die Wiege
cradle
A small bed for a baby that can often be rocked back and forth.
EXAMPLE
Das Neugeborene schläft friedlich in seiner Wiege.
The newborn is sleeping peacefully in its cradle.
die Wiege
cradle
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Meanings
die Wiege
cradle
In a figurative sense, the place of origin or beginning of something important.
EXAMPLE
Florenz gilt als die Wiege der Renaissance.
Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance.
jemandem in die Wiege gelegt sein
to be born with
To possess an ability or quality from birth; to have an innate talent.
EXAMPLE
Ihr musikalisches Talent wurde ihr quasi in die Wiege gelegt.
She was practically born with her musical talent.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Wiege' (cradle) is closely related to the verb 'wiegen' in the sense of 'to move gently back and forth' or 'to rock.' A 'Wiege' is therefore literally a little bed that can be rocked.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter wiegt ihr Baby sanft in den Schlaf.
The mother gently rocks her baby to sleep.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about a baby or a small bed, the literal meaning is intended. If a place is described as the origin of a culture or idea, it is the figurative meaning. You can recognize the fixed expression by the structure 'in die Wiege gelegt' (laid in the cradle; born with).
EXAMPLE
Athen wird oft als die Wiege der Demokratie bezeichnet.
Athens is often referred to as the cradle of democracy.
Figurative use
In the figurative meaning, 'Wiege' (cradle) is often used with the genitive or the preposition 'von' to describe the place of origin of an important movement or idea. Typical combinations are 'die Wiege der Menschheit' (the cradle of humanity) or 'die Wiege der Zivilisation' (the cradle of civilization).
EXAMPLE
Das Silicon Valley gilt als Wiege vieler Technologieunternehmen.
Silicon Valley is considered the cradle of many technology companies.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem in die Wiege gelegt sein' (to be born with something) is fixed. The person who has the talent is always in the dative. The talent itself is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ihm wurde die Fähigkeit, gut zu zeichnen, in die Wiege gelegt.
He was born with the ability to draw well.
Compare with
Wiege vs Ursprung
origin
Both words can refer to the place or beginning of a movement or tradition. „Der Ursprung“ is the neutral term for the beginning, while „die Wiege“ presents this place figuratively as the birthplace of something significant. Use „Ursprung“ in a factual context and „Wiege“ when the figurative, elevated presentation is appropriate.
Wiege
Dieses Dorf gilt als Wiege dieser bedeutenden Tradition.
This village is considered the cradle of this important tradition.
Ursprung
Der Ursprung dieser Tradition liegt in einem kleinen Dorf.
This tradition originated in a small village.
In real life
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