Der Klang des Regens ist angenehm.

The sound of the rain is pleasant.

Breakdown of Der Klang des Regens ist angenehm.

• sein: to be
• der Regen: the rain
• angenehm: pleasant
• der Klang: the sound

Questions & Answers about Der Klang des Regens ist angenehm.

Why is Klang capitalized?

In German, all nouns are capitalized. Since Klang (sound) is a noun, it must start with a capital K.

Why is the article der used before Klang?

Klang is a masculine noun. In the nominative singular, masculine nouns take the definite article der, so we say der Klang.

Why does Regens end with –s, and why do we use des in front of it?

This phrase uses the genitive case to show possession (“the sound of the rain”).

• The genitive singular article for masculine and neuter nouns is des.
• Many masculine/neuter nouns add –s (or sometimes –es) in the genitive.
  Hence, des Regens means “of the rain.”

Could I replace the genitive with a dative construction like vom Regen?

Yes. You can say Der Klang vom Regen ist angenehm, because vom is the contraction of von dem (dative).
However, using the genitive (des Regens) is more formal and common in written German, while vom Regen sounds more colloquial.

Why isn’t angenehm declined (no ending like –e, –er, etc.)?

Because it’s a predicate adjective following the linking verb ist. In German, adjectives used predicatively (after sein, werden, bleiben) are not declined, so they remain in their base form: angenehm.

Why does ist appear before angenehm?

German main clauses follow the Verb-Second (V2) rule: the finite verb must occupy the second position. Here:

1. First element: Der Klang des Regens (the subject)
2. Second element: ist (the verb)
3. Third element: angenehm (the predicate adjective)

Can I express the same idea by using the verb klingen instead of the noun Klang?

Yes. You could say Der Regen klingt angenehm, which literally means “The rain sounds pleasant.” This uses the verb klingen (to sound) instead of the noun Klang, but the overall meaning is very similar.

What’s the difference between Klang and Geräusch?

• Geräusch generally means any noise or sound, often neutral or unwanted.
• Klang implies a tone, quality or musicality of a sound, often more pleasant.
  So der Klang des Regens emphasizes the melodious, soothing aspect of the rain.

Are there other German words to express “pleasant” besides angenehm?

Yes. Some common synonyms include:
• schön – nice, beautiful (a bit broader)
• wohltuend – soothing, beneficial
• nett – nice (more for people or gestures)
Each carries a slightly different nuance, but all can convey a pleasant feeling.