silence
das Schweigen
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silence
Not speaking or consciously deciding to say nothing. It can also mean keeping information to oneself.
Sein Schweigen zu den Vorwürfen machte die Situation noch verdächtiger.
His silence about the allegations made the situation even more suspicious.
silence
The absence of sounds and noises; a quiet, noiseless environment.
Nach dem Lärm der Stadt genoss sie das Schweigen im Wald.
After the noise of the city, she enjoyed the silence in the forest.
to break the silence
To start speaking again after a period of silence or to share information that has not previously been expressed.
Nach mehreren Minuten brach er endlich das Schweigen.
After several minutes, he finally broke the silence.
to silence someone
To cause or force someone to stop speaking or making any further statements.
Mit seiner Drohung wollte er den Zeugen zum Schweigen bringen.
With his threat, he wanted to silence the witness.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Schweigens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schweigen | – |
| accusative | das Schweigen | – |
| dative | dem Schweigen | – |
| genitive | des Schweigens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Schweigen' (silence) is the nominalized verb 'schweigen' (to remain silent). It can therefore be combined with modifiers, such as 'langes' (long), 'plötzliches' (sudden), or 'bewusstes' Schweigen (deliberate silence).
Nach langem Schweigen beantwortete sie schließlich die Frage.
After a long silence, she finally answered the question.
When the silence refers to a topic or person, 'zu' is often used with the dative. Typical combinations are 'das Schweigen zu einem Vorwurf' (silence about an allegation) and 'das Schweigen zu einer Frage' (silence about a question).
Das Schweigen der Regierung zu dieser Frage sorgte für heftige Kritik.
The government's silence about this question sparked fierce criticism.
Expressions such as 'tiefes Schweigen' (deep silence), 'vollkommenes Schweigen' (complete silence), or 'das Schweigen der Nacht' (the silence of the night) are often used to describe a particularly quiet environment. It is also common to say that silence 'herrscht' (reigns) somewhere.
Im verlassenen Dorf herrschte nach Sonnenuntergang tiefes Schweigen.
Deep silence reigned in the deserted village after sunset.
In the fixed expression 'jemanden zum Schweigen bringen' (to silence someone), the person affected is in the accusative. 'Zum Schweigen' (into silence) describes the result or goal of the action.
Die vertrauliche Vereinbarung sollte die Beteiligten zum Schweigen bringen.
The confidential agreement was intended to silence the people involved.
