witchcraft
das Hexenwerk, die Hexenwerke
Loading your saved state.
not rocket science
Something that is not particularly difficult and requires no special skills. The expression 'kein Hexenwerk' (not rocket science) is mostly used informally.
Die Bedienung des Programms ist kein Hexenwerk.
Using the program is not rocket science.
witchcraft
Magical or supernatural activity associated with witchcraft.
Im Mittelalter wurde die Heilung der Kranken manchmal als Hexenwerk bezeichnet.
In the Middle Ages, healing the sick was sometimes described as witchcraft.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Hexenwerke |
| genitive | des Hexenwerks |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Hexenwerk | die Hexenwerke |
| accusative | das Hexenwerk | die Hexenwerke |
| dative | dem Hexenwerk | den Hexenwerken |
| genitive | des Hexenwerks des Hexenwerkes | der Hexenwerke |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Hexenwerk' (witchcraft) is made up of 'Hexe' (witch) and 'Werk' (work). Literally, it therefore refers to a witch's work or actions.
In dem alten Märchen wird ein geheimnisvolles Hexenwerk beschrieben.
The old fairy tale describes mysterious witchcraft.
In the expression 'kein Hexenwerk sein' (to be no rocket science), 'Hexenwerk' (witchcraft) is used with the negative article 'kein' (no). The subject often refers to a practical task or an activity that is easy to learn.
Die Reparatur des Fahrrads ist wirklich kein Hexenwerk.
Repairing the bicycle really is not rocket science.
The sense referring to magical activities appears especially in historical, fairy-tale, or religious contexts. In modern usage, 'Hexenwerk' (witchcraft) is also often used figuratively when something seems mysterious or difficult to understand.
Die Dorfbewohner hielten die seltsamen Rituale für gefährliches Hexenwerk.
The villagers considered the strange rituals dangerous witchcraft.
