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A1 verb #1,500 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

weinen

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces weinen en 30 secondes

Explication weinen in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'weinen' is introduced as a fundamental vocabulary word related to basic human emotions and physical states. Learners at this stage are primarily focused on simple sentence construction and understanding everyday situations. 'Weinen' is taught alongside other basic verbs like 'lachen' (to laugh), 'essen' (to eat), and 'schlafen' (to sleep). The focus is on the present tense conjugation, which is regular and straightforward: ich weine, du weinst, er/sie/es weint. A1 learners will encounter 'weinen' in simple contexts, such as describing a picture ('Das Baby weint') or expressing a basic emotional state ('Ich bin traurig, ich weine'). The goal at this level is simply to recognize the word, know its direct English translation ('to cry'), and be able to use it in short, uncomplicated sentences without worrying about complex prepositions or abstract meanings. It is a highly practical word that helps beginners describe immediate, visible actions.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their interaction with 'weinen' becomes slightly more complex. They are expected to use the verb in the past tense, specifically the conversational perfect tense (Perfekt). They learn that 'weinen' takes the auxiliary verb 'haben' and forms the past participle 'geweint' (e.g., 'Gestern habe ich geweint'). Additionally, A2 learners begin to connect 'weinen' with basic causes using simple conjunctions like 'weil' (because). For example, 'Das Kind weint, weil es müde ist' (The child is crying because it is tired). They might also start encountering the imperative form in comforting phrases like 'Weine nicht!' (Don't cry!). At this stage, the vocabulary expands to include basic adverbs that modify the verb, such as 'viel' (a lot) or 'oft' (often). The focus remains on concrete, everyday situations, but the ability to discuss past events and reasons for crying adds significant communicative depth.

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At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'weinen' expands significantly into more nuanced and abstract territories. Learners are introduced to prepositional objects, specifically 'weinen vor' (to cry from/out of) and 'weinen um' (to cry over/mourn). This allows them to express complex emotional states, such as 'vor Freude weinen' (crying tears of joy) or 'um einen Freund weinen' (mourning a friend). Furthermore, B1 learners are expected to comfortably use the simple past tense (Präteritum) of 'weinen' ('weinte'), especially in written narratives or when recounting stories. They will also encounter 'weinen' in subordinate clauses, requiring correct verb placement at the end of the sentence ('Ich wusste nicht, dass sie weint'). The vocabulary surrounding the verb broadens to include related nouns like 'die Träne' (the tear) and adjectives like 'traurig' (sad) or 'gerührt' (touched), enabling learners to construct richer, more descriptive paragraphs about emotional experiences.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to have a complete and intuitive grasp of 'weinen' in all its grammatical forms and standard usages. The focus shifts towards stylistic variation, idiomatic expressions, and recognizing synonyms. B2 students learn to distinguish 'weinen' from words like 'heulen' (to bawl), 'schluchzen' (to sob), and 'wimmern' (to whimper), understanding the subtle differences in register and intensity. They encounter 'weinen' in more complex texts, such as literature, news reports, and opinion pieces. They learn reflexive and separable prefix variations like 'sich ausweinen' (to have a good cry on someone's shoulder) or 'jemandem nachweinen' (to mourn someone's departure). At this level, learners can fluently discuss psychological and emotional topics, using 'weinen' not just to describe a physical act, but as a metaphor for deeper emotional distress or catharsis, demonstrating a high level of linguistic flexibility.

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At the C1 advanced level, the use of 'weinen' is entirely natural and automatic. Learners at this stage focus on the finest nuances of the word within highly specific cultural, literary, and academic contexts. They can effortlessly navigate complex idiomatic phrases, such as 'zum Weinen sein' (to be enough to make one cry, usually out of frustration). C1 learners understand the socio-linguistic implications of crying in German culture and can adapt their vocabulary accordingly, choosing between 'weinen', 'Tränen vergießen' (formal), or 'flennen' (colloquial/derogatory) depending on the exact tone they wish to convey. They encounter the word in classic German literature, analyzing its symbolic weight in texts by authors like Goethe or Rilke. The verb is used seamlessly in complex sentence structures, including subjunctive moods (Konjunktiv II) to express hypothetical situations: 'Wenn ich das gewusst hätte, hätte ich geweint' (If I had known that, I would have cried).

