schweigen em 30 segundos
- Schweigen is the German verb for 'to be silent' or 'to refrain from speaking.'
- It is a strong verb with the forms: schweigen, schwieg, hat geschwiegen.
- It differs from 'leise sein' by focusing on the act of not talking specifically.
- Commonly used in legal, emotional, and philosophical contexts in German culture.
The German verb schweigen is a powerful, evocative term that goes far beyond the simple English equivalent of 'to be quiet.' While 'leise sein' suggests a low volume, schweigen implies a deliberate or profound state of not speaking. It is the act of remaining silent, often in a context where speech might be expected, required, or avoided. In the German language, this word carries a weight of intentionality; you aren't just quiet because there is no noise, you are schweigen-ing because you are choosing not to utter words.
- Intentional Silence
- Refers to the conscious decision to withhold information or simply not participate in a conversation. It is often used in legal contexts (the right to remain silent) or emotional contexts (the 'silent treatment').
- Atmospheric Silence
- Describes a collective state of quiet, such as a forest at night or a room full of people waiting in anticipation. Here, 'schweigen' personifies the environment.
Nach dem Streit schwiegen beide für Stunden.
In everyday life, you encounter this word in literature, news reports about court cases, and philosophical discussions. It is a strong verb (starkes Verb), meaning its vowel changes in the past tense (schweigen - schwieg - geschwiegen). This grammatical complexity mirrors the depth of the word's meaning. It is not merely a lack of sound; it is a presence of silence. When a German says 'Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold' (Speaking is silver, silence is gold), they are elevating the act of schweigen to a virtue. It suggests wisdom, restraint, and the ability to listen rather than just hear.
Das ganze Dorf schweigt über das Geheimnis.
Furthermore, schweigen is used to describe things that cannot speak. A 'schweigendes Grab' (a silent grave) or 'die schweigende Mehrheit' (the silent majority) are common metaphorical uses. In these cases, the word highlights a lack of communication or protest. It is also found in compound verbs like verschweigen (to keep something a secret) and totschweigen (to hush something up by ignoring it completely). These nuances make it a vital word for any learner aiming for C1 or C2 proficiency, even though the basic form is introduced early on.
- Formal Context
- In a court of law, 'Der Angeklagte schweigt' means the defendant is exercising their right to remain silent. It is a formal, legal state.
Er konnte nicht länger schweigen und sagte die Wahrheit.
Using schweigen correctly requires understanding its status as an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object. You cannot 'schweigen something' in the way you can 'say something.' Instead, you use prepositions like über (about) or zu (regarding) to provide context. For example, 'Er schweigt zu den Vorwürfen' (He is silent regarding the accusations). This grammatical structure is crucial for English speakers who might be tempted to use it like the verb 'to hide' or 'to keep quiet about.'
- Prepositional Usage
- Use 'über' + accusative for general topics: 'Wir schweigen über das Thema.' Use 'zu' + dative for specific points or questions: 'Sie schweigt zu seiner Frage.'
Man muss lernen, im richtigen Moment zu schweigen.
The conjugation of schweigen is a classic example of the 'ei-ie-ie' pattern found in many strong German verbs. Present: ich schweige, du schweigst, er/sie/es schweigt. Präteritum: ich schwieg, du schwiegst, er schwieg. Perfekt: ich habe geschwiegen. Notice the auxiliary verb haben. Even though the verb describes a state or a lack of action, it follows the standard rule for most intransitive verbs that don't imply a change of location or state (like falling or dying).
In more complex sentences, schweigen often appears in the infinitive with zu. 'Es ist besser zu schweigen' (It is better to be silent). It can also be used as a substantive noun: das Schweigen. This noun is frequently paired with adjectives to describe the quality of the silence: 'betretenes Schweigen' (embarrassed silence), 'eisiges Schweigen' (icy silence), or 'beredtes Schweigen' (eloquent/meaningful silence). Understanding the noun form helps in interpreting literary texts where the silence itself becomes a character in the narrative.
Ein betretenes Schweigen herrschte im Raum.
- Modal Verbs
- 'Du sollst schweigen' (You should remain silent). 'Er kann nicht schweigen' (He cannot keep a secret/keep quiet).
