die  Beleidigung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈlaɪdɪɡʊŋ/

🎯 What Exactly is a 'Beleidigung'?

Die Beleidigung (noun, feminine) refers to a statement or action aimed at diminishing or violating another person's honor. It's an expression of disrespect or contempt.

• Verbal or Conclusive Action: A Beleidigung can occur through words (e.g., Schimpfwörter - insults), writing, images, or even through conclusive action (e.g., a derogatory gesture).
• Legal Term: In German criminal law, die Beleidigung is a criminal offense (§ 185 StGB) aimed at protecting personal honor.
• Subjective Perception: Whether something is perceived as a Beleidigung often depends on the context and the relationship between the individuals. ⚠️ What one person considers a joke might be a serious offense (Kränkung) to another.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: The Forms of 'Beleidigung'

The noun "Beleidigung" is feminine. The article is die.

💬 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Die Beleidigung war nicht zu überhören. (The insult could not be ignored.)
• Genitive: Trotz der Beleidigung versuchte er, ruhig zu bleiben. (Despite the insult, he tried to stay calm.)
• Dative: Er reagierte nicht auf die Beleidigung. (He did not react to the insult.)
• Accusative: Er musste die Beleidigung zurücknehmen. (He had to take back the insult.)
• Plural: Solche Beleidigungen sind inakzeptabel. (Such insults are unacceptable.)

🗣️ When and How to Use 'Beleidigung'?

• Everyday Language: Used to describe any kind of verbal or non-verbal offense or slight. Example: "Das war eine echte Beleidigung für den Koch." (That was a real insult to the chef.)
• Legal Context: Refers specifically to the criminal offense under § 185 StGB (German Criminal Code). A precise legal definition is relevant here. Example: "Er erstattete Anzeige wegen Beleidigung." (He filed charges for insult.)
• Distinction from 'Kränkung': A 'Kränkung' is often more subjective and doesn't necessarily meet the criteria for a punishable 'Beleidigung'. A 'Beleidigung' is usually a more direct, honor-violating statement.
• Forms: One speaks of 'verbale Beleidigung' (verbal insult), 'schriftliche Beleidigung' (written insult), or 'tätliche Beleidigung' (physical insult, involving a physical act like spitting).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Beleidigung'

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ung are feminine ('die'), like die Entscheidung (decision), die Meinung (opinion), die Hoffnung (hope) – and also die Beleidigung. Remember the '-ung' ending often signals 'die'!

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Beleidigung' contains the word stem 'leid', related to 'Leid' (suffering, sorrow). An insult causes someone emotional suffering ('Leid') by attacking their honor. Think: it leads to sorrow.

↔️ Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Risk of Confusion

• Kritik: Criticism; objective discussion or judgment (can be negative, but not primarily intended to insult).
• Meinungsäußerung: Expression of opinion; protected by freedom of speech (the line to 'Beleidigung' can be blurry).

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Warum haben Sie den Kläger einen Esel genannt?"
Angeklagter: "Hohes Gericht, es war keine Beleidigung, nur eine zoologische Feststellung!"

Translation:
Judge: "Why did you call the plaintiff a donkey?"
Defendant: "Your Honor, it wasn't an insult, merely a zoological observation!"

✍️ Poem about 'Beleidigung'

Ein Wort, geschleudert, scharf und kalt,
trifft tief, entfacht Gewalt.
Die Ehre blutet, still verletzt,
die Beleidigung, ins Herz gesetzt.
Ein Funke nur, doch groß der Brand,
Gesät von achtlos leerer Hand.
Drum wähle weise, was du sprichst,
damit kein Anstand je zerbricht.

Translation:
A word, hurled, sharp and cold,
strikes deep, ignites violence bold.
Honor bleeds, silently hurt,
the insult, set within the heart.
Just a spark, yet great the fire,
Sown by a careless hand's desire.
So choose wisely what you say,
lest decency should break away.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann gesprochen, geschrieben oder gezeigt werden,
mein Ziel ist es, Ehre zu beschneiden.
Vor Gericht kann man mich tragen,
um Schmerzensgeld oder Strafe zu erfragen.
Ich bin das Gegenteil von Lob und Kompliment.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I can be spoken, written, or shown,
my goal is to cut honor down.
To court I can be taken,
for damages or punishment to awaken.
I am the opposite of praise and compliment.

What am I?

Solution: die Beleidigung (the insult)

⚙️ Further Insights

• Word Composition: The word is composed of the prefix "be-", the verb stem "leid-" (from 'leiden', here meaning to inflict something upon someone, cause suffering), and the suffix "-ung", which denotes an action or state.
• Legal Aspect: In Germany, 'Beleidigung' is regulated in § 185 of the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB). Insulting public officials ('Beamtenbeleidigung') is a common application.
• International Context: The legal treatment and social perception of insults vary significantly across different cultures and legal systems.