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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's command of 'weinen' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess an exhaustive understanding of its etymology, its historical usage, and its role in regional dialects. C2 speakers can employ 'weinen' and all its synonyms with absolute precision in any context, from a highly formal academic dissertation on human psychology to a casual, emotionally charged conversation with a close friend. They can play with the language, creating spontaneous metaphors or rhetorical devices involving tears and crying. They intuitively grasp the unspoken cultural subtext whenever the word is used in media or literature. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'weinen' is no longer just a vocabulary item to be translated; it is a fully integrated conceptual tool used to articulate the deepest and most complex facets of the human emotional experience in German.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

weinen en 30 secondes

Means 'to cry' or 'to weep' (shedding tears).
Regular verb: weine, weinte, hat geweint.
Use 'vor' for the cause (vor Freude weinen).
Use 'um' for mourning (um jemanden weinen).

The German verb 'weinen' is the primary and most direct translation of the English verb 'to cry' or 'to weep', specifically referring to the physiological act of shedding tears due to an emotional response, physical pain, or profound distress. Understanding the depth and application of 'weinen' is fundamental for learners of the German language, as it touches upon the core of human emotional expression and is ubiquitous in both spoken and written contexts. Unlike the English word 'cry', which can sometimes ambiguously mean 'to shout' or 'to call out', the German 'weinen' is strictly confined to the act of lachrymation—the production of tears. When a German speaker wants to express the act of shouting, they would use 'schreien' or 'rufen'. This distinction is crucial and eliminates a common source of confusion for native English speakers. The etymology of 'weinen' traces back to the Old High German 'weinon', which is related to the concept of lamentation and sorrow. Throughout German literary history, particularly during the Sturm und Drang and Romantic periods, 'weinen' has been a central motif, symbolizing authentic feeling, vulnerability, and the sublime depth of the human soul.

Core Definition: To shed tears as a manifestation of emotion, typically sadness, grief, or overwhelming joy.

In everyday conversation, 'weinen' is used across all age groups and demographics. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct accusative object in its standard usage. You do not 'weinen' something; you simply 'weinen'. However, it frequently pairs with prepositions to indicate the cause or the subject of the tears. For instance, 'weinen vor' (to cry from/out of) is used with emotions, such as 'vor Freude weinen' (to cry out of joy) or 'vor Schmerz weinen' (to cry from pain).

Das kleine Kind begann plötzlich bitterlich zu weinen.

Another common prepositional pairing is 'weinen um', which translates to 'to cry over' or 'to mourn for'. If someone loses a loved one or a cherished possession, they would 'um jemanden/etwas weinen'. This adds a layer of mourning and specific direction to the grief. Beyond its literal meaning, 'weinen' also appears in various idiomatic expressions and compound words. For example, 'Weinende' refers to a crying person, and 'Weinkrampf' describes a crying fit or a spasm of sobbing. The cultural perception of crying in German-speaking countries is similar to that in many Western cultures; it is generally seen as a natural response to sadness, though public displays of intense weeping might be reserved for specific contexts like funerals or moments of extreme personal tragedy.

Emotional Context: While primarily associated with negative emotions like sadness, grief, and pain, 'weinen' is equally applicable to profound positive emotions, such as relief and extreme happiness.

Als sie die gute Nachricht hörte, musste sie vor Erleichterung weinen.

Furthermore, the intensity of the crying can be modified with adverbs. 'Leise weinen' means to cry softly or weep silently, whereas 'laut weinen' means to cry loudly. 'Bitterlich weinen' is a very common collocation that translates to crying bitterly, indicating deep, inconsolable sorrow.

Er saß allein im dunklen Zimmer und fing an zu weinen.

Grammatical Function: Intransitive verb, regular conjugation, forms its perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'haben' (hat geweint).

Bitte hör auf zu weinen, alles wird wieder gut.

Manchmal tut es einfach gut, sich richtig auszuweinen.

In conclusion, 'weinen' is a versatile, essential verb that captures the universal human experience of shedding tears. Its regular conjugation makes it accessible for beginners, while its various prepositional pairings and adverbial modifiers provide advanced learners with the tools to express nuanced emotional states with precision and empathy.

Mastering the usage of 'weinen' involves understanding its conjugation, its syntactical behavior within different sentence structures, and its interaction with specific prepositions to convey nuanced meanings. As a weak (regular) verb, 'weinen' follows the standard conjugation patterns in German, which is a relief for learners navigating the complexities of the language. In the present tense (Präsens), the stem 'wein-' takes the standard endings: ich weine, du weinst, er/sie/es weint, wir weinen, ihr weint, sie/Sie weinen. This regularity extends to the simple past tense (Präteritum), where the characteristic '-te' suffix is added: ich weinte, du weintest, er/sie/es weinte, wir weinten, ihr weintet, sie/Sie weinten.