While you might not hear the word schweigen in every casual coffee shop conversation, it is omnipresent in German media and culture. In news broadcasts, especially those covering legal proceedings, the phrase 'Der Zeuge schweigt' (The witness is silent) is common. It conveys a sense of gravity and legal strategy. In political discourse, politicians are often accused of 'schweigen' when they fail to address a controversial issue, leading to the term 'das Schweigen brechen' (to break the silence).
Endlich brach die Regierung ihr Schweigen.
Literature and film are perhaps the most fertile grounds for this word. German writers from Goethe to modern novelists use schweigen to build tension. A character who 'schweigt' is often seen as mysterious, strong, or burdened by a secret. In movies, a dramatic pause is often described in scripts as 'sie schweigen sich an' (they remain silent at each other), which implies a heavy, communicative silence between two people. This reflexive use 'sich ausschweigen' means to refuse to give information about a specific topic over a long period.
In religious or spiritual contexts, schweigen is associated with meditation and monastery life. The 'Schweigegelübde' (vow of silence) is a well-known concept. Here, the word takes on a sacred quality, representing a path to inner peace or connection with the divine. Even in secular 'Silent Retreats' (Schweigekurse), the word is central to the experience. It represents a break from the noise of modern life, a concept highly valued in German-speaking cultures which often emphasize 'Ruhe' (peace/quiet) as a fundamental right.
- Common Media Phrases
- 'Das Schweigen der Lämmer' (The Silence of the Lambs) - the famous movie title. 'Eisernes Schweigen' (Iron silence) - a stubborn refusal to talk.
Nach der Explosion schwiegen die Sirenen.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing schweigen with leise sein or still sein. While all relate to a lack of noise, schweigen specifically refers to the act of not talking. You can be 'leise' (quiet) while still talking in a whisper, but you cannot 'schweigen' and talk at the same time. If a teacher tells a student 'Sei leise!', they want them to lower their volume. If they say 'Schweig!', they are telling them to stop talking immediately and completely (and usually quite harshly).
- Mistake: 'Ich schweige die Musik'
- Correction: 'Ich mache die Musik leiser' or 'Ich schalte die Musik aus.' You can only 'schweigen' as a person (or a personified object), and it never takes a direct object like music.
Falsch: Ich schweige das Geheimnis. Richtig: Ich verschweige das Geheimnis.
Another common pitfall is the conjugation. Because it is a strong verb, many learners try to conjugate it regularly: 'ich schweig-te' instead of 'ich schwieg.' This is a classic 'A2-B1 plateau' mistake. Remembering the vowel shift is essential for sounding natural. Additionally, the distinction between schweigen and verschweigen is vital. If you 'schweigen', you are simply silent. If you 'verschweigen' something, you are actively hiding a specific piece of information. The prefix 'ver-' often adds a sense of 'away' or 'withholding' in German.
Finally, watch out for the reflexive form sich ausschweigen. It doesn't mean to 'shout out' (which would be 'ausschreien'). It means to maintain a persistent silence about a topic, often despite being asked about it. English speakers often see the 'aus-' prefix and assume it means 'out' or 'loudly,' but here it implies a sense of completeness or thoroughness in the silence. Mastering these nuances prevents the 'Denglish' trap of translating idioms literally from English to German.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'schwimmen'
- Due to the similar start 'schw-', beginners sometimes mix up 'schweigen' (to be silent) and 'schwimmen' (to swim). Always look for the '-eig-' vs '-imm-'.
To enrich your German, it's helpful to know when to use schweigen versus its synonyms. Each alternative carries a slightly different 'flavor' or register. For instance, verstummen is often used when someone was speaking but suddenly stops, perhaps due to shock or a sudden realization. It describes the moment the sound ceases. Schweigen, on the other hand, describes the ongoing state of silence that follows.
- verstummen
- To fall silent. Focuses on the transition from noise to quiet. Example: 'Die Musik verstummte plötzlich.'
- still sein
- To be still/quiet. More general; can refer to lack of movement as well as lack of sound. Example: 'Sei bitte still, ich arbeite.'
- den Mund halten
- To keep one's mouth shut. Informal and can be rude. Used when someone is talking too much or revealing secrets.
Anstatt zu schweigen, hätte er reden sollen.
