der  Selbstzweifel

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɛlpstˈʦvaɪfl/

🤔 What Exactly Does "der Selbstzweifel" Mean?

Der Selbstzweifel describes a state of uncertainty about one's own abilities, one's own worth, or the correctness of one's own decisions. It's the feeling of not being good enough or doubting oneself. In English, this translates directly to self-doubt.

Although the word exists in the singular (der Selbstzweifel), it is very often used in the plural (die Selbstzweifel) to express the recurring or multifaceted nature of these doubts.

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse it with simple uncertainty in a specific situation. Selbstzweifel are often deeper and relate to one's self-image.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Selbstzweifel

The word "Selbstzweifel" is a masculine noun. Its article is der. It's most commonly used in the plural form.

Declension Singular (rarely used)

Declension Plural (commonly used)

Example Sentences

• Trotz des Erfolgs plagten ihn starke Selbstzweifel.
  Despite the success, he was plagued by strong self-doubts.
• Sie kämpft oft mit Selbstzweifeln bezüglich ihrer künstlerischen Fähigkeiten.
  She often struggles with self-doubts regarding her artistic abilities.
• Ein einziger Selbstzweifel kann ausreichen, um ein Projekt zu stoppen.
  A single self-doubt (singular, rare) can be enough to stop a project.
• Er überwand seine Selbstzweifel und hielt die Präsentation.
  He overcame his self-doubts and gave the presentation.

💬 How to Use "Selbstzweifel"?

"Selbstzweifel" is used to express feelings of uncertainty about oneself or one's competence. It's a common term in psychology but also frequently used in everyday language.

Typical collocations:

• Selbstzweifel haben/verspüren: to have/feel self-doubts (e.g., Er hat oft Selbstzweifel vor Prüfungen. - He often has self-doubts before exams.)
• von Selbstzweifeln geplagt sein: to be plagued by self-doubts (e.g., Sie war von Selbstzweifeln geplagt, ob sie die richtige Entscheidung getroffen hatte. - She was plagued by self-doubts about whether she had made the right decision.)
• Selbstzweifel überwinden/bekämpfen: to overcome/fight self-doubts (e.g., Mit Unterstützung konnte er seine Selbstzweifel überwinden. - With support, he was able to overcome his self-doubts.)
• in Selbstzweifeln versinken: to sink into self-doubts (e.g., Nach der Kritik versank er in Selbstzweifeln. - After the criticism, he sank into self-doubts.)

The term can describe both temporary uncertainties and chronic conditions. The context clarifies the intensity or persistence of the Selbstzweifel.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of DER Terminator having doubts about himself (a single, strong male figure feeling doubt). It's der Selbstzweifel.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: "Selbst" means self, and "Zweifel" means doubt. So, Selbstzweifel literally means self-doubt, doubts about the self.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Although similar, Schüchternheit (shyness) is not a direct synonym. Shyness refers more to behavior in social situations, while Selbstzweifel concerns internal self-assessment.

😄 A Little Joke

German:

Warum hat der Selbstzweifel keinen Führerschein?

Er ist sich nie sicher, ob er rechts oder links abbiegen soll! 😉

English Translation:

Why doesn't self-doubt have a driver's license?

It's never sure whether to turn right or left! 😉

📜 A Short Poem about Selbstzweifel

German:

Ein leiser Nager, tief im Sinn,
fragt stets: "Bin ich gut, wo fang ich an, wo hör ich hin?"
Der Selbstzweifel, oft im Plural laut,
hat schon so manchen Plan zerhaut.
Doch Mut gefasst, ein Schritt gewagt,
wird dieser Zweifler oft verjagt.

English Translation:

A quiet gnawer, deep in the mind,
always asks: "Am I good, where do I start, where do I fit in?"
Self-doubt, often loud in plural form,
has shattered many a plan before.
But courage gathered, a step dared,
this doubter is often scared away.

❓ Little Riddle

German:

Ich bin ein Gefühl, oft schwer zu tragen,
stelle deine Stärken gern in Fragen.
Mal bin ich leise, mal schrei ich laut,
hab schon manchen Traum dir fast geklaut.
Obwohl ich männlich bin im Singular,
trete ich meist auf in großer Schar.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Selbstzweifel (bzw. die Selbstzweifel)

English Translation:

I am a feeling, often hard to bear,
I like to question your strengths, put them in scare.
Sometimes I'm quiet, sometimes I shout,
I've almost stolen many dreams, no doubt.
Although I'm masculine in singular,
I usually appear in crowds, quite cellular.

What am I?

Answer: Der Selbstzweifel (or die Selbstzweifel) / Self-doubt

🧩 Word Building Blocks: Selbstzweifel

The word "Selbstzweifel" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Selbst: Refers to the self, the 'I'.
• Zweifel: Means doubt, uncertainty, concern.

Together, the meaning is thus "doubt about one's own self". Linguistically, it's a determinative compound, where the second part (Zweifel) is specified or determined by the first part (Selbst).