Perfect Tense Formation: The perfect tense (Perfekt) is formed using the auxiliary verb 'haben' and the past participle 'geweint'. For example: 'Ich habe gestern Abend lange geweint.'

Warum hast du gestern am Telefon so sehr geweint?

Syntactically, 'weinen' is primarily an intransitive verb. This means it stands alone without requiring a direct object in the accusative case to complete its meaning. You cannot say 'Ich weine den Hund' to mean 'I cry the dog'. Instead, to connect the act of crying to a cause or an object of mourning, German relies heavily on prepositional objects. The two most critical prepositions used with 'weinen' are 'vor' (taking the dative case) and 'um' (taking the accusative case).

Die Fans begannen vor Begeisterung zu weinen, als die Band die Bühne betrat.

Conversely, 'weinen um' is used when the crying is directed towards a loss, mourning someone or something specific.

Mourning and Loss: Use 'weinen um' + Accusative to express crying OVER or FOR someone/something (e.g., um den verstorbenen Großvater weinen).

Sie weint immer noch um ihren verlorenen Ring.

In addition to these standard usages, 'weinen' can be modified by separable prefixes to create new verbs with slightly altered meanings. A very common example is 'sich ausweinen', which means to have a good cry, to cry one's eyes out, or to cry on someone's shoulder. This reflexive usage emphasizes the therapeutic release of emotion. 'Ich muss mich einfach mal richtig ausweinen' (I just need to have a really good cry). Another variation is 'nachweinen', which means to mourn the loss of something in the past, often used with a dative object: 'Er weint seiner Ex-Freundin keine Träne nach' (He doesn't shed a tear over his ex-girlfriend).

Wenn du traurig bist, darfst du ruhig weinen.

Imperative Form: The imperative forms are 'weine (nicht)' for du, 'weint (nicht)' for ihr, and 'weinen Sie (nicht)' for the formal Sie. Often used to comfort someone.

Bitte weine nicht, ich bin ja bei dir.

Understanding these structural rules and prepositional pairings transforms 'weinen' from a simple vocabulary word into a powerful tool for emotional articulation in German. Whether you are comforting a friend, describing a dramatic scene in a book, or expressing your own feelings, mastering the grammar of 'weinen' ensures your message is conveyed with the appropriate sensitivity and accuracy.

The verb 'weinen' permeates virtually every aspect of German life where human emotion is present, making it a high-frequency word that learners will encounter in a vast array of contexts. From the intimate confines of a family home to the dramatic peaks of cinema and literature, 'weinen' is the universal signifier for shedding tears. In everyday domestic life, it is perhaps most frequently heard in the context of children. Parents, caregivers, and educators constantly use the word when addressing the emotional states of toddlers and infants. Phrases like 'Warum weint das Baby?' (Why is the baby crying?) or comforting words such as 'Nicht weinen, alles ist gut' (Don't cry, everything is fine) are staples of family communication.

Media and Entertainment: In German television, movies, and theater, 'weinen' is frequently used in stage directions, dialogue, and dramatic descriptions to indicate a character's emotional breakdown or profound reaction.

Am Ende des traurigen Films mussten fast alle Zuschauer im Kino weinen.

Beyond the domestic sphere, 'weinen' is a crucial vocabulary word in medical and psychological contexts. Doctors, therapists, and counselors use it to discuss a patient's emotional well-being, symptoms of depression, or reactions to trauma. A therapist might ask, 'Müssen Sie oft grundlos weinen?' (Do you often have to cry for no reason?), highlighting the clinical relevance of the term.

Der Patient begann während der Therapiesitzung hemmungslos zu weinen.

You will also hear 'weinen' in the context of significant life events, both tragic and joyous. Funerals and memorial services are obvious settings where mourning is openly expressed, and the phrase 'um jemanden weinen' is prevalent. Conversely, weddings, births, and reunions are occasions for 'Freudentränen' (tears of joy), where people 'vor Freude weinen'.

News and Journalism: Journalists use 'weinen' to describe the reactions of victims, survivors, or witnesses in news reports covering disasters, accidents, or highly emotional public events.

Die weinenden Angehörigen standen fassungslos vor den Trümmern ihres Hauses.

In music, particularly in German pop (Schlager) and classical Lieder, 'weinen' is a recurring lyrical theme. Songs about heartbreak, loss, and unrequited love rely heavily on the imagery of tears and the act of crying to connect with the listener's emotions.

Ihre Stimme zitterte so sehr, als ob sie gleich weinen würde.