In technical or legal contexts, you might hear keine Aussage machen (to make no statement). This is the precise, clinical way to describe 'schweigen' in a police station. Another interesting alternative is totschweigen. This is a powerful verb meaning 'to kill with silence.' It’s used when a scandal or a person is completely ignored by the media or a group in hopes that they will be forgotten. It shows how 'silence' can be used as an active, even aggressive, tool in German communication.
Man kann dieses Problem nicht einfach totschweigen.
- verschweigen
- To withhold/conceal something. Transitive verb. Example: 'Sie verschweigt ihre Herkunft.'
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
It is related to the English word 'swag' in a very distant, roundabout way through roots meaning 'to sway' or 'to drop' (falling silent), though this is debated.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'ei' like 'ay' in 'play'. It should be like 'eye'.
- Softening the 'g' into a 'j' sound.
- Confusing 'schweigen' with 'schwingen' (to swing).
- Forgetting the 'sch' sound and saying 'sweigen'.
- Over-pronouncing the final 'en' (it is often a syllabic 'n').
Nível de dificuldade
Easy to recognize in texts once the root is known.
Conjugation shift (ei-ie) is a common hurdle.
Pronouncing 'schw-' and 'ei' correctly takes practice.
Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Strong Verbs (Ablaut)
schweigen -> schwieg (ei -> ie)
Intransitive Verbs
Ich schweige. (No direct object)
Prepositional Objects
schweigen über + Akkusativ
Nominalization
Das Schweigen (Verbs as Nouns are always Neuter)
Prefix 'ver-'
verschweigen (changes meaning to 'concealing')
Exemplos por nível
Ich schweige.
I am silent.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
Warum schweigst du?
Why are you silent?
Question form, 2nd person singular.
Bitte schweig!
Please be silent!
Imperative singular.
Er schweigt oft.
He is often silent.
Present tense, 3rd person singular.
Wir schweigen im Kino.
We are silent in the cinema.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
Ihr schweigt jetzt.
You (plural) are silent now.
Present tense, 2nd person plural.
Sie schweigen alle.
They are all silent.
Present tense, 3rd person plural.
Das Kind schweigt.
The child is silent.
Present tense with a noun subject.
Er hat den ganzen Tag geschwiegen.
He was silent all day.
Perfekt tense with 'haben'.
Warum hast du geschwiegen?
Why were you silent?
Perfekt tense question.
Wir haben im Unterricht geschwiegen.
We were silent in class.
Perfekt tense with local preposition.
Sie schwieg, als ich fragte.
She was silent when I asked.
Präteritum (Simple Past).
Ich wollte einfach schweigen.
I just wanted to be silent.
Modal verb + infinitive.
Das Schweigen war sehr lang.
The silence was very long.
Substantive noun 'das Schweigen'.
Können Sie bitte schweigen?
Can you please be silent?
Modal verb 'können' + polite 'Sie'.
Er schwieg aus Angst.
He was silent out of fear.
Präteritum with causal preposition.
Sie schwiegen über ihre Pläne.
They were silent about their plans.
Präteritum with 'über' + accusative.
Er schweigt zu diesem Thema.
He is silent regarding this topic.
Present tense with 'zu' + dative.
Es herrschte ein betretenes Schweigen.
There was an embarrassed silence.
Noun 'Schweigen' with adjective.
Manchmal ist es besser zu schweigen.
Sometimes it's better to be silent.
Infinitive with 'zu'.
Sie hat mir die Wahrheit verschwiegen.
She kept the truth from me.
Verb 'verschweigen' (to conceal).
Die Vögel verstummten im Wald.
The birds fell silent in the forest.
Synonym 'verstummen'.
Er brach endlich sein Schweigen.
He finally broke his silence.
Idiom 'das Schweigen brechen'.
Wir sollten über den Fehler schweigen.
We should be silent about the mistake.
Modal verb 'sollten'.
Der Angeklagte schweigt zu den Vorwürfen.
The defendant is silent about the accusations.
Legal context usage.
Sie schweigt sich über ihre Vergangenheit aus.
She remains tight-lipped about her past.
Reflexive 'sich ausschweigen'.
Das Problem wurde jahrelang totgeschwiegen.
The problem was hushed up for years.
Passive voice with 'totschweigen'.
Ein beredtes Schweigen folgte auf seine Worte.
An eloquent silence followed his words.
