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der Kummer

B1 noun #7,000 가장 일반적인 8분 분량

der Kummer

상위 7,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 der Kummer 30초 만에

설명 der Kummer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'der Kummer' often, but you might hear it. Think of it as a very strong word for 'sad'. If you are very, very sad because of a problem at home or with a friend, that is 'Kummer'. You can say 'Ich habe Kummer' (I have sorrow). It is like 'Ich bin traurig', but deeper. Usually, at this level, we focus on 'traurig' (sad) and 'froh' (happy). But if you see 'Kummer' in a story, just remember it means a person is feeling very bad in their heart. It is a masculine word: 'der Kummer'. You might also hear 'Liebeskummer', which is what happens when you like someone but they don't like you back, or you break up. It's a very important word for German music and movies!

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'der Kummer' to describe emotional problems. It's more specific than 'traurig'. For example, if your family has a problem, you can say 'Meine Familie hat Kummer'. You should also learn the phrase 'Kummer machen' or 'Kummer bereiten'. If you are a difficult student, you might 'deinem Lehrer Kummer machen' (cause your teacher worry/sorrow). Remember that 'Kummer' is usually about feelings inside you. It's not for small things like a broken phone, but for bigger things like a sick pet or a fight with a best friend. You should also recognize 'Kummerspeck'—it's a funny word for the weight people gain when they eat because they are sad!

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At the B1 level, 'der Kummer' becomes a key word for expressing nuanced emotions in the 'Alltag' (daily life). You are expected to talk about feelings and personal experiences. You should know that 'Kummer' is an uncountable noun in most cases. You don't say 'viele Kummer', you say 'viel Kummer' or 'großer Kummer'. You should be able to use it with prepositions: 'Kummer über etwas haben'. For example, 'Er hat Kummer über seine schlechten Prüfungsergebnisse.' You should also understand the difference between 'Kummer' and 'Sorgen'. 'Sorgen' are worries about the future (money, jobs), while 'Kummer' is the emotional pain from something that has happened or is happening. This is a common distinction in the B1 speaking exam.

At the B2 level, you should use 'der Kummer' with more sophisticated verbs and in more abstract contexts. Instead of just 'haben', use 'verspüren' (to feel/sense) or 'bewältigen' (to overcome/cope with). You should understand its role in German idioms like 'Geteilter Kummer ist halber Kummer'. You should also be able to distinguish 'Kummer' from 'Gram' (more poetic/bitter) and 'Trauer' (specific to death). In writing, you might describe a character's 'stillen Kummer' (silent sorrow) to show depth. You should also be familiar with the 'Nummer gegen Kummer', a social service in Germany, which shows the word's importance in social and psychological discourse. Your vocabulary should now include compound words like 'Kummervoll' (sorrowful).

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At the C1 level, you explore the literary and philosophical dimensions of 'Kummer'. You should recognize it in the works of Goethe, Schiller, or Rilke, where it often represents the human condition or the 'Weltschmerz'. You should be able to discuss the psychological aspects of 'Kummerbewältigung' (grief counseling/coping). You should also notice how 'Kummer' is used in formal journalism to describe the collective distress of a group. At this level, you should be sensitive to the register; 'Kummer' is more empathetic and personal than 'Distress' or 'Belastung'. You might use phrases like 'ein Quell ewigen Kummers' (a source of eternal sorrow) in a literary analysis. You should also be able to use the verb 'bekümmern' (to grieve/trouble) and the adjective 'bekümmert' fluently.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'der Kummer' in all its nuances. You understand its etymological roots and how it has shifted from meaning 'rubbish/debris' in Middle High German to 'distress/sorrow'. You can use it in highly formal, academic, or poetic contexts without hesitation. You might analyze how 'Kummer' functions as a motif in German Romanticism or modern existentialist literature. You are aware of rare plural forms like 'Kümmernisse' and can use them for stylistic effect. You can distinguish between 'Kummer', 'Elend', 'Misere', and 'Trübsal' with precision, choosing the word that fits the exact emotional and social register of your discourse. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

der Kummer 30초 만에

A masculine noun (der Kummer) meaning sorrow, grief, or deep emotional distress.
Commonly used in the context of family problems, health worries, or romantic heartbreak (Liebeskummer).
Different from 'Trauer' (mourning a death) and 'Sorgen' (worries about future logistics).
Often used with verbs like 'haben' (to have) or 'bereiten' (to cause/prepare).

