das Gespenst, -er
ghost
Eine unheimliche Gestalt, von der man glaubt, dass sie nach dem Tod noch erscheint.
Definition & Meaning
The word Gespenst refers to a supernatural being, specifically a ghost, phantom, or apparition. It describes the soul or spirit of a dead person that is believed to appear to the living, often in a haunting or eerie manner.
In a figurative sense, it can also describe:
- A persistent, frightening idea or threat that haunts someone's mind (e.g., the "specter" of inflation or unemployment).
- A product of one's imagination that causes fear or anxiety.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a neuter noun (das Gespenst). The plural form is "die Gespenster".
- Word origin: The word stems from the Middle High German "gispent" or "gespenste". It is etymologically related to the verb "spensten" (to entice, lure, or haunt). Historically, it is connected to the idea of a manifestation that "lures" or directs attention toward itself in a ghostly, unsettling way.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- der Geist (spirit/ghost)
- das Phantom (phantom)
- der Spuk (haunting/spookiness)
- die Erscheinung (apparition)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Ein Gespenst schwebt durch das alte Schloss.noun
A ghost floats through the old castle.
Die Kinder hatten Angst vor dem Gespenst im Keller.noun
The children were afraid of the ghost in the basement.
Das Gespenst erschien plötzlich im dunklen Flur.noun
The ghost suddenly appeared in the dark hallway.
Das Gespenst ihrer Vergangenheit ließ sie nicht los.noun
The ghost of her past would not let her go.
Dieses Gespenst war nur ein Schatten an der Wand.noun
This ghost was only a shadow on the wall.
Im Museum stand ein lustiges Gespenst aus Pappe.noun
There was a funny cardboard ghost in the museum.
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