Adjective 'beredtes' (meaningful).
Er hüllte sich in eisiges Schweigen.
He wrapped himself in icy silence.
Metaphorical 'sich hüllen in'.
Die schweigende Mehrheit hat gewählt.
The silent majority has voted.
Participle 'schweigende' as adjective.
Er konnte das Geheimnis nicht länger verschweigen.
He could no longer keep the secret.
Negative modal with 'verschweigen'.
In der Versammlung herrschte eisernes Schweigen.
Iron silence reigned in the meeting.
Fixed expression 'eisernes Schweigen'.
Das Schweigen der Natur kann beängstigend sein.
The silence of nature can be frightening.
Genitive case 'der Natur'.
Er pflegt ein vornehmliches Schweigen.
He maintains a distinguished silence.
High-register adjective 'vornehmlich'.
Die Zeugin beharrte auf ihrem Schweigen.
The witness insisted on her silence.
Verb 'beharren auf' + dative.
Ein Schweigegelübde ablegen.
To take a vow of silence.
Noun compound 'Schweigegelübde'.
Das Schweigen ist eine Form der Kommunikation.
Silence is a form of communication.
Philosophical statement.
Er wurde durch Bestechung zum Schweigen gebracht.
He was silenced through bribery.
Passive idiom 'zum Schweigen bringen'.
Die diplomatischen Kanäle schwiegen vorerst.
The diplomatic channels remained silent for now.
Metaphorical use for institutions.
Ihr Schweigen wurde als Zustimmung gewertet.
Her silence was interpreted as consent.
Passive 'gewertet als'.
Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, darüber muss man schweigen.
Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.
Famous philosophical quote.
Das metaphysische Schweigen der Götter.
The metaphysical silence of the gods.
Academic/Philosophical register.
Sie schwiegen sich gegenseitig an, bis die Spannung unerträglich wurde.
They remained silent at each other until the tension became unbearable.
Reciprocal reflexive 'sich anschweigen'.
Das Schweigen im Walde.
Absolute silence (often used ironically).
Idiomatic expression.
Er unterwarf sich dem Diktat des Schweigens.
He submitted to the dictate of silence.
Elevated literary style.
Ein geradezu ohrenbetäubendes Schweigen.
An almost deafening silence.
Oxymoron usage.
Die Akten schweigen über diesen Vorfall.
The files are silent about this incident.
Personification of documents.
Schweigen ist die Muttersprache der Weisheit.
Silence is the mother tongue of wisdom.
Aphoristic usage.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— It is often better to say nothing than to speak.
Ich sage lieber nichts, denn Schweigen ist Gold.
— To enjoy something without bragging or talking about it.
Das neue Auto ist toll, aber ich genieße und schweige.
— Complete, sometimes awkward, silence.
Nach meinem Witz herrschte Schweigen im Walde.
— Reference to the famous movie/book title.
Das erinnert mich an das Schweigen der Lämmer.
— To ignore someone or something completely.
Sie versuchen, den Skandal totzuschweigen.
— To keep a professional secret.
Die Ärzte müssen Stillschweigen bewahren.
— To be forced to be silent.
Ohne Beweise war er zum Schweigen verurteilt.
Frequentemente confundido com
Leise sein refers to volume; schweigen refers to not speaking.
Similar spelling, but 'schwimmen' is to swim.
To wave or swing something; sounds similar.
Expressões idiomáticas
— Silence is more valuable than speech.
In dieser Situation gilt: Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold.
proverb— To finally talk about something hidden.
Nach Jahren brach er sein Schweigen.
formal— To refuse to give any information.
Der Minister hüllt sich in Schweigen.
journalistic— To stop someone from talking (can be sinister).
Die Mafia brachte den Zeugen zum Schweigen.
neutral— Absolute silence (ironic).
Keiner antwortete, es war Schweigen im Walde.
informal— To suppress information by ignoring it.
Das Thema wurde in den Medien totgeschwiegen.
neutral— A silence that is very expressive.
Sein beredtes Schweigen sagte mehr als Worte.
literary— To stay silent on a specific topic.
Sie schweigt sich über ihre Pläne aus.
formal— To agree to keep a secret.
Die Partner haben Stillschweigen vereinbart.
business— A very cold and unfriendly silence.
