das Gute
good thing
Something positive or advantageous about a thing or situation.
EXAMPLE
Das Gute an dem Plan ist, dass er wenig kostet.
The good thing about the plan is that it doesn't cost much.
das Gute
good
das Gute
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Meanings
das Gute
good
What is morally right and valuable, especially as the opposite of evil.
EXAMPLE
Trotz vieler schlechter Erfahrungen glaubt sie an das Gute im Menschen.
Despite many bad experiences, she believes in the good in people.
Forms
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Guten |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Gute | – |
| accusative | das Gute | – |
| dative | dem Guten | – |
| genitive | des Guten | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Nominalized adjective
'Das Gute' (the good) is a nominalized adjective: the adjective is used as a noun and is therefore capitalized. It refers to something in a general sense and often appears with the definite article 'das'.
EXAMPLE
Das Gute setzt sich manchmal erst nach langer Zeit durch.
Sometimes good prevails only after a long time.
The good thing about
To describe a positive aspect, the pattern 'das Gute an + Dativ' (the good thing about + dative) is often used. This is often followed by 'ist, dass' (is that) introducing a clause, or by a noun.
EXAMPLE
Das Gute an dieser Lösung ist ihre Einfachheit.
The good thing about this solution is its simplicity.
Moral context
In its moral sense, 'das Gute' (good) often appears in general statements about human behavior and values. Typical expressions are 'an das Gute im Menschen glauben' (to believe in the good in people), 'das Gute tun' (to do good), and 'das Gute siegt über das Böse' (good triumphs over evil).
EXAMPLE
Im Märchen siegt am Ende das Gute über das Böse.
In the fairy tale, good triumphs over evil in the end.
In real life
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