Breakdown of Der Vater verlässt das Schwimmbad, um das Geweine nicht zu hören.
nicht
not
hören
to hear / to listen
der Vater
the father
das Schwimmbad
the swimming pool
um ... zu
in order to
verlassen
to leave
das Geweine
the constant crying
Questions & Answers about Der Vater verlässt das Schwimmbad, um das Geweine nicht zu hören.
How is the word Geweine formed, and what exactly does it imply here?
Geweine is formed from the verb weinen (to cry) using the circumfix Ge-...-e. This pattern creates neuter nouns that describe a continuous, repetitive, and often annoying action. So instead of just a neutral reference to crying, it implies constant, whining crying that is bothering the father.
Could we just use das Weinen instead of das Geweine in this sentence?
Yes, but it changes the tone. Das Weinen is the standard, neutral noun form of the verb. By choosing das Geweine, the speaker specifically emphasizes that the crying is prolonged and grating on the nerves.
Are all nouns formed with this Ge-...-e pattern neuter?
Yes, every noun you create with the Ge-...-e pattern to express continuous or annoying action is always neuter (das). Other common examples include das Gerede (constant chatter) and das Gemeckere (constant complaining).
Why is nicht placed right before zu hören?
In an um ... zu (in order to) clause, the verb always goes at the very end in its infinitive form preceded by zu. When you negate the entire action of the clause, which in this case is hearing the crying, the nicht is placed immediately before the zu plus infinitive.
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