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The LEO page for "Sinne" shows that the noun Sinne is a feminine noun, yet is used in the phrase "in diesem Sinne".

Shouldn't that be "in dieser Sinne"?

Edward Tanguay
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2 Answers2

19

I'm sure this is a misunderstanding.

Two points:

The "-e"-ending appears to be a relict from times when German still formed the Dative with a suffix. It's retained in phrases like "im Jahre xxxx", in quotations like "dem Manne kann geholfen werden". Perfectly correct, if not extremely common.

Secondly: Where does it say feminine on the LEO page?

Edit: Em1 pointed out the possible reason for the confusion... remember: the article "die" is used for the plural of all nouns, regardless of their gender.

Mac
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    To 2nd: perhaps wits - die Sinne. – Em1 Feb 10 '12 at 12:44
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    ... which is plural, just like in English. "Die Sinne" can refer to either the five physical senses or the consciousness (cf. the English "insensible" - in Jane Austen's time a synonym for unconscious) :) – Mac Feb 10 '12 at 12:54
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    Yes, I thought "die Sinne" meant that the noun "Sinne" was singular and feminine, thanks. – Edward Tanguay Feb 10 '12 at 14:02
  • Well, it is confusing if you didn't grow up with it :) - very understandable! – Mac Feb 10 '12 at 15:04
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Your confusion is effected through the plural form: der Sinn, die Sinne.

In diesem Sinne is only one Sinn, not many Sinne.

The dative of der Sinn is built up with dem and not der as in feminine nouns.

So it is correct to say In diesem Sinne.

(Regarding the -e take notice of Mac's answer)

Em1
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