die
Wut
😡 What does "die Wut" mean?
Die Wut is the German word for a strong, often uncontrolled feeling of anger or rage. It describes a state of intense exasperation or indignation. It's a feminine noun (hence *'die'*) and is mainly used in the singular form.
Unlike der Ärger (annoyance, anger), which is often milder, die Wut implies a higher intensity and can manifest in violent reactions (e.g., yelling, raging).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Wisdom, power, rules → mostly feminine.
🧐 Grammar of "die Wut": Declension in Detail
The noun "Wut" is feminine. Here is the declension in singular and plural:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wut |
| Genitive | der | Wut |
| Dative | der | Wut |
| Accusative | die | Wut |
Plural ⚠️ Rare!
The plural form "die Wuten" is very rare and mostly used in poetic or elevated language to express different kinds or fits of anger.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wuten |
| Genitive | der | Wuten |
| Dative | den | Wuten |
| Accusative | die | Wuten |
Example Sentences
- Seine Wut war kaum zu bändigen. (His anger was hard to control.)
- Aus reiner Wut schlug er mit der Faust auf den Tisch. (Out of pure rage, he slammed his fist on the table.)
- Sie spürte eine kalte Wut in sich aufsteigen. (She felt a cold anger rising within her.)
- In seiner Wut sagte er Dinge, die er später bereute. (In his anger, he said things he later regretted.)
🗣️ Everyday Usage: How to use "die Wut"
"Die Wut" describes a strong, negative emotion. Here are typical contexts and collocations:
- Wutausbruch: A sudden fit of rage, a tantrum. (Er hatte einen heftigen Wutausbruch. - He had a violent outburst of anger.)
- Vor Wut kochen/sieden: To boil/seethe with anger. (Sie kochte innerlich vor Wut. - She was boiling inside with anger.)
- Seine Wut an jemandem/etwas auslassen: To take one's anger out on someone/something. (Lass deine Wut nicht an mir aus! - Don't take your anger out on me!)
- Blinde Wut: Blind rage, uncontrolled fury. (In blinder Wut zerstörte er das Möbelstück. - In a blind rage, he destroyed the piece of furniture.)
- Heilige Wut: Righteous anger, holy wrath.
Difference to Ärger: Wut is generally more intense and emotionally charged than Ärger, which is often a reaction to a specific annoyance.
🧠 Memory Aids for "die Wut"
Remembering the article "die":
Think of typically feminine things associated with strong emotion (even if stereotypical). Perhaps imagine an angry queen: Die Königin hat die Wut. Or, associate the 't' sound at the end of 'Wut' with feminine words ending in 't' like *die Fahrt*, *die Tat* (though this isn't a strict rule).
Remembering the meaning:
The word "Wut" sounds short and sharp, almost like a guttural sound someone might make when furious. Imagine someone yelling "Wuuut!" in anger. It also sounds a bit like the English word "root" - imagine anger taking root and growing.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Wut
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Der Zorn: Very similar, often used interchangeably with Wut, sometimes slightly more controlled.
- Die Rage: Extreme, often uncontrolled anger.
- Der Ärger: Usually less intense than Wut, often about minor annoyances.
- Der Groll: Long-held, quiet anger; resentment.
- Die Empörung: Indignation; anger about something perceived as unjust or improper.
Antonyms (opposites):
- Die Gelassenheit: Composure, serenity.
- Die Freude: Joy, happiness.
- Die Ruhe: Calmness, quietness.
- Die Sanftmut: Gentleness, meekness.
- Die Geduld: Patience.
⚠️ Similar Words:
- Wütend (adjective): Means *angry* or *furious* (Er ist wütend - He is angry).
- Die Wucht: Means *force*, *impact*, or *momentum*. Sounds similar but is unrelated in meaning.
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir drei Gründe für deine Wut."
Fritzchen: "Erstens haben Sie meine Hausaufgaben zerrissen. Zweitens war das nicht meine Hausaufgabe. Und drittens habe ich noch gar nicht angefangen!"
EN: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, name three reasons for your anger."
Fritzchen: "Firstly, you tore up my homework. Secondly, that wasn't my homework. And thirdly, I haven't even started yet!"
📜 Poem about Wut (Anger)
DE:
Die Wut, sie kommt, ein heißer Sturm,
Verzerrt das Bild, frisst wie der Wurm.
Ein rotes Tuch, ein lauter Schrei,
Vernunft und Ruhe sind vorbei.
Doch tief im Innern, leis' und sacht,
Wird nach dem Frieden oft gewacht.
EN:
The anger comes, a heated storm,
Distorts the view, eats like a worm.
A seeing red, a piercing cry,
Reason and calm have passed us by.
But deep inside, soft, quiet, low,
A watch for peace begins to grow.
🧩 Riddle Time
DE:
Ich komme schnell und heiß,
Mache rot dein Angesicht, weiß.
Ich lasse dich schreien, toben, fluchen,
Kannst du mich beim Namen suchen?
(Lösung: die Wut)
EN:
I come on fast and hot,
Make your face turn red, like it or not.
I make you scream, and rage, and curse,
Can you find my name in this verse?
(Answer: die Wut / anger)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Wut" forms part of many compound words related to the emotion:
- Der Wutbürger: A (often derogatory) term for citizens expressing their discontent and protest publicly and loudly; literally 'anger citizen'.
- Der Wutanfall / Der Wutausbruch: A tantrum / outburst of anger.
- Das Wutgefühl: The feeling of anger itself.
Etymology: The word comes from Old High German "wuot" (*frenzy, madness*) and is related to the Latin "vates" (*seer, poet*, often in a state of ecstasy).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wut?
The German word for anger or rage is die Wut. It's a feminine noun, mainly used in the singular, describing a strong, often uncontrolled feeling of annoyance or indignation.