01
weinen
to cry
To shed tears as an expression of sadness, pain, or joy.
example
Das Kind begann zu weinen, als es hinfiel.
The child began to cry when it fell down.
weinen
to cry
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Prepositions for the reason
Different prepositions are used to state the reason for crying. 'Weinen vor' + dative expresses an immediate emotional cause (e.g., joy, anger, pain). 'Weinen über' + accusative describes what one is crying about (e.g., a film, a joke).
EXAMPLE
Sie weinte vor Erleichterung, als sie die gute Nachricht hörte.
She cried with relief when she heard the good news.
Typical adverbs
The verb 'weinen' (to cry) is often intensified with adverbs to describe intensity. Common combinations are 'bitterlich weinen' (to cry bitterly), 'herzzerreißend weinen' (to cry heartbreakingly), or 'leise weinen' (to cry quietly).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Trennung hat er wochenlang bitterlich geweint.
After the breakup, he cried bitterly for weeks.
Correct preposition
When 'weinen' (to mourn) means grieving for a person or a loss, the preposition 'um' with the accusative is always used. This construction expresses deep grief, often lasting for a longer time.
EXAMPLE
Die ganze Familie weinte um den verstorbenen Großvater.
The whole family mourned the deceased grandfather.
Register
In the meaning 'sich beklagen' (to complain) or 'jammern' (to whine), 'weinen' is colloquial. It is often used disparagingly to express that someone is complaining about trivial things.
EXAMPLE
Wein nicht wegen der kleinen Schramme, das ist doch nicht so schlimm!
Don't whine about the little scratch; it's really not that bad!
Compare with
weinen vs lachen
to laugh
'lachen' and 'weinen' often stand as opposites for feelings. 'lachen' usually shows joy, fun, or amusement. 'weinen' usually shows sadness, pain, or strong emotions with tears. But the contrast is not always completely simple, because you can also cry from joy. Still, in everyday life: when someone reacts happily, they laugh; when someone is very sad or hurt, they cry.
weinen
Nach dem Unfall weinte das Kind, weil sein Knie weh tat.
After the accident, the child cried because his knee hurt.
lachen
Beim Abendessen lachen die Kinder über die lustige Geschichte.
At dinner, the children laugh at the funny story.
In real life
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