die
Zeitbombe
💣 What exactly is a Zeitbombe?
The word die Zeitbombe (feminine noun) has two main meanings:
- Literal: A bomb equipped with a timer (ein Zeitzünder) set to explode at a predetermined time. 💥
- Figurative: A situation or problem that currently seems unnoticed or manageable, but will inevitably lead to a crisis or catastrophe in the future. ⏳ It describes an impending danger with a time delay.
Both meanings involve the element of time (Zeit) and an unavoidable, often negative consequence.
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 in Detail: Die Zeitbombe
The noun „Zeitbombe“ is feminine. Therefore, the article is „die“.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Zeitbombe |
| Genitive | der | Zeitbombe |
| Dative | der | Zeitbombe |
| Accusative | die | Zeitbombe |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Zeitbomben |
| Genitive | der | Zeitbomben |
| Dative | den | Zeitbomben |
| Accusative | die | Zeitbomben |
Example Sentences
- Literal: Der Entschärfer machte die Zeitbombe unschädlich. (The bomb disposal expert defused the time bomb.)
- Figurative: Die hohe Staatsverschuldung ist eine tickende Zeitbombe für die nächste Generation. (The high national debt is a ticking time bomb for the next generation.)
- Figurative: Ungelöste Konflikte in der Region sind eine gefährliche Zeitbombe. (Unresolved conflicts in the region are a dangerous time bomb.)
🕰️ When to use "Zeitbombe"?
Usage heavily depends on the context:
- Literal: In news reports about crime, terrorism, or in fictional stories (movies, books). Refers to the actual weapon.
- Figurative: Very common in political, social, economic, or environmental discussions. Used to describe problems whose negative effects will only occur later but are considered certain (e.g., demographic change - demografischer Wandel, climate change - Klimawandel, social inequality - soziale Ungleichheit, simmering conflicts - schwelende Konflikte).
In the figurative sense, the adjective „tickend“ (ticking) is often added („eine tickende Zeitbombe“) to emphasize the urgency and the unstoppable passage of time until the „explosion“ (the onset of the crisis).
🧠 Mnemonics for Zeitbombe
Article Mnemonic: Think of „die Bombe“ (the bomb). Many weapon-related words ending in '-e' are feminine in German. Since „Zeitbombe“ ends with „Bombe“, it's also die Zeitbombe.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a clock (Zeit = time) ticking on top of a bomb (Bombe = bomb). 💣⏰ This image helps remember both the literal and figurative meanings (something that is about to 'go off' or run out of time).
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Tickende Bombe: Emphasizes the progression of time (often figurative).
- Damoklesschwert (Sword of Damocles): Describes a constant, looming threat (figurative).
- Pulverfass (Powder keg): An explosive, dangerous situation (figurative).
- Zeitzünderbombe: Technical term for the literal meaning (bomb with a time fuse).
Antonyms (Opposite Concepts):
- Stabilität: Stability, state of security and firmness.
- Sicherheit: Safety, security, absence of danger.
- Entschärfung: Defusal, removal of danger (in the context of a bomb).
- Nachhaltige Lösung: Sustainable solution, one that avoids future problems.
⚠️ Caution: Words like „Frist“ (deadline) or „Deadline“ also relate to time but lack the connotation of impending catastrophe associated with „Zeitbombe“.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Wecker Angst vor der Zeitbombe?
Weil er gehört hat, dass ihre Zeit bald abläuft! ⏰💣
(Why is the alarm clock afraid of the time bomb?
Because it heard its time is running out soon!)
📜 Poem about the Zeitbombe
Im Keller tickt es, leis und sacht,
Die Uhr der Bombe, Tag und Nacht.
Ein Zeiger rückt, die Zeit verrinnt,
Bis das Verderben jäh beginnt.
Doch auch im Leben, unbewacht,
Tickt manches, was uns Sorgen macht.
Ein Problem, das still noch ruht,
Wird bald zur reißend wilden Flut.
Die Zeitbombe, Symbol der Not,
Mahnt uns: Handelt vor dem Tod!
(In the cellar it ticks, soft and low,
The bomb's own clock, through day and glow.
A hand moves on, time slips away,
Until destruction starts its sway.)
(But also in life, unguarded it seems,
Ticks many a thing that fuels our bad dreams.
A problem that rests, silent and deep,
Will soon become a raging flood's leap.
The time bomb, a symbol of dire need,
Warns us: Act now, before death's deed!)
❓ Riddle
Ich habe ein Ziffernblatt, doch zeige nicht die Stunde.
Ich ticke laut in mancher Stund', oft tief im Untergrunde.
Man fürchtet mich, wenn meine Zeit zu Ende geht im Nu.
Mal bin ich echt, mal bildlich nur – wer oder was bist du?
(I have a face, but show no hour of day.
I tick aloud sometimes, often hidden away.
People fear me when my time is finally through.
Sometimes I'm real, sometimes figurative – who or what are you?)
Solution: die Zeitbombe (the time bomb)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word „Zeitbombe“ is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), composed of:
- die Zeit: Meaning 'time', referring to the time factor or the timer.
- die Bombe: Meaning 'bomb', referring to the explosive device.
The combination highlights the core function: a bomb whose detonation is controlled by time.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Zeitbombe?
The German word "Zeitbombe" is feminine, so the correct article is die Zeitbombe. It refers literally to a bomb with a timer and figuratively to an impending crisis or danger.