The German noun der Kummer is a deeply evocative term that translates most directly to 'sorrow,' 'grief,' or 'distress.' Unlike the more temporary 'Traurigkeit' (sadness), Kummer often implies a more persistent, heavy emotional burden that dwells within a person, frequently stemming from personal loss, family issues, or unrequited love. In the German-speaking world, it is a word that carries weight; it is not used for trivial inconveniences like losing your keys, but rather for the heavy heart one carries when life presents significant emotional challenges.

The Essence of Internal Pain: Kummer represents an internal state of suffering. It is the gnawing feeling in the chest when a relationship fails or when a family member is struggling. It is often described as something one 'has' (Kummer haben) or something that 'weighs' on one (Kummer bereiten).

Nach der Trennung war sein Kummer für alle sichtbar, obwohl er versuchte, ihn zu verbergen.

One of the most iconic uses of this word is in the compound Liebeskummer (lovesickness/heartbreak). This specifically refers to the profound emotional distress experienced when love is not returned or a romantic relationship ends. In German culture, Liebeskummer is treated as a legitimate, albeit common, form of suffering that requires time and often 'Kummerspeck' (literally 'grief bacon'—weight gained from emotional eating) to process.

Familial Context: Parents often speak of 'Kummer' regarding their children's choices or health. It suggests a deep, empathetic worry that stems from a place of love and responsibility.

Die schlechten Noten des Sohnes bereiteten den Eltern großen Kummer.

In literary and poetic contexts, Kummer is often personified or described as a dark cloud. It is a central theme in German Romanticism, where the internal landscape of the soul is explored with great intensity. Understanding this word helps you tap into the emotional depth of the German language, moving beyond simple adjectives like 'traurig' (sad) into the more nuanced territory of human experience.

Geteilter Kummer ist halber Kummer.

This famous proverb, meaning 'shared sorrow is half sorrow,' highlights the communal aspect of dealing with emotional pain in German culture. It emphasizes the importance of talking about one's problems to alleviate the burden.

Using der Kummer correctly requires an understanding of its typical verbal pairings. It most frequently appears with verbs like haben (to have), bereiten (to cause), vergessen (to forget), and ertränken (to drown). Because it is a masculine noun, you must remember your 'der/den/dem' endings.

Common Verb Pairings: The most common way to express that someone is suffering is 'Kummer haben'. If you want to say something is causing you worry, use 'Kummer bereiten'.

Ich habe großen Kummer wegen meiner kranken Katze.

When describing the intensity of the sorrow, German speakers use adjectives like groß (great), tiefer (deep), or stiller (silent). 'Stiller Kummer' is a particularly poignant phrase referring to sorrow that one keeps to oneself, not showing it to the outside world.

Sie trägt einen tiefen Kummer in ihrer Seele.

You will also see Kummer used in more metaphorical or idiomatic ways. For instance, 'seinen Kummer in Alkohol ertränken' (to drown one's sorrows in alcohol) is a common, though tragic, expression. Another is 'Kummer gewohnt sein' (to be used to sorrow/hardship), which describes someone who has faced many difficulties in life and has become somewhat resilient or perhaps cynical.

Prepositional Usage: Use 'über' or 'wegen' to describe the cause of the sorrow. 'Kummer über den Verlust' (sorrow over the loss) or 'Kummer wegen der Arbeit' (distress because of work).

Er hat viel Kummer mit seinem alten Auto.

In the sentence above, Kummer is used slightly more colloquially to mean 'trouble' or 'hassle.' While still implying distress, it shows the word's flexibility in describing various levels of hardship, from the existential to the mechanical.

You will encounter der Kummer in a variety of settings, ranging from intimate conversations to formal literature. It is a staple of German pop music (Schlager) and classical Lieder alike, where the themes of unrequited love and longing are prevalent. If you listen to songs by artists like Herbert Grönemeyer or even modern pop, the word Liebeskummer appears frequently.

In Everyday Conversation: Friends often ask each other, 'Was macht dir Kummer?' (What is troubling you?) when they notice someone looks down. It is a gentle way to invite someone to share their worries.

„Mensch, erzähl doch mal, was ist dein Kummer?“

In news reports or documentaries, you might hear about the Kummer of a population during a crisis or after a natural disaster. Here, it takes on a more collective meaning, describing the shared grief of a community. It is also common in psychological contexts, where therapists might talk about 'Kummerbewältigung' (coping with grief).