Everyday Idioms: It appears in idioms like 'Da gibt es nichts zu weinen' (There's nothing to cry about), used to dismiss trivial complaints.

Er lachte so hart über den Witz, dass er anfing zu weinen.

Ultimately, 'weinen' is a word that bridges the gap between the internal emotional landscape and the external social world. By paying attention to how and where native speakers use 'weinen', learners can gain profound insights into German cultural attitudes towards emotion, vulnerability, and empathy, enriching their own communicative competence significantly.

While 'weinen' is a relatively straightforward regular verb, learners of German frequently encounter specific pitfalls, primarily stemming from direct translation interference from English and confusion with similar-sounding or conceptually related German words. The most prevalent mistake English speakers make is conflating the dual meanings of the English word 'cry'. In English, 'to cry' can mean to shed tears, but it can also mean to shout, yell, or call out loudly (e.g., 'He cried out in warning'). In German, 'weinen' strictly and exclusively means to shed tears. If a learner wants to express shouting or yelling, they must use verbs like 'schreien' or 'rufen'. Using 'weinen' to mean 'shout' will result in highly confusing and often comical misunderstandings for native German speakers.

The 'Cry' Fallacy: Never use 'weinen' to translate 'cry' when it means 'to shout'. Always use 'schreien' for vocal outbursts without tears.

Falsch: Er weinte um Hilfe. Richtig: Er schrie um Hilfe. (Aber: Sie musste weinen.)

Another common grammatical error involves the incorrect use of prepositions. English speakers often try to translate 'to cry about something' directly as 'weinen über etwas'. While 'weinen über' is occasionally used and understood, the far more idiomatic and grammatically standard prepositions are 'um' (for mourning a loss) and 'vor' (for the cause of the tears).

Es hat keinen Sinn, um verschüttete Milch zu weinen. (German equivalent: Was geschehen ist, ist geschehen.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the intransitive nature of 'weinen'. Because you can 'cry tears' in English, some learners attempt to create a direct object in German, saying things like 'Ich weine Tränen'. While poetically understandable, it is redundant and unnatural in everyday German. You simply say 'Ich weine'. If you want to emphasize the tears, you might say 'Mir kommen die Tränen' (Tears are coming to me) or 'Tränen vergießen' (to shed tears), which is much more formal.

Redundancy Avoidance: Avoid saying 'Tränen weinen'. The verb 'weinen' already implies the shedding of tears. Keep it simple.

Als sie das Foto sah, fing sie sofort an zu weinen.

Furthermore, pronunciation can sometimes be a slight hurdle. The 'ei' in 'weinen' is pronounced like the English word 'eye' or the 'i' in 'mine'. Beginners sometimes mispronounce it as 'ee' (like the 'ie' in German 'spielen'), which would make it sound like 'wienen' (a non-existent word, though close to Wien/Vienna). Ensuring the crisp, clear 'ai' diphthong is essential for being understood.

Die Zwiebeln waren so scharf, dass ich beim Schneiden weinen musste.

False Friends: Do not confuse 'weinen' with 'Wein' (wine). Though they share a root in spelling, context usually prevents confusion, but be careful with capitalization: das Weinen (the crying) vs. der Wein (the wine).

Er versuchte, sein Weinen vor den anderen zu verbergen.

By being mindful of these common errors—specifically the 'cry/shout' distinction, the correct prepositions, avoiding redundant objects, and mastering the pronunciation—learners can use 'weinen' confidently and accurately, ensuring their emotional expressions in German are clear and natural.

The German language is rich in vocabulary related to emotional expression, and while 'weinen' is the standard, neutral term for crying, there are numerous synonyms and related verbs that convey different intensities, styles, and nuances of shedding tears. Understanding these alternatives allows learners to express themselves with greater precision and to fully grasp the emotional tone of German literature and conversation. A very common, slightly more colloquial synonym is 'heulen'. While 'heulen' can mean 'to howl' (like a wolf or the wind), when applied to humans, it means to cry loudly, bawl, or wail. It often carries a slightly derogatory or dismissive tone, implying that the crying is excessive, annoying, or childish. For instance, a frustrated parent might say 'Hör auf zu heulen!' (Stop bawling!).

Heulen vs. Weinen: 'Weinen' is neutral and respectful. 'Heulen' is loud, often uncontrolled, and can be used dismissively (to bawl/blubber).

Sie war so gerührt, dass sie leise anfing zu weinen, während ihr Bruder laut heulte.

