verb

schwinden

fade · dwindle

Nach und nach weniger werden, bis kaum noch etwas da ist oder ganz weg ist.

Definition & meaning

schwinden means to diminish, dwindle, fade, or gradually disappear. It describes something becoming less or vanishing over time, often without a clear or sudden ending.

Die Hoffnung schwindet. — Hope is fading.
Seine Kräfte schwanden. — His strength was ebbing away.
Die Erinnerung ist geschwunden. — The memory has faded.

It can also mean to recede or move out of sight, especially of something distant or vanishing from view.

Grammar & word origin

schwinden is an intransitive, strong verb: it normally does not take a direct object.

Infinitive: schwinden
Present: schwindet
Simple past: schwand
Past participle: geschwunden
Perfect tense: ist geschwunden

It is a simple verb, not a compound. It comes from an old Germanic verb meaning roughly “to vanish” or “disappear.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

verschwinden — “to disappear”; often more complete or sudden than schwinden, which commonly suggests gradual decline.
abnehmen — “to decrease”; emphasizes a reduction in amount or intensity.
nachlassen — “to weaken” or “to let up”; often used for intensity, effort, or symptoms.
verblassen — “to fade”; especially used for colors, memories, or impressions.

Antonyms

zunehmen — “to increase,” the opposite when something grows in amount or intensity.
anwachsen — “to grow” or “increase,” often gradually.
erscheinen — “to appear,” broadly opposite when something comes into view or becomes perceptible.