die Menschenseele
human soul
A person's soul, their inner spiritual and emotional being.
EXAMPLE
Die Menschenseele sucht auch in schwierigen Zeiten nach Hoffnung.
The human soul seeks hope even in difficult times.
die Menschenseele
human soul / soul
die Menschenseele
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Meanings
die Menschenseele
soul
An individual human being or person; mostly used in fixed expressions such as 'keine Menschenseele' (not a soul).
EXAMPLE
Auf der verlassenen Straße war keine Menschenseele zu sehen.
There was not a soul to be seen on the deserted street.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Menschenseele, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Menschenseele |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Menschenseele | – |
| accusative | die Menschenseele | – |
| dative | der Menschenseele | – |
| genitive | der Menschenseele | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Menschenseele' (human soul) is made up of 'Menschen' (humans) and 'Seele' (soul). The compound connects the human being as a person with their inner nature.
EXAMPLE
In dem Roman wird die Menschenseele sehr eindringlich beschrieben.
The human soul is described very vividly in the novel.
Elevated style
This meaning occurs particularly in religious, philosophical, or literary texts. In everyday language, the word is rarely used in this sense.
EXAMPLE
Die Dichterin schreibt über die Menschenseele und ihre Sehnsucht nach Freiheit.
The poet writes about the human soul and its longing for freedom.
Fixed expression
In the sense of 'ein einzelner Mensch' (an individual person), 'Menschenseele' (soul) is especially common in the fixed expression 'keine Menschenseele' (not a soul). In this expression, it indicates that no one is present at a location.
EXAMPLE
Am frühen Morgen war auf dem Bahnsteig noch keine Menschenseele zu sehen.
Early in the morning, there was not a soul to be seen on the platform yet.
In real life
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