Another highly descriptive verb is 'schluchzen', which translates to 'to sob'. This word specifically focuses on the convulsive catching of breath that often accompanies intense crying. When someone is 'am Schluchzen', they are crying so hard that they are struggling to breathe smoothly. It denotes deep distress or overwhelming emotion.

Das Kind lag im Bett und weinte nicht nur, es schluchzte herzzerreißend.

For a quieter, more pathetic or pitiful form of crying, German offers 'wimmern' (to whimper) and 'greinen' (to fret/whine with tears). 'Wimmern' is often used for animals in pain or humans in extreme physical agony or fear, producing low, plaintive sounds. 'Greinen' is somewhat old-fashioned or regional, often describing the continuous, annoying crying of a fussy child.

Flennen: 'Flennen' is a highly colloquial, somewhat harsh word for crying, similar to 'sniveling' or 'blubbering'. It is rarely used sympathetically.

Er versuchte tapfer zu sein und nicht zu weinen, aber eine Träne entkam ihm doch.

If you want to describe the act of shedding tears in a more formal or literary way, you can use the phrase 'Tränen vergießen' (to shed tears). This is typically reserved for written texts, poetry, or highly formal speeches, such as eulogies.

Es gibt keinen Grund, wegen dieser Kleinigkeit zu weinen oder zu heulen.

Plärren: 'Plärren' means to cry loudly and annoyingly, often used for toddlers throwing a tantrum. It combines crying with loud, unpleasant vocalization.

Sie saß auf der Bank und weinte still vor sich hin.

By distinguishing between 'weinen' (neutral crying), 'heulen' (bawling/howling), 'schluchzen' (sobbing), 'wimmern' (whimpering), and 'flennen' (sniveling), learners can paint a much more vivid and accurate picture of emotional states in German. While 'weinen' is always safe and universally understood, adding these synonyms to your vocabulary will significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension of native speech and literature.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Prepositions with Dative (vor)

Prepositions with Accusative (um)

Regular Verb Conjugation

Subordinate Clauses (weil, dass)

Infinitive with 'zu'

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Exemples par niveau

Das Baby weint laut.

The baby is crying loudly.

Present tense, 3rd person singular of the regular verb 'weinen'.

Warum weinst du?

Why are you crying?

Question word 'warum' followed by the inverted verb 'weinst' and subject 'du'.

Ich weine nicht.

I am not crying.

Negation using 'nicht' placed after the conjugated verb.

Bitte weine nicht!

Please don't cry!

Imperative form for 'du' (weine) combined with 'bitte' for politeness.

Der Junge weint im Zimmer.

The boy is crying in the room.

Subject 'Der Junge' with 3rd person singular verb, followed by a local prepositional phrase.

Wir weinen zusammen.

We cry together.

1st person plural 'wir' takes the infinitive form 'weinen'.

Sie weint jeden Tag.

She cries every day.

Time expression 'jeden Tag' used with the present tense.

Mein Hund weint nie.

My dog never cries.

Adverb of frequency 'nie' (never) used to negate the verb.

Gestern habe ich viel geweint.

Yesterday I cried a lot.

Perfect tense: auxiliary 'habe' + past participle 'geweint'.

Das Kind hat geweint, weil es hingefallen ist.

The child cried because it fell down.

Subordinate clause with 'weil', pushing the verb 'ist' to the end.

Hast du im Kino geweint?

Did you cry at the cinema?

Yes/No question in the perfect tense.

Sie weinte, als sie die Nachricht hörte.

She cried when she heard the news.

Simple past (Präteritum) 'weinte' used with the temporal conjunction 'als'.

Er fängt oft an zu weinen.

He often starts to cry.

Separable verb 'anfangen' used with 'zu' + infinitive 'weinen'.

Wir haben vor Lachen geweint.

We cried from laughing.

Preposition 'vor' used to indicate the cause of crying (Lachen).

Ich möchte jetzt nicht weinen.

I don't want to cry right now.

Modal verb 'möchte' with the infinitive 'weinen' at the end.

Warum hat der Mann auf der Straße geweint?

Why did the man on the street cry?

Question in the perfect tense with a local prepositional phrase.

Sie konnte nicht aufhören zu weinen.

She couldn't stop crying.

Modal verb 'konnte' + 'aufhören' + 'zu' infinitive construction.

Viele Menschen weinen um ihre verlorenen Haustiere.

Many people cry over their lost pets.

Preposition 'um' + accusative to indicate mourning a loss.

Als der Zug abfuhr, weinte sie bitterlich.

When the train departed, she cried bitterly.

Adverb 'bitterlich' modifying the simple past verb 'weinte'.