In literature, Kummer is a powerful tool for character development. Goethe’s 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' (Die Leiden des jungen Werthers) is the ultimate exploration of Kummer and Leid. While 'Leid' is often more physical or existential suffering, Kummer is the emotional heart of that suffering. Reading 18th and 19th-century German texts will provide you with countless examples of this word being used to describe the 'Weltschmerz' (world-weariness) of the era.

Media and Film: In soap operas or 'Telenovelas', 'Kummer' is the engine of the plot. Characters are constantly dealing with 'Liebeskummer' or 'Familienkummer'.

„Sie hat ihren Kummer in die Arbeit gesteckt.“ (She put her sorrow into her work.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing der Kummer with die Trauer or die Sorge. While they overlap, they are not interchangeable. Trauer is specifically 'mourning' or 'bereavement' following a death. Kummer is broader and can be caused by many types of emotional pain.

Kummer vs. Sorge: 'Sorge' is 'worry' or 'concern' about the future. 'Kummer' is the emotional pain you feel right now. You have 'Sorgen' about your taxes, but 'Kummer' about a broken heart.

Falsch: Ich habe Kummer, dass ich den Zug verpasse. (Use 'Angst' or 'Sorge' here.)

Another mistake is using Kummer as a plural noun. While Kümmernisse exists as a plural form, it is archaic and very rare. In modern German, we almost always use the singular 'Kummer' even when referring to multiple sources of distress. For plural worries, use 'Sorgen'.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the gender. Since it ends in '-er', many assume it follows the pattern of masculine 'agent' nouns like 'Lehrer' or 'Fahrer'. While it is masculine, it doesn't refer to a person. Remembering 'der Kummer' (masculine) is essential for correct adjective endings: 'großer Kummer' (nominative) vs. 'großen Kummer' (accusative).

Misusing 'Kummerspeck': While a fun word, 'Kummerspeck' is informal. Don't use it in a formal essay about psychological distress unless you are being intentionally ironic or descriptive of colloquialisms.

Richtig: Der Verlust bereitete ihm tiefen Kummer.

To truly master German, you need to know the synonyms for der Kummer and when to use them. The German language is rich in words for emotional states, each with a slightly different 'flavor'.

Gram vs. Kummer: 'Gram' is a more poetic, slightly old-fashioned synonym. It implies a deep, long-lasting bitterness or resentment mixed with sorrow. You'll see it in older literature.
Trübsal vs. Kummer: 'Trübsal' is 'gloom' or 'melancholy.' It is often used in the phrase 'Trübsal blasen' (to mope or be in the doldrums). It's less intense than Kummer.
Leid vs. Kummer: 'Leid' is 'suffering' or 'harm.' It is a broader term that can include physical pain and objective misfortune, whereas Kummer is strictly emotional.

Statt Trübsal zu blasen, sollten wir versuchen, das Problem zu lösen.

When you want to express 'distress' in a more active, acute sense, you might use Bedrängnis or Not. However, these often imply external circumstances (like financial need) rather than the internal state of Kummer. For 'heartbreak' specifically, Herzeleid is an even more dramatic, poetic alternative to Liebeskummer.

In a formal or clinical setting, you might encounter Depressivität or seelischer Schmerz. These are more precise but lack the human, empathetic touch that Kummer provides. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact right word for the emotional atmosphere you want to create.

Sein Gram über die verlorene Heimat war unermesslich.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

It's fascinating that a word for 'rubbish' or 'debris' evolved to mean 'emotional burden'. It suggests that sorrow is like emotional rubble weighing down the soul.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈkʊm.ə/

US /ˈkʊm.ər/

Stress is on the first syllable: KUM-mer.

라임이 맞는 단어

Nummer Schlummer Stummer Brummer dummer frommer (near rhyme) Sommer (near rhyme) Trümmer (near rhyme)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' in 'moon'. It should be short.
Over-pronouncing the 'r' at the end like an English 'r'.
Confusing it with the English word 'comer'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, context usually makes it clear.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of masculine declension and specific verb pairings.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but choosing it over 'traurig' takes practice.

듣기 2/5

Commonly heard in songs and movies.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

traurig haben machen die Sorge die Liebe

다음에 배울 것

das Leid die Trauer bewältigen der Gram die Verzweiflung

고급

die Melancholie die Misere die Kümmernisse verkümmern bekümmert

알아야 할 문법

Masculine Noun Declension

Nom: der Kummer, Acc: den Kummer, Dat: dem Kummer, Gen: des Kummers

Uncountable Nouns

Use 'viel' instead of 'viele'. 'Viel Kummer'.

