das Dunkel
darkness
A state in which there is no light or very little light.
EXAMPLE
Im Dunkel konnte ich den Weg kaum erkennen.
In the darkness, I could barely make out the path.
das Dunkel
darkness
das Dunkel
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Meanings
das Dunkel
uncertainty / obscurity
A state of uncertainty or lack of clarity, especially when important information is missing.
EXAMPLE
Erst nach Jahren lichtete sich das Dunkel um seine Herkunft.
Only after years did the uncertainty surrounding his origins begin to clear up.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Dunkel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Dunkels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Dunkel | – |
| accusative | das Dunkel | – |
| dative | dem Dunkel | – |
| genitive | des Dunkels | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
Common expressions include „im Dunkel sitzen“ (to sit in the dark), „im Dunkel liegen“ (to lie in the dark), and „sich im Dunkel zurechtfinden“ (to find one's way in the dark). In these uses, „Dunkel“ usually appears without a descriptive adjective.
EXAMPLE
Ohne Taschenlampe konnten wir uns im Dunkel kaum zurechtfinden.
Without a flashlight, we could barely find our way in the dark.
Fixed expressions
The expression „Licht ins Dunkel bringen“ (to shed light on something) is often used when new information explains an unclear matter. It is particularly suitable for reports about investigations, open questions, or unknown connections.
EXAMPLE
Die Aussage der Zeugin brachte endlich Licht ins Dunkel.
The witness's statement finally shed light on the matter.
In real life
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