Es ist völlig normal, dass man manchmal weint.

It is completely normal that one cries sometimes.

Subordinate 'dass' clause with the impersonal pronoun 'man'.

Ich habe mich gestern bei meiner Freundin ausgeweint.

I had a good cry with my friend yesterday.

Reflexive, separable verb 'sich ausweinen' in the perfect tense.

Er weint vor Schmerz, weil sein Bein gebrochen ist.

He is crying from pain because his leg is broken.

Preposition 'vor' + dative noun 'Schmerz' indicating the physical cause.

Obwohl sie traurig war, weinte sie nicht.

Although she was sad, she didn't cry.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl', followed by the main clause with inverted word order.

Die Schauspielerin musste auf der Bühne echte Tränen weinen.

The actress had to cry real tears on stage.

Modal verb 'musste' with the direct object 'echte Tränen' (though 'weinen' is usually intransitive, this is a stylistic exception).

Seine ständigen Beschwerden sind wirklich zum Weinen.

His constant complaints are really enough to make one cry.

Idiomatic expression 'zum Weinen sein' meaning highly frustrating or pathetic.

Sie weinte ihm keine einzige Träne nach, als er ging.

She didn't shed a single tear over him when he left.

Separable verb 'nachweinen' with a dative object ('ihm').

Unterdrücktes Weinen kann zu psychischen Problemen führen.

Suppressed crying can lead to psychological problems.

Nominalized verb 'das Weinen' used as the subject of the sentence.

Kaum hatte sie den Brief gelesen, brach sie in Tränen aus und weinte hemmungslos.

Hardly had she read the letter when she burst into tears and cried unrestrainedly.

Advanced sentence structure with 'kaum... brach' and the strong adverb 'hemmungslos'.

Es rührte ihn zu Tränen, sodass er leise weinen musste.

It moved him to tears, so that he had to cry softly.

Consecutive clause with 'sodass' explaining the consequence.

Anstatt zu weinen, beschloss sie, das Problem aktiv anzugehen.

Instead of crying, she decided to actively tackle the problem.

Infinitive construction 'anstatt zu' + infinitive.

Der Film war so ergreifend, dass im Saal kaum ein Auge trocken blieb und viele weinten.

The film was so moving that hardly an eye in the room remained dry and many cried.

Complex sentence combining an idiomatic expression with the simple past of 'weinen'.

Er behauptete, er habe nicht geweint, aber seine roten Augen verrieten ihn.

He claimed he hadn't cried, but his red eyes betrayed him.

Indirect speech using Konjunktiv I ('habe geweint').

Die Tragik der Situation ließ selbst die hartgesottensten Beobachter weinen.

The tragedy of the situation made even the most hardened observers cry.

Causative use of 'lassen' with the infinitive 'weinen'.

Es entbehrt nicht einer gewissen Ironie, dass er nun um das weint, was er einst verachtete.

It is not without a certain irony that he now cries over what he once despised.

Sophisticated phrasing ('entbehrt nicht') with a relative clause acting as the prepositional object.

In der Literatur der Romantik wird das Weinen oft als Ausdruck höchster seelischer Empfindsamkeit stilisiert.

In Romantic literature, crying is often stylized as an expression of the highest spiritual sensitivity.

Passive voice ('wird... stilisiert') with the nominalized 'das Weinen'.

Hätte er damals nicht so bitterlich geweint, wäre ihr Entschluss vielleicht anders ausgefallen.

Had he not cried so bitterly back then, her decision might have turned out differently.

Irrealis of the past (Konjunktiv II) in a conditional sentence without 'wenn'.

Das ständige Weinen und Wehklagen der Protagonistin wirkte auf Dauer eher ermüdend als berührend.

The constant crying and lamenting of the protagonist seemed more tiring than touching in the long run.

Pairing of nominalized verbs ('Weinen und Wehklagen') as a complex subject.

Sie weinte stumm in sich hinein, unfähig, ihren Schmerz in Worte zu fassen.

She cried silently to herself, unable to put her pain into words.

Idiomatic directional phrase 'in sich hinein' modifying the crying.

Angesichts der verheerenden Zerstörung blieb den Überlebenden nichts anderes übrig, als zu weinen.

In the face of the devastating destruction, the survivors had no choice but to cry.

Fixed expression 'nichts anderes übrig bleiben, als zu' + infinitive.

Er ist niemand, der vergangenen Zeiten nostalgisch nachweint; sein Blick ist stets nach vorn gerichtet.

He is not someone who nostalgically mourns past times; his gaze is always directed forward.

