01
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
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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 Anfang
beginning
'der Anfang' and 'die Wiege' can both mean the beginning of something. 'der Anfang' is the normal, neutral word for the first part or beginning of something. 'die Wiege' is used figuratively in this meaning and sounds more image-based. It often refers to the place of origin of something important, for example a culture, an idea, or a movement. In everyday language, people usually say 'der Anfang'. 'die Wiege' sounds more special and fits better when talking about origins or history.
Wiege
Diese kleine Werkstatt gilt als die Wiege des bekannten Familienbetriebs.
This small workshop is considered the cradle of the well-known family business.
Anfang
Am Anfang des Kurses waren viele Teilnehmer noch unsicher.
At the beginning of the course, many participants were still unsure.
In real life
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