Dunkle

Dunkle is the attributive form of the German adjective dunkel, meaning “dark.” It is used with definite determiners, and its endings vary by number and gender in singular forms. After der, die, or das, the singular ending is -e (der dunkle Mann, die dunkle Nacht, das dunkle Zimmer). In the plural, after die, the ending is -en (die dunklen Wälder). With indefinite articles, endings differ: ein dunkler Mann (masc), eine dunkle Nacht (fem), ein dunkles Zimmer (neut). In predicative position, the adjective typically appears in its base form dunkel (Die Nacht ist dunkel).

Etymology traces dunkel to the Germanic language family. It is closely related to Dutch donker and to the English word dark, reflecting common roots that express lack of light. The modern form dunkel arose through regular sound changes in the history of High German, with dunkel as the base adjective and dunkle/dunkel endings used in dependent positions.

Usage and meaning extend beyond immediate light levels. In everyday language, dunkel describes low illumination, color, or mood, as in dunkle Farben (dark colors) or dunkle Wolken. It also occurs metaphorically, for example dunkle Gedanken (dark thoughts) or dunkle Zeiten (dark times). In scientific and popular discourse, compounds such as dunkle Materie (dark matter) and dunkle Energie (dark energy) are common, referring to phenomena that do not emit visible light or are poorly understood. The term appears in literature and culture to evoke mystery, obscurity, or danger, including phrases like die dunkle Seite der Macht.