Compound Nouns

The gender of the compound is the gender of the last word. 'Die Liebe' + 'Der Kummer' = 'Der Liebeskummer'.

Prepositions with Cases

Wegen (Gen/Dat), Über (Acc), Vor (Dat).

Verbs with Dative and Accusative

Jemandem (Dat) Kummer (Acc) bereiten.

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수준별 예문

Ich habe Kummer.

I have sorrow / I am very sad.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

Hast du Kummer?

Are you sad / Do you have worries?

Question form of 'haben'.

Der Hund hat Kummer.

The dog is sad.

Masculine article 'der' used with Kummer.

Kein Kummer heute!

No sorrow today!

Negation with 'kein'.

Liebeskummer ist schlecht.

Heartbreak is bad.

Compound noun: Liebe + Kummer.

Mein Kummer ist groß.

My sorrow is great.

Adjective 'groß' describing the noun.

Sie sieht den Kummer.

She sees the sorrow.

Accusative case: 'den Kummer'.

Kummer macht müde.

Sorrow makes one tired.

Kummer as the subject of the sentence.

Das Kind macht den Eltern Kummer.

The child causes the parents sorrow.

Dative 'den Eltern' + Accusative 'Kummer'.

Er trinkt, um seinen Kummer zu vergessen.

He drinks to forget his sorrow.

Um...zu construction.

Ich habe Kummer wegen meiner Arbeit.

I have distress because of my work.

Preposition 'wegen' takes the genitive (colloquially dative).

Sie hat viel Kummer mit ihrem alten Auto.

She has a lot of trouble with her old car.

'Viel' is used with uncountable nouns like Kummer.

Kannst du mir deinen Kummer erzählen?

Can you tell me your sorrow?

Modal verb 'kannst' + 'mir' (dative) + 'deinen Kummer' (accusative).

Kummerspeck kommt von zu viel Essen.

Grief-fat comes from eating too much.

Famous German compound word.

Er verdeckt seinen Kummer mit einem Lächeln.

He hides his sorrow with a smile.

Possessive pronoun 'seinen' in the accusative.

Wir teilen unseren Kummer.

We share our sorrow.

Plural possessive 'unseren'.

Geteilter Kummer ist halber Kummer.

Shared sorrow is half sorrow.

Common proverb.

Sie versank in tiefem Kummer nach dem Abschied.

She sank into deep sorrow after the farewell.

Dative after 'in' (state of being).

Sein Kummer war so groß, dass er nicht schlafen konnte.

His sorrow was so great that he couldn't sleep.

Consecutive clause with 'so...dass'.

Die Nachricht bereitete ihr großen Kummer.

The news caused her great sorrow.

Verb 'bereiten' + Dative + Accusative.

Es gibt eine Nummer gegen Kummer für Kinder.

There is a number against sorrow for children.

Preposition 'gegen' + Accusative.

Trotz seines Kummers arbeitete er weiter.

Despite his sorrow, he continued working.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive.

Man sah ihm seinen Kummer deutlich an.

One could clearly see his sorrow on him.

Separable verb 'ansehen'.

Er wollte niemanden mit seinem Kummer belasten.

He didn't want to burden anyone with his sorrow.

Verb 'belasten' + 'mit' + Dative.

Sie fraß den Kummer förmlich in sich hinein.

She literally ate her sorrow into herself (suppressed it).

Idiomatic expression for suppressing emotions.

Der Kummer über den Verlust war kaum zu ertragen.

The sorrow over the loss was hardly bearable.

Sein + zu + Infinitiv (passive meaning).

Er ist Kummer gewohnt und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen.

He is used to sorrow and doesn't let it get him down.

Adjective-noun construction 'Kummer gewohnt'.

Es ist wichtig, Kummer nicht zu unterdrücken.

It is important not to suppress sorrow.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Ihr Kummer verwandelte sich langsam in Zorn.

Her sorrow slowly turned into anger.

Reflexive verb 'sich verwandeln'.

Er sprach offen über seinen Kummer, was ihm half.

He spoke openly about his sorrow, which helped him.

Relative clause referring to the whole preceding sentence.

Der Kummer stand ihm ins Gesicht geschrieben.

The sorrow was written all over his face.

Idiom: 'ins Gesicht geschrieben stehen'.

