Sinn
Meaning and Usage
"Sinn" in German translates to "sense" or "meaning" in English. It is used to refer to the purpose or significance of something, or to describe the logical or meaningful nature of an action or statement.
Linguistic Analysis
"Sinn" is a singular masculine noun with no prefix or suffix. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old High German word "sinn," meaning "sense" or "mind."
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Sinn" is similar to the English word "sense," both in meaning and in its usage to convey purpose and significance.
Cultural Context
The concept of "Sinn" is central to German philosophy and literature, where it is often explored in depth, particularly in works by thinkers such as Kant and Nietzsche.
Example Sentences
- Was ist der Sinn des Lebens? (What is the meaning of life?)
- Diese Aussage macht keinen Sinn. (This statement doesn't make sense.)
- Sie hat einen Sinn für Humor. (She has a sense of humor.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "Sinn," think of situations where you ponder the sense or purpose of things, or when something makes sense or lacks it.
Additional Vocabulary
- Synonyms: Bedeutung (meaning), Zweck (purpose)
- Antonyms: Unsinn (nonsense), sinnlos (senseless)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
Gender: Masculine Plural: die Sinne
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A