das Wesen

Plural: die Wesen
Based on: *wes-
Noun #819 Noun
  1. the core character, nature, essence
  2. the creature, the being
1.

the core character, nature, essence

(Primarily talking about people, but it also works for things or ideas. You could talk about the "Wesen" of communism, for instance. )
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Examples
  • Maria ist voll auf dem Eso-Trip. Sie liest gerade ein Buch über das Wesen des Wassers. "Das Wesen der Steine" hat sie auch schon gekauft.
  • Maria is going all esoteric. Right now, she's reading a book about the "nature/essence of water". She also bought "The nature/soul of stones"
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2.

the creature, the being

(Sounds a little "phantastic")
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Examples
  • Superman kämpft gegen ein Wesen aus Energie.
  • Superman fights a creature made from pure energy.
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Word Family

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

Word of the Day – “das Wesen”

A fascinating, almost philosophical look at the meaning and origin of "das Wesen" and an insight into what being has to do essence and absence :).

Vocab: das Wesen, das Lebewesen, wesentlich, abwesend, anwesend, das Unwesen

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How many meanings does the German word 'Wesen' have?

Wesen has 2 distinct meanings: 1. the core character, nature, essence, 2. the creature, the being.

What is the gender of 'Wesen'?

das

What is the plural of 'Wesen'?

die Wesen

What is 'Wesen' related to?

The word 'Wesen' is related to *wes-.

Where can I learn more about 'Wesen'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'Wesen':

Word of the Day – “das Wesen”
A fascinating, almost philosophical look at the meaning and origin of "das Wesen" and an insight into what being has to do essence and absence :).
Vocab: das Wesen, das Lebewesen, wesentlich, abwesend, anwesend, das Unwesen
Read article