noun
understanding, comprehension
B1
Verständnis means 'understanding' or 'comprehension'. It is a neuter noun (das Verständnis); genitive often des Verständnisses (adds -es). Plural die Verständnisse exists but the noun is often uncountable. Common collocations: 'Verständnis für' (to have understanding for) and 'Verständnis zeigen'. Used in both emotional sympathy and intellectual comprehension contexts.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Ich habe Verständnis dafür.
I understand.
Die Eltern zeigten Verständnis für die Entscheidung, weil das Kind lange krank gewesen war.
The parents showed understanding for the decision because the child had been ill for a long time.
Ich habe großes Verständnis für deine Situation.
I have a lot of understanding for your situation.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture two people nodding and shaking hands after a conversation — that's 'Verständnis' (mutual understanding).
Sounds like 'for stand' -> imagine standing in front of someone to understand them.
das = think 'das' like 'this' (neutral); imagine a neutral certificate labeled 'Verständnis' to remember neuter.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Often used both for empathy ('Verständnis zeigen') and for intellectual comprehension. Genitive singular adds -s: des Verständnisses.