wesen
creature
Definition & meaning
Wesen is a neuter noun with several related meanings:
-
Essence, nature, or fundamental character — what something truly is, or the qualities that define it.
Example: “the essence of the matter” = -
Being or creature — a living or imagined entity, often used for humans, animals, or supernatural creatures.
Example: “a supernatural being” = -
Character or temperament — someone’s distinctive personality or manner.
Grammar & Word origin
Wesen is a neuter noun: das Wesen. Its plural is also Wesen. It comes from an older German verb meaning “to be” or “to exist,” and its original sense was connected with existence or being.
Synonyms & antonyms
The best synonym depends on the meaning:
- means “essence” and is especially close when referring to the core of an idea or thing.
- means “nature” or “inherent character”; it often emphasizes a thing’s basic qualities.
- means “character” and usually refers to a person’s distinctive traits.
- means “living being” and is more specifically biological than Wesen.
- means “creature” and can suggest something created or dependent.
There is no single general antonym. When Wesen means “essential reality,” (“appearance”) can contrast with it: one is what something truly is, the other is how it seems.
Common phrases & collocations
Make “wesen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Ein kleines Wesen lebt allein im Wald.other
A small creature lives alone in the forest.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad