die  Genugtuung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈnyːɡtuːŋ/

😌 What does 'die Genugtuung' mean?

'Die Genugtuung' is a German noun describing a deep feeling of satisfaction or gratification. This feeling often arises after an effort has been successful, an injustice suffered has been compensated for, or an expectation has been met. It frequently carries a moral or emotional component that goes beyond simple joy.

It only takes the article 'die'; the word is feminine.

• Example 1: Nach langer Arbeit empfand er tiefe Genugtuung über das Ergebnis. (After long work, he felt deep satisfaction with the result.)
• Example 2: Es bereitete ihr Genugtuung, zu sehen, dass Gerechtigkeit gesiegt hatte. (It gave her satisfaction to see that justice had prevailed.)

⚠️ It's important not to confuse 'Genugtuung' with simple joy or happiness ('Freude'). 'Genugtuung' often includes an element of justification or compensation.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Genugtuung' in Detail

'Die Genugtuung' is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract feeling. The plural ('die Genugtuungen') is very rare and only used when referring to specific, individual acts or events that provided satisfaction.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural - rare)

Example Sentences

1. Die Genugtuung nach dem gewonnenen Wettkampf war riesig. (The satisfaction after the won competition was huge.)
2. Trotz der vielen Arbeit war das Gefühl der Genugtuung der schönste Lohn. (Despite all the work, the feeling of satisfaction was the best reward.)
3. Er gab sich ganz der Genugtuung hin. (He completely gave himself over to the feeling of satisfaction.)
4. Sie suchte nach Genugtuung für das erlittene Unrecht. (She sought satisfaction/compensation for the injustice suffered.)
5. Seltene Momente echter Genugtuungen machten sein Leben lebenswert. (Rare moments of real satisfaction made his life worth living.) (Very rare plural usage)

💡 How to use 'die Genugtuung'?

'Die Genugtuung' is often used in contexts related to personal achievement, justice, or the completion of a difficult task.

• Personal Success: Nach monatelanger Vorbereitung war das bestandene Examen eine große Genugtuung für ihn. (After months of preparation, passing the exam was a great satisfaction for him.)
• Justice/Compensation: Die Verurteilung des Täters verschaffte den Opfern späte Genugtuung. (The conviction of the perpetrator brought the victims late satisfaction/vindication.)
• Emotional Fulfillment: Es bereitete ihr tiefe Genugtuung, anderen helfen zu können. (Helping others gave her deep satisfaction.)

Comparison with similar words:

• Zufriedenheit (Contentment): A more general feeling of well-being or acceptance of a situation. 'Genugtuung' is often deeper and tied to a specific event or outcome.
• Befriedigung (Satisfaction): Can be similar, but often also relates to the fulfillment of needs or desires (e.g., sexual satisfaction, satisfaction of hunger). 'Genugtuung' more frequently has a moral or intellectual component.
• Freude (Joy): A more spontaneous, often less profound feeling than 'Genugtuung'.

The word belongs more to an elevated or formal register.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Genugtuung'

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Gerechtigkeit' (justice) or 'die Rache' (revenge) – both can lead to 'die Genugtuung'. Also, the suffix '-ung' nearly always makes a noun feminine ('die').

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you have done enough ('genug') doing ('tun' -> Tuung). Because you've done enough, you feel satisfied. The result of your 'doing enough' gives you 'Genugtuung'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Beware of similar words:

• Genüge (die): Means 'sufficiency', 'enoughness'. 'Zur Genüge' = sufficiently. Not the feeling of satisfaction ('Genugtuung').

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sind Sie mit Ihrem Gehalt zufrieden?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Naja, zufrieden nicht gerade, aber ich empfinde eine gewisse Genugtuung, dass es nicht noch weniger ist!" 😄

Translation: The boss asks his new employee: "Are you satisfied ('zufrieden') with your salary?"
The employee replies: "Well, not exactly satisfied, but I feel a certain satisfaction ('Genugtuung') that it isn't even less!" 😄

📜 A Poem about Genugtuung

Nach Müh' und Plag', nach schwerer Zeit,
Wenn endlich sich das Blatt nun dreht,
Und was gekränkt, wird ausgeglichen weit,
Ein stilles Lächeln auf den Lippen steht.

Nicht lauter Jubel, nein, ein tiefes Ruh'n,
Ein Wissen, dass das Rechte siegt,
Das Herz erfüllt vom Wohlgefühl zu tun,
Was lang ersehnt im Innern liegt.

Die Genugtuung, sanft und klar,
Ein Lohn für Standhaftigkeit,
Macht Mühen endlich unsichtbar,
Verleiht dem Sein Zufriedenheit.

Translation:
After toil and trouble, after hard times,
When finally the tables turn,
And what was wronged, is balanced far and wide,
A quiet smile upon the lips does burn.

Not loud cheers, no, a deep repose,
A knowledge that the right prevails,
The heart filled with the good feeling to do those
Things long desired within, that never fails.

Satisfaction ('Die Genugtuung'), gentle and clear,
A reward for steadfastness,
Makes efforts finally disappear,
Lends being contentment, no less.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Gefühl, tief und still,
Komme oft, wenn man Gerechtigkeit will.
Nach Anstrengung oder erlittenem Leid,
Schenke ich innere Zufriedenheit.
Man hat genug getan, das Ziel ist nah,
Wie heißt das Gefühl, das dann ist da?

Translation:
I am a feeling, deep and still,
I often come when justice is the will.
After effort or suffering's plight,
I grant inner contentment and light.
Enough has been done, the goal is near,
What is the name of the feeling held dear?

Solution: Die Genugtuung

🧩 Further Insights

Word Composition:

The word 'Genugtuung' is composed of:

• genug: Adverb, meaning 'enough'.
• tun: Verb, meaning 'to do', 'to act'.
• -ung: Suffix used to form feminine nouns from verbs, often expressing a process or result.

Literally, it means something like 'the result of doing enough' or 'the state that occurs when enough has been done'.

Context & Style:

'Die Genugtuung' belongs more to a formal or elevated style of language. In everyday conversation, one might more likely use 'Zufriedenheit' (contentment) or simply say they 'feel good' about something.