die
Demütigung
😢 What exactly is a 'Demütigung'?
Die Demütigung (noun, feminine) refers to an action or event that causes a person to feel severely humiliated (erniedrigt), degraded (herabgesetzt), or violated in their dignity (in ihrer Würde verletzt). It's an act or feeling of being shamed, often publicly or in front of others. A Demütigung aims to destroy a person's pride or self-esteem.
It is a very negative experience that can leave deep emotional scars.
⚠️ Important: Do not confuse die Demütigung with die Demut (humility), which describes a positive quality of modesty.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
Grammar Deep Dive: Declension of 'Demütigung'
The word "Demütigung" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Demütigung |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Demütigung |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Demütigung |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Demütigung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Demütigungen |
| Genitive | der | Demütigungen |
| Dative | den | Demütigungen |
| Accusative | die | Demütigungen |
Example Sentences
- Die öffentliche Demütigung war für ihn unerträglich.
(The public humiliation was unbearable for him.) - Er musste viele Demütigungen ertragen, bevor er Erfolg hatte.
(He had to endure many humiliations before he became successful.) - Das Gefühl der Demütigung brannte sich tief in ihr Gedächtnis ein.
(The feeling of humiliation burned itself deep into her memory.) - Solche Demütigungen dürfen am Arbeitsplatz nicht toleriert werden.
(Such humiliations must not be tolerated in the workplace.)
Context and Usage of Demütigung
The term "Demütigung" is used to describe situations where someone is intentionally or unintentionally shamed or degraded. Typical contexts include:
- Social: Public shaming, bullying, discrimination.
- Personal: In relationships, when one partner belittles or disrespects the other.
- Professional: Unfair treatment by superiors or colleagues, being exposed or ridiculed.
- Political/Historical: Humiliation of peoples or groups, e.g., through unfair treaties or occupation.
The corresponding verb is demütigen (to humiliate). A person who humiliates (eine Person, die demütigt) often tries to exert power over another person.
How to Remember 'die Demütigung'
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ung are feminine (die). Think of: die Meinung (opinion), die Hoffnung (hope), die Lösung (solution)... and also die Demütigung.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone taking away all your courage or spirit (Mut) – that's a De-mut-igung. It leaves you feeling 'de-spirited' or without 'Mut'.
Word Field: Similar & Opposite Terms to Demütigung
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Erniedrigung: Very similar, emphasizes the lowering of status.
- Herabwürdigung: Focuses on the violation of dignity.
- Kränkung: More about emotional hurt, not always involving degradation.
- Beschämung: Emphasizes the feeling of shame.
- Schmach: Strong, somewhat archaic term for public disgrace.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Ehrung: Honoring someone.
- Anerkennung: Recognition, acknowledgement, respect.
- Respekt: Respect.
- Würdigung: Appreciation, tribute.
- Aufwertung: Enhancement of status or reputation.
🚨 Similar but Different Words:
Demut: As mentioned, this means 'humility' and has a positive or neutral connotation, unlike the negative 'Demütigung'.
A Little Joke
Warum hat der Besen eine Beförderung abgelehnt?
Er wollte keine weitere Kehr-Demütigung erleben!
(Translation/Explanation: Why did the broom turn down the promotion? He didn't want to experience another 'Kehr-Demütigung'! This is a pun playing on 'Kehrtwendung' (U-turn, about-face) and 'kehren' (to sweep), combined with 'Demütigung' (humiliation). It humorously suggests a 'sweeping humiliation' or a humiliation related to turning back/being demoted.)
Poem about Humiliation
Ein Wort gesprochen, scharf und kalt,
Ein Blick, der Würde niederknallt.
Das Herz zieht sich zusammen, klein,
Zurück bleibt Scham und stilles Pein.
Die Demütigung, ein tiefer Stich,
Vergessen? Nein, das kann ich nicht.
Translation:
A word spoken, sharp and cold,
A glance that strikes down dignity, bold.
The heart contracts, becomes small,
What remains is shame and silent thrall.
The humiliation, a deep sting,
Forget? No, that's not a thing I can bring.
Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Gefühl, ein Stich, eine Tat,
Ich mache dich klein, bring dich in Schmach und Not.
Manchmal öffentlich, manchmal versteckt,
Hab deinen Stolz schon oft erschreckt.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am a feeling, a sting, an act,
I make you small, bring disgrace and lack.
Sometimes public, sometimes concealed,
Your pride by me has often been peeled.
What am I?
Solution: die Demütigung (humiliation)
Further Insights
Word Composition:
The word "Demütigung" is derived from the adjective/noun "demütig" / "Demut" (humble/humility) and the suffix "-ung". The suffix "-ung" in German is often used to form nouns from verbs (here: demütigen - to humiliate), and these nouns are usually feminine.
The origin of "Demut" lies in Old High German "diomuoti" (servile, submissive). The meaning has evolved over time, with "Demütigung" representing the negative aspect of making oneself small or being made small by others.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Demütigung?
The correct article for the word Demütigung is exclusively die. It is a feminine noun. Remember: die Demütigung (singular), die Demütigungen (plural).