die  Zivilcourage

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/t͡siˈviːlkuˈʁaːʒ/

🤔 What does Zivilcourage actually mean?

Die Zivilcourage describes the courage of a person to stand up for social and moral values, even if this may involve personal disadvantages or resistance. It's about not looking away when faced with injustice, discrimination, or violence, but actively taking action – whether by intervening, providing help, or reporting grievances.

It represents the courage of the individual in civil life (as opposed to military courage) to uphold the fundamental values of a society. Zivilcourage is an important pillar of a functioning democracy and respectful coexistence.

The word is feminine, so it's always die Zivilcourage.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the microscope: die Zivilcourage

The noun 'Zivilcourage' is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular and often without an article when referring to the concept itself.

A plural form ('die Zivilcouragen') is grammatically possible but extremely rare, as Zivilcourage is generally understood as an uncountable concept.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er bewies große Zivilcourage, als er dem Angegriffenen half.
   (He showed great civil courage when he helped the person being attacked.)
2. Zivilcourage ist in unserer Gesellschaft unverzichtbar.
   (Civil courage is indispensable in our society.)
3. Die Politikerin rief zu mehr Zivilcourage auf.
   (The politician called for more civil courage.)
4. Ohne die Zivilcourage mutiger Bürger wäre vieles nicht aufgedeckt worden.
   (Without the civil courage of brave citizens, many things would not have been uncovered.)

💡 How Zivilcourage is used

Zivilcourage is mostly used in contexts involving moral action in public or private spaces, often in the face of injustice or danger.

• Typical Situations: Intervening in cases of bullying, providing assistance during accidents or assaults, speaking out against discriminatory remarks, exposing misconduct (whistleblowing).
• Distinction: While Mut (courage) generally describes the willingness to face fear or danger, and Tapferkeit (bravery) is often used in the context of battle or great challenge, Zivilcourage specifically refers to standing up for moral and social values in everyday civilian life.
• Connotation: The word has a consistently positive connotation and is associated with qualities such as responsibility, empathy, and a sense of justice.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the article: Think of DIE (the feminine 'the') as pointing to a specific, admirable quality. Or remember that Courage itself is feminine in German (die Courage), so die Zivilcourage follows suit.

Remembering the meaning: Break it down: Zivil (like 'civilian', relating to citizens) + Courage (French/German for 'courage'). So, it's 'citizen's courage' or 'civil courage' – the courage shown by ordinary people in everyday life.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar, but not identical words:

• Mut: (Courage) - General term for fearlessness or overcoming fear.
• Tapferkeit: (Bravery) - Courage in the face of great danger, often in a physical sense or combat.
• Heldentum: (Heroism) - Exceptional bravery, often involving self-sacrifice.

😄 A little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist Zivilcourage?"
Fritzchen: "Wenn man trotz Durchfall furzt!"

Teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what is civil courage?"
Fritzchen: "When you fart despite having diarrhea!"

(Please take this with a grain of salt – the actual meaning is, of course, more serious!)

📜 A little Poem about Zivilcourage

Nicht wegsehen, wenn Unrecht geschieht,
Nicht schweigen, wo die Wahrheit flieht.
Die Stimme heben, die Hand ausstrecken,
Den Mut im Herzen neu entdecken.

Das ist der Funke, klar und rein,
Die Zivilcourage – sei nicht allein!
Für Werte einsteh'n, groß und klein,
So soll Gemeinschaft sicher sein.

Don't look away when injustice occurs,
Don't stay silent where the truth absconds.
Raise your voice, extend your hand,
Rediscover the courage within your heart's command.

That is the spark, clear and pure,
Civil courage – don't be alone, be sure!
Stand up for values, big and small,
So community can stand safe and tall.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Soldat, doch kämpfe ich gern,
Für Werte und Recht, ob nah oder fern.
Ich zeige mich oft, wenn and're nur schweigen,
Und helfe, das Unrecht aus der Welt zu vertreiben.
Man braucht mich im Alltag, an jeglichem Ort,
Ich bin mehr als nur Mut, ich bin ein wichtiges Wort.

Was bin ich?
... Die Zivilcourage

I'm not a soldier, yet I like to fight,
For values and justice, with all of my might.
I often appear when others just hush,
And help banish injustice, avoiding the crush.
You need me each day, in every place near,
I'm more than just courage, a word held so dear.

What am I?
... Zivilcourage (Civil Courage)

💡 Other Information

Word Origin: The word 'Zivilcourage' is a loanword from French. It is composed of civil (bürgerlich, civil) and courage (Mut, courage).

Importance for Society: Zivilcourage is considered essential for a vibrant democracy and a humane society. It encourages citizens to take responsibility and actively advocate for the common good and against grievances.

Promotion: There are numerous initiatives and awards that honor people for demonstrating civil courage and aim to raise awareness of its importance among the population (e.g., Preise für Zivilcourage).