German Conversation · Level 101
59 words
German word
Wesen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈveːzn̩/
Meaning
- neuter nounessence
Example
Das Wesen des Problems ist nicht sofort klar.
The essence of the problem is not immediately clear.
More examples
Sein Wesen zeigt sich in ruhigen Entscheidungen.
His essence shows itself in calm decisions.
Core concept
The underlying character of a thing, or the being that embodies such character.
Common phrases
das Wesen einer Sache
the essence of something
im Wesen
in essence
Similar words
Art: The kind or manner in which something exists or is done.
Charakter: The overall pattern of qualities shaping a person or thing.
Kern: The central and most important part of something.
Eigenschaft: A particular quality or feature of a person or thing.
Definition in German
Wesen bezeichnet die Art oder die innere Beschaffenheit von etwas, also wie etwas im Kern ist.
Word origin
Wesen is related to Old High German wesan, 'to be', and originally denoted being before also acquiring the sense of essential nature.
Usage tips
- Wesen takes a genitive phrase for the thing whose essence is meant, as in das Wesen des Problems.
Other meanings
- naturenoun
- creaturenoun
Opposites
- Erscheinungappearancenoun
- Oberflächlichkeitsuperficialitynoun
Related words
- wesentlichessentialadjective
- Wesenskernessence corenoun