Kein Kummer der Welt könnte dies rechtfertigen.

No sorrow in the world could justify this.

Genitive 'der Welt' modifying Kummer.

Sein stiller Kummer zehrte an seinen Kräften.

His silent sorrow gnawed at his strength.

Verb 'zehren an' + Dative.

Die Lyrik jener Zeit war von tiefem Kummer geprägt.

The poetry of that time was characterized by deep sorrow.

Passive voice with 'von' + Dative.

Er empfand einen Kummer, der über das Persönliche hinausging.

He felt a sorrow that went beyond the personal.

Relative clause with 'hinausgehen über'.

Der Kummer ist ein ungebetener Gast in seinem Haus.

Sorrow is an uninvited guest in his house.

Metaphorical usage.

Sie versuchte, ihren Kummer in produktive Bahnen zu lenken.

She tried to channel her sorrow into productive paths.

Complex infinitive construction.

Welch ein Kummer, dieses Talent so verschwendet zu sehen!

What a sorrow to see this talent so wasted!

Exclamatory 'welch ein'.

Der Kummer der Hinterbliebenen war greifbar.

The sorrow of the bereaved was palpable.

Genitive plural 'der Hinterbliebenen'.

Ungeachtet seines Kummers bewahrte er die Haltung.

Regardless of his sorrow, he maintained his composure.

Preposition 'ungeachtet' + Genitive.

Die Kümmernisse des Alltags verblassten neben dieser Tragödie.

The small sorrows of everyday life faded beside this tragedy.

Rare plural form 'Kümmernisse'.

In seinem Werk wird der Kummer zur existenziellen Konstante.

In his work, sorrow becomes an existential constant.

Abstract academic usage.

Er kultivierte seinen Kummer beinahe wie eine Tugend.

He cultivated his sorrow almost like a virtue.

Comparison with 'wie'.

Die bittere Neige seines Kummers musste er allein austrinken.

He had to drink the bitter dregs of his sorrow alone.

Metaphorical idiom.

Sein Kummer wurzelte in einer tiefen Enttäuschung über die Menschheit.

His sorrow was rooted in a deep disappointment with humanity.

Verb 'wurzeln in' + Dative.

Es ist ein Kummer, der sich der sprachlichen Beschreibung entzieht.

It is a sorrow that eludes linguistic description.

Reflexive verb 'sich entziehen' + Dative.

Jenseits von Kummer und Leid fand er schließlich Frieden.

Beyond sorrow and suffering, he finally found peace.

Preposition 'jenseits von' + Dative.

Die Sublimierung des Kummers in Kunst ist ein uraltes Motiv.

The sublimation of sorrow into art is an ancient motif.

Nominalization and genitive construction.

자주 쓰는 조합

großer Kummer

Kummer bereiten

Kummer haben

stiller Kummer

Kummer gewohnt sein

Kummer vergessen

Kummer ausdrücken

tiefster Kummer

Kummer machen

Kummer ertränken

자주 쓰는 구문

Was ist dein Kummer?

— A gentle way to ask what is bothering someone.

Du siehst traurig aus, was ist dein Kummer?

Kummer und Sorgen

— A fixed pair meaning 'troubles and worries'.

Das Leben ist voll von Kummer und Sorgen.

Sich Kummer machen

— To worry about something (similar to sich Sorgen machen).

Mach dir keinen Kummer wegen der Prüfung.

Vor Kummer vergehen

— To be wasting away or dying from sorrow.

Sie vergeht fast vor Kummer.

Seinen Kummer von der Seele reden

— To talk about one's problems to feel better.

Es tat gut, sich den Kummer von der Seele zu reden.

Ein Häufchen Kummer sein

— To be a picture of misery.

Nach der Nachricht war er nur noch ein Häufchen Kummer.

Kummer fressen

— To internalize and bottle up one's sorrow.

Friss den Kummer nicht in dich hinein!

Der Kummer sitzt tief

— The sorrow is deep-seated.

Bei ihm sitzt der Kummer sehr tief.

Viel Kummer mit etwas haben

— To have a lot of trouble with something (like a machine).

Ich habe viel Kummer mit diesem Computer.

Kein Kummer, keine Klage

— No sorrow, no complaint (living a peaceful life).

Sie lebten dort ohne Kummer und Klage.

