das Gedächtnis
memory
The mental ability to store information, impressions, and experiences and recall them later.
EXAMPLE
Im Alter lässt das Gedächtnis oft nach.
In old age, memory often declines.
das Gedächtnis
memory
das Gedächtnis, die Gedächtnisse
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Meanings
das Gedächtnis
memory
The totality of memories of a person, a time, or an event.
EXAMPLE
Das Gedächtnis an unsere gemeinsame Reise wird immer bleiben.
The memory of our trip together will always remain.
zum Gedächtnis an
in memory of
An expression used to say that something is done or erected in honorable remembrance of a deceased person.
EXAMPLE
Diese Gedenktafel wurde zum Gedächtnis an die Opfer des Krieges aufgestellt.
This memorial plaque was put up in memory of the victims of the war.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Gedächtnis, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gedächtnisse |
| genitive | des Gedächtnisses |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Gedächtnis | die Gedächtnisse |
| accusative | das Gedächtnis | die Gedächtnisse |
| dative | dem Gedächtnis | den Gedächtnissen |
| genitive | des Gedächtnisses | der Gedächtnisse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Gedächtnis' (memory) is related to the verb 'denken' (to think). The prefix 'Ge-' and the ending '-nis' together form an abstract concept that describes the result or place of thinking: memory.
EXAMPLE
Er hat viele alte Geschichten in seinem Gedächtnis bewahrt.
He preserved many old stories in his memory.
Typical collocations
To describe the ability to remember, 'Gedächtnis' (memory) is often combined with the verb 'haben' (to have) and an adjective. Very common phrases are 'ein gutes Gedächtnis haben' (to have a good memory) or 'ein schlechtes Gedächtnis haben' (to have a bad memory).
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter ist 90 Jahre alt, aber sie hat immer noch ein ausgezeichnetes Gedächtnis.
My grandmother is 90 years old, but she still has an excellent memory.
Correct preposition
When 'Gedächtnis' (memory) means the memory of a specific thing or person, it is almost always used with the preposition 'an' and the accusative case.
EXAMPLE
Das Gedächtnis an seine Kindheit machte ihn glücklich.
The memory of his childhood made him happy.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'zum Gedächtnis an' (in memory of) is a fixed expression. It is used almost exclusively in the context of commemorating deceased people or historical events, often on monuments or at memorial services.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie stiftete eine Bank zum Gedächtnis an ihre verstorbene Mutter.
The family donated a bench in memory of their deceased mother.
Compare with
Gedächtnis vs Erinnerung
memory / reminder
Both words relate to things from the past that are preserved in the mind. An Erinnerung is usually a specific image, feeling, or experience, whereas Gedächtnis refers more to the ability to store and recall such content. Use „Erinnerung“ for the individual content and „Gedächtnis“ for the mental ability.
Gedächtnis
Sein Gedächtnis funktioniert auch im hohen Alter noch sehr gut.
His memory still works very well even in old age.
Erinnerung
Die Erinnerung an den ersten Schultag ist ihr besonders wichtig.
The memory of her first day at school is especially important to her.
In real life
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