von Werkzeugen - handing over tools).
- Costs & Responsibility: Transferring financial burdens or duties (e.g., die Weitergabe von gestiegenen Rohstoffkosten an den Kunden - passing on increased raw material costs to the customer, die Weitergabe einer Aufgabe - delegating a task).
- Knowledge & Tradition: Transmitting expertise or cultural practices (e.g., die Weitergabe von Erfahrungswissen - passing on practical knowledge, die Weitergabe von Traditionen - passing on traditions).
Distinction from similar words:
- Übermittlung: Similar, often emphasizes the technical or formal process of sending.
- Übergabe: Tends to emphasize the physical act of handing over.
- Verteilung: Usually refers to distributing to multiple recipients.
- Verbreitung: Focuses on making something available to a wide audience.
🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Gabe" (the gift/donation). A Gabe is something given. Die Weitergabe is a form of giving something further on. Since "Gabe" is feminine (die Gabe), "die Weitergabe" is also feminine.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Weiter (further, onward) + Gabe (giving, something given). It literally means 'giving further'. Imagine a relay race baton being weitergegeben (passed on).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Übermittlung: (Transmission, conveyance) - Often more technical/formal.
- Übergabe: (Handover, delivery) - Often physical.
- Transfer: (Transfer) - General term.
- Verbreitung: (Dissemination, spreading) - To a wider audience.
- Aushändigung: (Handing over, delivery) - Formal handover.
- Zuleitung: (Forwarding) - Often for official documents.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Empfang: (Reception, receiving) - Act of receiving.
- Annahme: (Acceptance, assumption) - Accepting or taking in.
- Behalten: (Keeping) - Not passing something on.
- Zurückhaltung: (Retention, withholding) - Not disclosing information or things.
- Aufbewahrung: (Storage, safekeeping) - Keeping instead of passing on.
⚠️ Note: Words like "Verkauf" (sale) or "Schenkung" (donation) describe specific types of transfer but aren't direct general synonyms for Weitergabe.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Können Sie gut mit der Weitergabe von Verantwortung umgehen?"
Azubi: "Klar Chef, ich gebe immer alles sofort weiter!"
(Boss asks the new trainee: "Are you good at handling the passing on of responsibility?"
Trainee: "Sure boss, I always pass everything on immediately!")
📜 A Short Poem
Ein Wissen, tief, ein heller Schein,
soll nicht nur dein Geheimnis sein.
Die Weitergabe, klar und rein,
lässt Weisheit wachsen, groß und fein.
Von Hand zu Hand, von Geist zu Geist,
ein Gut, das man dem Nächsten weist.
Was man empfing, man weiterreicht,
so wird die Kette nie gebreicht.
(Knowledge deep, a shining light,
Should not remain your secret tight.
The passing on, clear and bright,
Lets wisdom grow with all its might.
From hand to hand, from mind to mind,
A good one shows to humankind.
What one received, is passed along,
So the chain will always be strong.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Geschenk, doch werd' ich gegeben.
Ich fließe wie Wasser, doch bin nicht zu sehen.
Ich trage Wissen, manchmal auch Lasten.
Ohne mich würde vieles verblassen.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: die Weitergabe
(I'm not a gift, yet I am given.
I flow like water, but cannot be seen.
I carry knowledge, sometimes burdens too.
Without me, much would fade from view.
What am I?)
(Solution: die Weitergabe / the passing on, transfer)
🧩 More Insights into Weitergabe
Word Composition:
The word "Weitergabe" is a compound noun, composed of:
- weiter (adverb/prefix): Indicates continuation or direction ('further', 'onward').
- Gabe (noun): Refers to 'giving' or 'something given' (like a gift or donation).
Related Verb:
The corresponding verb is weitergeben (separable verb): Ich gebe die Information weiter. (I pass the information on.)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Weitergabe?
The German noun Weitergabe is always feminine. The correct article is die Weitergabe. It refers to the act of passing on or transferring something (e.g., information, objects, costs).