Es herrschte ein eisiges Schweigen am Tisch.
neutralFácil de confundir
Looks like the base verb.
Verschweigen means to hide a secret; schweigen means just to be quiet.
Er verschweigt den Preis.
Padrões de frases
Ich [schweige].
Ich schweige.
Er hat [geschwiegen].
Er hat geschwiegen.
Wir schwiegen über [Thema].
Wir schwiegen über den Film.
Er schweigt zu [Frage].
Er schweigt zu meiner Frage.
Das [Adjektiv] Schweigen.
Das eisige Schweigen.
Sich in Schweigen [hüllen].
Er hüllte sich in Schweigen.
Es ist besser zu [schweigen].
Es ist besser zu schweigen.
[Schweig]!
Schweig!
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Common in written German and formal speech; less common in very casual slang.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of a 'SHHH-Wagon'. A wagon full of people who are all going 'Shhh' and staying silent.
Associação visual
Imagine a golden mouth with a lock on it. 'Schweigen ist Gold'.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to spend 10 minutes 'schweigend' (silently) and then write down how it felt using the word 'schweigen'.
Origem da palavra
From Old High German 'swīgēn', related to Old Saxon 'swīgōn'. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*swigjanan'.
Significado original: To be still or silent.
GermanicContexto cultural
Be careful using 'Schweig!' as an imperative; it is very aggressive, like 'Shut up!'.
English speakers often use 'be quiet', but 'schweigen' is more like 'to keep silent' in a formal or dramatic sense.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
In Court
- Das Recht zu schweigen
- Der Angeklagte schweigt
- Aussage verweigern
- Stillschweigen bewahren
In a Relationship
- Sich anschweigen
- Betretenes Schweigen
- Über Probleme schweigen
- Eisiges Schweigen
In Nature
- Der Wald schweigt
- Die Stille genießen
- In der Nacht schweigen
- Die Vögel verstummen
At Work
- Über Gehälter schweigen
- Die Schweigepflicht
- Ein Geheimnis verschweigen
- Zu Vorwürfen schweigen
Proverbs
- Schweigen ist Gold
- Genießen und schweigen
- Reden ist Silber
- Schweigeminute
Iniciadores de conversa
"Findest du, dass Schweigen manchmal besser ist als Reden?"
"Wann hast du das letzte Mal absichtlich geschwiegen?"
"Ist 'Schweigen ist Gold' in deinem Land auch ein Sprichwort?"
"Was bedeutet 'betretenes Schweigen' für dich?"
"Kannst du gut Geheimnisse verschweigen?"
Temas para diário
Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du lieber geschwiegen hättest.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'stille' und 'schweigen'?
Beschreibe das 'Schweigen im Walde' in deiner Fantasie.
Warum schweigen Menschen, wenn sie Angst haben?
Ist Schweigen eine Form von Stärke oder Schwäche?
Summary
Schweigen describes the intentional absence of speech. Example: 'In der Gefahr ist es manchmal besser zu schweigen' (In danger, it is sometimes better to be silent).
- Schweigen is the German verb for 'to be silent' or 'to refrain from speaking.'
- It is a strong verb with the forms: schweigen, schwieg, hat geschwiegen.
- It differs from 'leise sein' by focusing on the act of not talking specifically.
- Commonly used in legal, emotional, and philosophical contexts in German culture.
Conteúdo relacionado
Gramática relacionada
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de communication
Ablehnung
A2Rejeição ou recusa; o ato de não aceitar algo ou alguém.
abonnieren
B1É registrar-se para receber algo regularmente, como uma revista ou um serviço de streaming.
Absage
B1Uma recusa ou cancelamento. 'Recebi uma resposta negativa para o emprego.'
absagen
A2cancelar um compromisso ou evento
Abschied
A2O ato de dizer adeus ou de partir. É o momento em que você se separa de alguém.
Absender
A1A pessoa ou entidade que envia algo, especialmente uma carta ou pacote. É a origem do envio.
Achtung
A2Atenção! O trem está chegando.
Ähnlichkeit
A2É a característica de algo ou alguém que se parece com outro.
Akzent
A2Ele tem um sotaque alemão muito forte.
anbieten
A1Oferecer algo a alguém. 'Ele ofereceu um emprego para ela.' (Er hat ihr einen Job angeboten.)
