Dunkelheit
/ˈdʊŋkl̩haɪ̯t/feminine
The English word darkness is translated into German as Dunkelheit. Wiktionary also lists Finsternis.
Meaning: state of being dark (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkelheit | /ˈdʊŋkl̩haɪ̯t/ | feminine |
| Finsternis | /ˈfɪnstɐnɪs/ | feminine |
Both Dunkelheit and Finsternis refer to the state of being dark. Dunkelheit is the standard, everyday term used to describe a lack of light.
Which one should you use?
Dunkelheit is the neutral, common term for darkness. In contrast, Finsternis is a more dramatic and intense word that implies a profound, heavy or even sinister darkness, such as pitch blackness or gloom.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Dunkelheit and Finsternis are feminine nouns, meaning they take the feminine article die. The adjective form of Dunkelheit is dunkel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʊŋkl̩haɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word finster in Finsternis can also describe a person's facial expression, meaning they look grim or menacing.
- The adjective dunkel is often used in German to describe more than just light, such as describing a 'dunkel' beer, which refers to a deep, dark color and heavy flavor.
- The word Finsternis is used in the German translation of the Bible to describe the divine darkness during the crucifixion of Jesus.
Examples in context
- Vampire lieben die Dunkelheit.Vampires like darkness.This sentence shows the use of Dunkelheit in a sentence about vampires.Tatoeba #9936375 by GaryGaryGary, translation #6399633 by Hybrid
- Erst war Licht, dann Dunkelheit.One moment, there was light. The next, darkness.This sentence illustrates a contrast between light and Dunkelheit.Tatoeba #12179937 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11703604 by Amastan
- Der Raum war in Dunkelheit gehüllt.The room was engulfed in darkness.This sentence shows how a room can be enveloped in Dunkelheit.Tatoeba #11199299 by kutschektar, translation #7920449 by AlanF_US
- Die Dunkelheit der Nacht versteckt die Sterne.The darkness of the night hides the stars.
- Die Finsternis umhüllt den Wald und erzeugt eine geheimnisvolle Atmosphäre.The darkness envelops the forest, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
- Die Schwärze der Nacht ist undurchdringlich.The darkness of the night is impenetrable.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are walking through a forest at night.
- MaximilianIch sehe in der Dunkelheit fast nichts.I can see almost nothing in the darkness.
- SarahSoll ich meine Taschenlampe anmachen, Maximilian?Should I turn on my flashlight, Maximilian?
- MaximilianJa, bitte, die Dunkelheit hier ist echt extrem.Yes, please, the darkness here is really extreme.
- SarahHier ist es, jetzt sehen wir wieder.Here it is, now we can see again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darkness” translations and entries Dunkelheit, Finsternis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
