Signification
Expressing that something is not surprising, given the circumstances.
Contexte culturel
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Saying 'Kein Wunder' is often seen as a neutral statement of fact rather than an insult, even if it points out someone's mistake. In Austria, the phrase might be softened with 'halt' (just/simply): 'Is' halt ka Wunder.' This makes it sound slightly more resigned and less sharp. Swiss German speakers use 'Kei Wunder' (in dialect). It is used frequently in local politics to comment on predictable outcomes of referendums. In a professional setting, using 'Kein Wunder' about a colleague's failure can be seen as unprofessional or 'unkollegial'. It's better to use more formal language like 'Das war absehbar' (That was foreseeable).
The 'Dass' Trick
If you use 'Kein Wunder' to start a sentence, always follow it with ', dass' to sound more natural.
Tone Check
Be careful not to sound too arrogant. Use a sympathetic tone if you want to show empathy.
Signification
Expressing that something is not surprising, given the circumstances.
The 'Dass' Trick
If you use 'Kein Wunder' to start a sentence, always follow it with ', dass' to sound more natural.
Tone Check
Be careful not to sound too arrogant. Use a sympathetic tone if you want to show empathy.
Add 'ja'
Adding 'ja' to the following clause makes it sound even more native: 'Kein Wunder, du hast ja auch nichts gegessen.'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Du hast die ganze Nacht gelernt. Kein ______, dass du müde bist!
The idiom is 'Kein Wunder'. 'Wunder' is the singular noun.
Which sentence has the correct word order?
A: Ich habe viel gegessen. B: ...
In a 'dass' clause, the verb 'bist' must go to the end.
Match the cause to the 'Kein Wunder' reaction.
Cause: Es ist Winter und 20 Grad unter Null.
Freezing temperatures logically lead to a frozen lake.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Mein Handy-Akku ist schon wieder leer. B: Du spielst ja auch den ganzen Tag damit. A: Ja, ______.
The speaker is admitting that the empty battery is a logical result of playing all day.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Synonyms by Formality
Informal
- • War ja klar
- • Logisch
- • Wundert mich nicht
Formal
- • Wenig überraschend
- • Verwunderlich wäre eher...
- • Es ist nachvollziehbar
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDu hast die ganze Nacht gelernt. Kein ______, dass du müde bist!
The idiom is 'Kein Wunder'. 'Wunder' is the singular noun.
A: Ich habe viel gegessen. B: ...
In a 'dass' clause, the verb 'bist' must go to the end.
Cause: Es ist Winter und 20 Grad unter Null.
Freezing temperatures logically lead to a frozen lake.
A: Mein Handy-Akku ist schon wieder leer. B: Du spielst ja auch den ganzen Tag damit. A: Ja, ______.
The speaker is admitting that the empty battery is a logical result of playing all day.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, the idiom is strictly singular: 'Kein Wunder'. Using the plural would change the meaning to 'No miracles exist'.
It depends on the context. If you are explaining a logical business outcome, it's fine. If you are commenting on your boss's personal mistake, it's too informal and potentially rude.
'Natürlich' means 'Of course'. 'Kein Wunder' specifically links a result to a cause. You can often use both, but 'Kein Wunder' is more explanatory.
If it's followed by a clause (like a 'dass' clause), yes, a comma is required.
Yes! 'Du hast gewonnen? Kein Wunder, du bist der Beste!' (You won? No wonder, you're the best!)
Yes, 'War ja klar' or 'Logisch' are common slang alternatives.
Use 'Es ist daher kaum überraschend, dass...' or 'Es ist wenig verwunderlich, dass...'
It's rare. Usually, it's at the beginning or stands alone. You wouldn't say 'Du bist müde, kein Wunder' as often as 'Kein Wunder, dass du müde bist.'
Yes, always. In German, all nouns are capitalized.
Just remove 'kein' and say 'Es ist ein Wunder!'
Expressions liées
Wundert mich nicht.
similarDoesn't surprise me.
War ja klar.
synonymThat was obvious.
Logisch!
similarLogical! / Of course!
Kaum zu glauben!
contrastHard to believe!
Was hast du erwartet?
builds onWhat did you expect?
