die  Empörung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛmpˈøːʁʊŋ/

😠 What does 'die Empörung' mean?

Die Empörung translates to outrage or indignation in English. It describes a strong feeling of displeasure, anger, and indignation, often triggered by an action or statement perceived as unjust, immoral, or offensive. It's more than just *Ärger* (annoyance); it often includes a moral component and the feeling that a line has been crossed.

• Strong feeling: Empörung isn't mild irritation but a profound emotion.
• Moral basis: It's frequently rooted in a violation of values or concepts of justice.
• Collective/Individual: Empörung can be felt by a single person or sweep through an entire group or society (e.g., "ein Sturm der Empörung" - a storm of outrage).

⚠️ Note: While *Empörung* describes the intensity of the feeling, the outrage itself can sometimes be perceived as exaggerated or inappropriate in certain contexts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar Deep Dive: Declining 'die Empörung'

The word "Empörung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is die. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract feeling. The plural ("die Empörungen") is rare and would refer to specific, individual instances or outbreaks of outrage.

Declension (Singular)

Example Sentences

1. Die Empörung über die Entscheidung war groß.
   (The outrage over the decision was great.)
2. Trotz der allgemeinen Empörung änderte er seine Meinung nicht.
   (Despite the general outrage, he didn't change his opinion.)
3. Er gab seiner Empörung Ausdruck.
   (He gave expression to his indignation.)
4. Man konnte die Empörung in ihrer Stimme hören.
   (One could hear the outrage in her voice.)

🗣️ Usage Notes: When to use 'Empörung'

"Empörung" is used to express a strong negative reaction to something considered wrong or unacceptable.

• Typical Triggers: Injustice, scandals (political, economic), offensive remarks, unethical behavior, violation of norms.
• Context: Often found in news reports, discussions about social or political issues, but also in personal conflicts when a moral boundary is violated.
• Differentiation from similar words:
  • Wut (Anger): More general and often more direct, can occur without a moral component.
  • Zorn (Wrath/Fury): Even stronger than Wut, often associated with a desire for retribution.
  • Ärger (Annoyance): Less intense, often about minor inconveniences or mistakes.
  • Entrüstung (Indignation): Very similar to Empörung, often used synonymously, perhaps slightly more formal.
• Set Phrases: "Ein Sturm der Empörung" (a storm of outrage), "seiner Empörung Luft machen" (to vent one's outrage), "Empörung hervorrufen" (to cause outrage).

💡 Mnemonics for 'die Empörung'

Article Mnemonic: Most German nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine (die). Think of die Rechnung (the bill), die Meinung (the opinion), die Wohnung (the apartment)... and also die Empörung, which can easily arise from issues related to these!

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of 'empor' (upwards) and 'rühren' (to stir). When something unjust stirs you up so much that your feelings rise 'upwards' in anger, that's Empörung (outrage). Or imagine an 'uproaring' feeling - that's close to the sound and meaning!

🔄 Opposites & Similar Words: Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Ärger und Empörung?"
Fritzchen: "Ärger ist, wenn mein Bruder meinen Keks isst. Empörung ist, wenn er sagt, es war für einen guten Zweck!" 😄

Translation:
Teacher: "What's the difference between annoyance (Ärger) and outrage (Empörung)?"
Little Fritz: "Annoyance is when my brother eats my cookie. Outrage is when he says it was for a good cause!" 😄

✍️ A Poem about Outrage

Ein Funke zündet, wird zur Glut,
Wenn Unrecht weckt den Löwenmut.
Ein Wort, ein Blick, der falsch gesetzt,
Das Herz wird jäh emporversetzt.
Die Empörung steigt, ein heißer Schwall,
Verständnis flieht, es dröhnt der Schall
Des Protests laut, der Ungerechtigkeit,
Gegen die Bosheit dieser Zeit.

Translation:
A spark ignites, becomes a glow,
When injustice wakes the lion's courage now.
A word, a glance, wrongly placed,
The heart is suddenly upward-raced.
The outrage rises, a hot surge,
Understanding flees, the sound does urge
Of protest loud, of unfairness stark,
Against the malice of this dark.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Gefühl, stark und heiß,
Geboren oft aus Ungerechtigkeit und falschem Fleiß.
Ich rüttle auf, mach Herzen schwer,
Bin mehr als Ärger, fordere mehr.
Mit '-ung' am Ende, feminin bin ich bekannt,
Welch starkes Gefühl wird hier genannt?

Translation:
I am a feeling, strong and hot,
Often born from injustice and wrongful plot.
I shake things up, make hearts feel sore,
Am more than annoyance, I demand more.
With '-ung' at the end, feminine I'm known,
What strong feeling's name is here shown?

Solution: die Empörung (outrage/indignation)

🧩 Word Details & Trivia

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Empörung" derives from the verb "empören". This, in turn, is formed from the prefix "empor-" (upwards, aloft) and the verb "ören", an old form of "hören" (to hear) or related to "rühren" (to stir, move, incite). So, "Empörung" literally means something like "the state of being stirred up" or "being incited to revolt/uproar".

Emotional Weight:

"Empörung" is a very emotionally charged word in German. It expresses deep disapproval and often moral condemnation. It should be used consciously in communication due to its strong impact.