Advanced use of the separable verb 'nachweinen' in a relative clause.

Das kollektive Weinen der Nation nach dem unerwarteten Tod des Monarchen war ein beispielloses historisches Phänomen.

The collective weeping of the nation after the unexpected death of the monarch was an unprecedented historical phenomenon.

Highly formal, academic register using 'das kollektive Weinen'.

In seinen späten Gedichten transzendiert das Weinen die bloße Trauer und wird zu einem ontologischen Zustand der Welterfahrung.

In his late poems, crying transcends mere sorrow and becomes an ontological state of experiencing the world.

Philosophical/literary analysis vocabulary ('transzendiert', 'ontologischen Zustand').

Man mag darüber streiten, ob die Tränen aufrichtig waren, doch dass sie weinte, war unbestreitbar.

One may argue about whether the tears were sincere, but that she cried was undeniable.

Complex syntax with 'ob' and 'dass' clauses balancing an argument.

Das leise Weinen der Violinen im zweiten Satz der Symphonie evoziert ein Gefühl unendlicher Melancholie.

The soft weeping of the violins in the second movement of the symphony evokes a feeling of infinite melancholy.

Metaphorical use of 'Weinen' applied to inanimate objects (instruments).

Sich in Selbstmitleid zu suhlen und dem verlorenen Vermögen nachzuweinen, zeugt von einer gewissen charakterlichen Schwäche.

Wallowing in self-pity and crying over the lost fortune testifies to a certain weakness of character.

Extended infinitive phrases acting as the subject of a sophisticated verb ('zeugt von').

Ihre Augen waren gerötet, ein stummes Zeugnis des nächtlichen Weinens, das sie vor der Welt zu verbergen suchte.

Her eyes were reddened, a silent testimony to the nocturnal crying she sought to hide from the world.

Apposition ('ein stummes Zeugnis') and genitive construction ('des nächtlichen Weinens').

Die rhetorische Wucht seiner Rede brachte selbst jene zum Weinen, die ihm politisch diametral entgegenstanden.

The rhetorical force of his speech brought even those to tears who were politically diametrically opposed to him.

Advanced vocabulary ('rhetorische Wucht', 'diametral entgegenstanden') surrounding the causative 'zum Weinen bringen'.

Es ist ein Weinen, das nicht aus Schmerz, sondern aus der schieren Überwältigung durch die Erhabenheit der Natur entspringt.

It is a crying that stems not from pain, but from sheer overwhelm by the sublimity of nature.

Philosophical distinction using 'nicht aus... sondern aus' and elevated vocabulary ('Erhabenheit').

Synonymes

heulen schluchzen wimmern greinen flennen Tränen vergießen plärren greinen

Antonymes

lachen lächeln kichern jubeln

Collocations courantes

bitterlich weinen

leise weinen

laut weinen

vor Freude weinen

vor Schmerz weinen

um jemanden weinen

hemmungslos weinen

heimlich weinen

vor Wut weinen

Rotz und Wasser heulen (colloquial equivalent)

Phrases Courantes

zum Weinen sein

in Tränen ausbrechen

sich in den Schlaf weinen

keine Träne nachweinen

sich an der Schulter ausweinen

vor Rührung weinen

ein weinendes und ein lachendes Auge

Weinen hilft nicht

Hör auf zu weinen

Lass uns nicht weinen

Souvent confondu avec

weinen vs schreien

weinen vs Wein (noun)

Expressions idiomatiques

"Rotz und Wasser heulen"

"ein weinendes und ein lachendes Auge haben"

"zum Heulen sein"

"jemandem keine Träne nachweinen"

"Krokodilstränen weinen"

"sich die Augen aus dem Kopf weinen"

"das ist doch zum Weinen"

"mit weinendem Herzen"

"da gibt es nichts zu weinen"

"besser weinen als gar nichts fühlen"

Facile à confondre

weinen vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

Always distinguish between 'weinen' (tears) and 'schreien' (loud voice).

Erreurs courantes

Translating 'cry out' (shout) as 'aufweinen' or similar. (Correct: aufschreien)
Saying 'Ich weine über...' instead of 'Ich weine um...' when mourning.
Pronouncing 'weinen' as 'wienen' (wee-nen).
Using 'sein' instead of 'haben' for the perfect tense (Ich bin geweint ❌ -> Ich habe geweint ✅).
Adding a direct object: 'Ich weine Tränen' (Redundant, just say 'Ich weine').

