German word

Handlung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhandlʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounaction

Example

Seine Handlung rettete das Kind.

His action saved the child.

Illustration for Handlung (action)

More examples

Die Handlung des Romans enthält viele Wendungen.

The plot of the novel contains many twists.

Core concept

One deliberate act can change a situation; in fiction, connected acts and events make the story move.

Common phrases

  • eine strafbare Handlung begehen

    commit a punishable act

  • die Handlung eines Romans

    the plot of a novel

  • eine Handlung vollziehen

    carry out an act

Similar words

Tat: A specific deed that has actually occurred.
Aktion: A planned activity aimed at a specific purpose.
Geste: A hand or body movement expressing a feeling or intention.
Schritt: A single stage in progress toward a goal.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet das Tun einer Person oder eine Tat; in der Literatur auch den Handlungsverlauf einer Geschichte.

Word origin

Handlung is formed from the verb handeln by adding the noun-forming suffix -ung.

Usage tips

  • In literary discussion, die Handlung usually means the plot, while an individual act is more often eine Handlung.

Other meanings

  • deednoun
  • plotnoun

Opposites

  • Untätigkeitinactivitynoun
  • Passivitätpassivitynoun

Related words

  • handelnactverb
  • Handlungsfähigkeitcapacity to actnoun
  • Handlungsspielraumroom for maneuvernoun

Word lists with this word