자주 혼동되는 단어

der Kummer vs die Trauer

Trauer is mourning specifically for someone's death; Kummer is general emotional distress.

der Kummer vs die Sorge

Sorge is worry about future events; Kummer is the emotional pain from existing problems.

der Kummer vs der Jammer

Jammer implies a pitiable state or complaining; Kummer is the internal feeling.

관용어 및 표현

"Geteilter Kummer ist halber Kummer."

— If you share your problems, they feel less heavy.

Erzähl mir alles, denn geteilter Kummer ist halber Kummer.

proverb

"Kummerspeck ansetzen"

— To put on weight due to emotional overeating.

Nach der Trennung habe ich ordentlich Kummerspeck angesetzt.

informal

"Seinen Kummer in Alkohol ertränken"

— To try to forget one's problems by drinking.

Er sitzt in der Bar und ertränkt seinen Kummer.

neutral

"Kummer gewohnt sein"

— To be hardened by life's difficulties.

Frag ihn nicht nach Mitleid, er ist Kummer gewohnt.

neutral

"Nummer gegen Kummer"

— The name for help hotlines for people in distress.

Wenn du Hilfe brauchst, ruf die Nummer gegen Kummer an.

neutral

"Den Kummer hinunterschlucken"

— To suppress one's sorrow and not show it.

Sie schluckte ihren Kummer einfach hinunter.

neutral

"Ein Quell des Kummers"

— A source of constant sorrow.

Diese Entscheidung war ein Quell ewigen Kummers.

literary

"Kummer bereiten"

— To cause someone distress (often said by parents to children).

Deine Noten bereiten mir großen Kummer.

neutral

"In Kummer versinken"

— To become completely overwhelmed by sorrow.

Nach dem Tod seines Hundes versank er in Kummer.

neutral

"Den Kummer von der Seele schreiben"

— To write about one's pain as a form of therapy.

Die Dichterin schrieb sich ihren Kummer von der Seele.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

der Kummer vs kümmern

Looks like Kummer.

Kümmern is a verb meaning 'to take care of' or 'to matter'. Kummer is the noun for sorrow.

Ich kümmere mich um ihn, weil er Kummer hat.

der Kummer vs der Kamm

Similar spelling.

Kamm is a comb for hair. Completely different meaning.

Ich brauche einen Kamm.

der Kummer vs der Kumys

Obscure but similar looking.

Kumys is a fermented dairy product. Not an emotion.

Er trinkt Kumys.

der Kummer vs die Trümmer

Rhymes and related etymologically.

Trümmer are physical ruins/debris. Kummer is emotional debris.

Die Stadt liegt in Trümmern.

der Kummer vs der Schlummer

Rhymes.

Schlummer means a light sleep or slumber.

Ein tiefer Schlummer.

문장 패턴

Ich habe [Kummer].

Ich habe Kummer.

Das macht mir [Kummer].

Das macht mir Kummer.

[Kummer] wegen [Genitiv].

Kummer wegen des Jobs.

Jemandem [Kummer] bereiten.

Er bereitet mir Kummer.

In [Dativ] Kummer versinken.

In tiefem Kummer versinken.

Seinen [Kummer] in [Dativ] ertränken.

Seinen Kummer in Wein ertränken.

Von [Dativ] Kummer geprägt sein.

Von Kummer geprägt sein.

Sich dem [Dativ] Kummer hingeben.

Sich dem Kummer hingeben.

어휘 가족

명사

der Bekümmernis (rare)

der Liebeskummer

der Kummerspeck

die Kümmernisse (plural)

동사

bekümmern (to grieve/trouble)

sich kümmern (to care for - related root)

verkümmern (to waste away)

형용사

kummervoll (sorrowful)

bekümmert (worried/distressed)

kummerfrei (free of sorrow)

사용법

frequency

Common in emotional contexts, but less frequent in technical or business contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Ich bin Kummer. → Ich habe Kummer.
You 'have' sorrow in German, you aren't the sorrow itself.
Viele Kummer. → Viel Kummer.
Kummer is uncountable. Use 'viel' (much) instead of 'viele' (many).
Ich habe Kummer, dass ich zu spät komme. → Ich habe Sorge, dass ich zu spät komme.
Being late is a 'Sorge' (worry), not 'Kummer' (deep sorrow).
Die Kummer. → Der Kummer.
Kummer is masculine. This mistake affects all adjective endings.
Er hat Kummer über den Tod seines Vaters. → Er hat Trauer über den Tod seines Vaters.
For death, 'Trauer' is the more appropriate and specific term.

