die  Abwertung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔapvɛʁtʊŋ/

💰 What does "die Abwertung" mean?

The German word die Abwertung primarily has two meanings:

1. Economic/Financial: The reduction of the official value of a currency against other currencies or gold (Devisenabwertung or currency devaluation). It can also refer to the depreciation of goods or assets.
2. Social/Psychological: The lowering of the reputation, value, or importance of a person, thing, or idea; disparagement, disdain, or denigration.

It's a feminine noun, so it's always die Abwertung.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of "die Abwertung" in Detail

Die Abwertung is a feminine noun. Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine.

Declension

Example Sentences

• Economic: Die Regierung beschloss eine Abwertung der Währung, um Exporte zu fördern.
  (The government decided on a devaluation of the currency to boost exports.)
• Social: Ständige Kritik kann zu einer Abwertung des Selbstwertgefühls führen.
  (Constant criticism can lead to a devaluation of self-esteem.)
• Plural: Solche verbalen Abwertungen sind in einer Diskussion inakzeptabel.
  (Such verbal disparagements are unacceptable in a discussion.)

🗣️ How to use "Abwertung"?

The term die Abwertung is used differently depending on the context:

• In Finance: When discussing monetary policy, international markets, or inflation, the economic meaning is intended. Example: Die Abwertung des Dollars beeinflusst die globalen Märkte. (The devaluation of the dollar affects global markets.)
• In Psychology/Sociology: Here, it refers to the denigration of individuals or groups, often in connection with bullying, discrimination, or low self-esteem. Example: Die Abwertung anderer dient manchmal dazu, das eigene Ego zu stärken. (The disparagement of others sometimes serves to boost one's own ego.)
• In Everyday Life: Here too, it usually refers to disdain or criticism. Example: Seine ständigen negativen Kommentare waren eine klare Abwertung ihrer Arbeit. (His constant negative comments were a clear disparagement of her work.)

⚠️ Distinction: Not to be confused with Entwertung, which often describes an actual, physical or moral loss of value (e.g., Entwertung of banknotes through damage), whereas Abwertung is often a deliberate reduction in value (political, social).

🧠 Mnemonics for Abwertung

For the article (die): Words ending in "-ung" are typically feminine in German. Think of the English word "ending" sounding a bit like "-ung" - and many nouns describing an action or process ending in '-ung' take die. So: die Abwertung.

For the meaning: Think of "Ab" as down (like in 'abnormal') and "Wertung" related to worth or value. So, Abwertung is a 'down-valuing' or devaluation/disparagement. 📉👎

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Abwertung

Similar, but potentially misleading words:

• Bewertung: Assessment or evaluation of value (can be positive or negative).
• Entwertung: Often implies a stronger, more final loss of value or invalidation.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Euro den Dollar: "Warum schaust du so traurig?" Sagt der Dollar: "Ich habe gehört, es gibt Gerüchte über eine Abwertung... Ich fühle mich schon ganz wertlos!" Euro: "Ach, Kopf hoch! Das sind doch nur Kursschwankungen – morgen bist du vielleicht wieder der King!"

Translation:

The Euro asks the Dollar: "Why do you look so sad?" The Dollar says: "I heard there are rumors about a devaluation... I already feel completely worthless!" Euro: "Oh, cheer up! Those are just exchange rate fluctuations – tomorrow you might be king again!"

📜 Poem about Abwertung

Die Münze fällt, der Kurs geht nieder,
man spricht von Abwertung schon wieder.
Doch schlimmer trifft's die Seele rein,
lässt Spott und Hohn sie kleiner sein.
Ein Wort, das schmerzt, ob Geld, ob Geist,
die Abwertung, die leise kreist.

Translation:

The coin drops, the rate goes down,
They speak of devaluation around town.
But worse it hits the soul so pure,
Lets mockery and scorn make it feel unsure.
A word that hurts, be it money or mind,
The devaluation, silently does wind.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann den Wert der Münze drücken,
und auch das Selbstwertgefühl berücken.
Mal bin ich Politik, mal böses Wort,
ich nehme Ansehen und Reichtum fort.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I can press down the value of a coin,
And also trick self-esteem to join.
Sometimes I'm politics, sometimes a nasty word,
I take away reputation and riches, it's absurd.

What am I? (Answer: die Abwertung)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Abwertung" is composed of:

• ab- (Prefix indicating a downward movement, separation, or reduction)
• Wert (Noun meaning: value, worth, importance, standing)
• -ung (Suffix used to form nouns from verbs or to denote a process or state)

It therefore describes the process or state of "reducing in value".