Astuces

Regular Conjugation

Rejoice! 'Weinen' is a weak verb. Just add the standard endings: -e, -st, -t, -en, -t, -en. Past tense is simply -te. Perfect is 'hat geweint'.

Never use for shouting

If someone yells 'Watch out!', they are not 'weinen'. They are 'schreien'. Reserve 'weinen' exclusively for tears.

Vor vs. Um

Memorize this rule: 'vor' is for the CAUSE (vor Schmerz - from pain), 'um' is for the LOSS (um den Opa - over grandpa).

The 'ei' sound

When you see 'ei' in German, think of an 'eye' crying. This will help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation (VY-nen).

Bittersweet moments

Impress native speakers by using 'mit einem weinenden und einem lachenden Auge' when you leave a party early but are excited to sleep.

Level up with 'schluchzen'

If you are writing a story and want to describe intense, breathless crying, use 'schluchzen' (to sob) instead of just 'weinen'.

Heulen for drama

In casual conversation with friends, you might hear 'heulen' more often than 'weinen' when complaining about a sad movie: 'Ich habe total geheult!'

Capitalization matters

Be careful: 'weinen' (verb, lowercase) vs. 'der Wein' (wine, noun, uppercase). Context usually helps, but spelling is key.

Intransitive nature

Don't try to force a direct object onto 'weinen'. You can't 'cry a river' directly in German. You just 'cry'.

Comforting phrases

Learn the phrase 'Alles wird gut, weine nicht' (Everything will be fine, don't cry). It's essential for showing empathy.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine drinking WINE (Wein) until you CRY (weinen).

Origine du mot

Old High German

Contexte culturel

None, though excessive public crying without clear cause may be viewed with concern.

Neutral. Appropriate in all settings.

In some southern dialects or Austrian German, 'plärren' or 'raunzen' might be used more frequently for annoying crying, but 'weinen' is universally understood.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Hast du schon mal bei einem Film geweint?"

"Wann hast du das letzte Mal vor Freude geweint?"

"Was tust du, wenn ein Freund weint?"

"Glaubst du, dass Weinen gesund ist?"

"Warum weinen Babys so viel?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem du vor Glück weinen musstest.

Schreibe über einen traurigen Film, der dich zum Weinen gebracht hat.

Wie fühlst du dich, nachdem du richtig geweint hast?

Ist es in deiner Kultur akzeptiert, in der Öffentlichkeit zu weinen?

Schreibe einen Brief an jemanden, um den du geweint hast.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, absolutely not. This is a very common mistake for English speakers. In English, 'to cry' can mean to shout (e.g., 'He cried out'). In German, 'weinen' strictly means to shed tears. If you want to say 'to shout', you must use the verb 'schreien'.

It is a regular (weak) verb. This makes it very easy to conjugate. The forms are: ich weine (present), ich weinte (simple past), and ich habe geweint (perfect tense). It does not change its stem vowel.

It depends on the context. If you are crying because of an emotion or physical pain, use 'vor' + Dative (e.g., vor Freude weinen - to cry from joy). If you are mourning a loss or crying over someone, use 'um' + Accusative (e.g., um den Hund weinen - to cry over the dog).

While grammatically possible, it sounds redundant and unnatural to native speakers. The verb 'weinen' already implies that tears are falling. It is better to simply say 'Ich weine'. If you want to emphasize the tears, you can say 'Mir kommen die Tränen' (Tears are coming to my eyes).

'Weinen' is the standard, neutral word for crying. 'Heulen' is more colloquial and means to bawl, wail, or howl. 'Heulen' can sometimes be used dismissively or to describe very loud, uncontrolled crying, whereas 'weinen' is respectful and neutral.

The 'ei' in German is pronounced like the English word 'eye'. So 'weinen' sounds like 'VY-nen' (with a 'v' sound for the 'w'). Do not pronounce it like 'wee-nen', which is a common beginner mistake.

This is a very common German idiom that translates to 'a crying and a laughing eye'. It is used to describe a bittersweet situation where you feel both sad and happy at the same time, like leaving home to start a great new job.

It is 'hat geweint'. 'Weinen' forms its perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'haben'. For example: 'Gestern hat das Baby viel geweint.'

Yes, any German verb can be nominalized by capitalizing the infinitive. 'Das Weinen' means 'the crying' or 'the weeping'. For example: 'Sein ständiges Weinen machte mich traurig' (His constant crying made me sad).

The most common and polite way is to use the imperative form: 'Bitte weine nicht' (informal singular), 'Bitte weint nicht' (informal plural), or 'Bitte weinen Sie nicht' (formal).

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