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Gender Check

Always remember 'der Kummer'. Using the wrong article will make your adjective endings wrong.

Compound Power

Learn 'Liebeskummer' early. It's one of the most useful specific emotion words in German.

Sharing is Caring

Remember the proverb 'Geteilter Kummer ist halber Kummer' to understand German social values.

Kummer machen

Use 'macht mir Kummer' when someone's behavior is worrying you deeply.

Short U

Keep the 'u' short. If you make it long, it sounds like a different word.

Emotional Depth

In creative writing, use 'stiller Kummer' to describe a character who suffers in silence.

Song Lyrics

Listen to German 'Schlager' music; you'll hear 'Kummer' and 'Herz' constantly.

Kummerbewältigung

This is the German word for 'coping with grief'. It's useful in medical or social contexts.

Kummerspeck

Use this word to add some local flavor to your informal conversations about food and feelings.

Kummer vs. Sorge

Remember: Kummer is the pain, Sorge is the thought.

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기억법

Think of the word 'encumber'. If you have 'Kummer', your heart is 'encumbered' by heavy weights.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person carrying a heavy bag of grey stones. Each stone is a piece of 'Kummer'.

Word Web

Sorge Herz Tränen Liebe Familie Gewicht Traurig Dunkel

챌린지

Try to use 'Kummer' in a sentence about a fictional character from a book you like.

어원

Derived from Middle High German 'kumber', which originally meant 'rubbish', 'debris', or 'encumbrance'.

원래 의미: The word originally referred to physical obstacles or heavy rubble that hindered movement.

Germanic. Related to English 'encumber' (via French).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'Kummer' to describe someone else's feelings; it is a very personal and serious word.

English speakers might use 'worry' or 'sadness' where Germans would specifically use 'Kummer'. 'Kummer' is more heavy and soulful.

Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (Goethe) Nummer gegen Kummer (Helpline) Liebeskummer lohnt sich nicht (Famous 60s Schlager song)

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실제 사용 상황

Family

Kummer mit den Kindern
Eltern Kummer machen
Sorgen und Kummer
Familiengeheimnisse

Romance

Liebeskummer haben
Herzschmerz
Trennungsschmerz
einen Korb bekommen

Health

Kummer um die Gesundheit
seelischer Kummer
Kummer macht krank
psychische Belastung

Work/School

Kummer mit dem Chef
Prüfungskummer
Stress und Kummer
Arbeitslosigkeit

Daily Life

Alltagskummer
Kummer mit dem Auto
kleine Kümmernisse
Sorgenfalten

대화 시작하기

"Was bereitet dir im Moment den meisten Kummer?"

"Hast du schon einmal Liebeskummer gehabt? Wie bist du damit umgegangen?"

"Glaubst du, dass geteilter Kummer wirklich halber Kummer ist?"

"Welche Musik hörst du am liebsten, wenn du Kummer hast?"

"Macht dir die aktuelle politische Lage Kummer?"

일기 주제

Schreibe über eine Zeit, in der du großen Kummer hattest. Was hat dir geholfen?

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Kummer und Sorge für dich persönlich?

Beschreibe eine literarische Figur, die viel Kummer ertragen musste.

Warum gibt es im Deutschen das Wort 'Kummerspeck'? Findest du das passend?

Wie kann man jemandem am besten helfen, der Kummer hat?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 'Kummer' always refers to a negative emotional state of sorrow or distress. There is no such thing as 'positive Kummer'.

Usually, 'Kummer' is for more significant emotional issues. For small things like a broken pencil, use 'ärgerlich' or 'schade'.

It is the specific sorrow felt when a romantic relationship ends or love is unrequited. It is a very common compound noun.

It can be, but it's often used self-deprecatingly or humorously to describe weight gain from emotional eating.

In 99% of cases, you don't. Use the singular. If you must, the plural is 'die Kümmernisse', but it sounds very old-fashioned.

No. You must say 'Ich habe Kummer' (I have sorrow) or 'Ich bin bekümmert' (I am distressed).

'Schmerz' is general pain (physical or mental). 'Kummer' is specifically the internal emotional state of sorrow.

It started for children, but there is now also a 'Elterntelefon' (parents' phone) for parents in distress.

Yes, in German we often say 'Der Hund hat Kummer' if a pet seems sad or is missing its owner.

'Gram' is a synonym but much more formal and literary. You won't hear it in daily conversation.

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