die  Resignation

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁɛzɪɡnaˈt͡si̯oːn/

🧐 What does "die Resignation" mean?

Die Resignation (noun, feminine) describes a state or attitude characterized by giving up resistance or hope. It can refer to various situations:

• Emotional Attitude: A feeling of surrender to the inevitable, often associated with disappointment, hopelessness, or apathy. One comes to terms with an unpleasant situation without further fighting against it. For example: "Ihre Miene zeigte tiefe Resignation." (Her expression showed deep resignation.)
• Professional Context: The (voluntary) act of stepping down from an office, position, or function. Here, it often means quitting or formally leaving a post. For example: "Er reichte seine Resignation ein." (He handed in his resignation.)

Although the word often has negative connotations (as a sign of weakness or defeat), in some contexts, it can also signify a form of acceptance or letting go.

🚨 Pay attention to the context to grasp the exact meaning.

✍️ Grammar of "Resignation" in Detail

"Resignation" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is primarily used in the singular.

Example Sentences

• Nach langem Kampf überkam ihn ein Gefühl der Resignation.
  (After a long struggle, a feeling of resignation overcame him.)
• Seine Resignation wurde vom Vorstand akzeptiert.
  (His resignation was accepted by the board.)
• Tiefe Resignation machte sich in der Bevölkerung breit.
  (Deep resignation spread among the population.)
• Wir müssen gegen die allgemeine Resignation ankämpfen.
  (We must fight against the general resignation.)

🗣️ How "die Resignation" is used

The term "Resignation" is used in various contexts:

• In everyday life and psychology: Here, it usually describes the emotional state of giving up or acceptance. Example: "Ihre Antwort zeigte tiefe Resignation." (Her answer showed deep resignation.)
• In professional life: Refers to the act of quitting or stepping down from a position. Example: "Er reichte seine Resignation ein." (He submitted his resignation.) In this sense, it is more formal than "Kündigung" (notice/termination).
• In politics and society: Can describe the attitude of a group or society that remains passive in the face of changes or grievances. Example: "Politische Resignation kann gefährlich sein." (Political resignation can be dangerous.)

Comparison:

• Resignation vs. Aufgabe: "Aufgabe" (giving up, task) is more general and can also refer to concrete activities ("die Aufgabe eines Projekts" - giving up a project). "Resignation" emphasizes the inner attitude of surrender more strongly.
• Resignation vs. Akzeptanz: While "Akzeptanz" (acceptance) can also be positive (accepting reality to move on), "Resignation" often carries a negative connotation of hopelessness.

💡 Mnemonics for Resignation

Article Mnemonic: Think of the suffix -ion. Many German nouns ending in -ion are feminine and take the article die, like die Nation, die Situation, die Aktion, and die Resignation.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Resignation" sounds like the English verb "to resign". Imagine someone having to re-sign their contract termination papers, emphasizing the act of stepping down or giving up.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be cautious with words like "Gelassenheit" (serenity, composure). While serenity can arise from acceptance, it's generally more active and positive than the often passive nature of "Resignation".

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Bleistift resigniert?

(Why did the pencil resign?)

Er hatte einfach keine Spitze mehr und sah keinen Sinn darin, weiterzumachen!

(He just didn't have a point anymore and saw no point in continuing!)

📜 A Poem about Resignation

Der Kampf ist aus, die Kraft verrinnt,
die Fahne sinkt im Abendwind.
Kein Wille mehr, das Ziel zu sehen,
Stille Einkehr, stilles Stehen.
Die Schultern schwer, der Blick gesenkt,
Ein leises Seufzen, das verschenkt
den letzten Funken Widerstand.
Das ist die Resignation im Land.

(The fight is over, strength fades away,
The flag descends in the evening breeze.
No will left, the goal to see,
Quiet contemplation, standing silently.
Shoulders heavy, gaze lowered,
A soft sigh, that's gifted away
The last spark of resistance.
That is resignation in the land.)

🧩 A Riddle

Ich bin kein Kampf, doch folg' ihm nach.
Ich bin kein Amt, doch führt zum Abschiedsfach.
Ich bin ein Gefühl, oft schwer und grau,
Wenn Hoffnung flieht und man nicht mehr vertrau'.

Was bin ich?

(I am not a fight, yet I follow it.
I am not an office, yet lead to the farewell compartment.
I am a feeling, often heavy and grey,
When hope flees and one no longer trusts.

What am I?) (Answer: die Resignation)

🌍 Other Information

Word Origin:

The word "Resignation" comes from the Latin verb resignare, which originally meant 'to unseal', 'to invalidate', or 'to give up'. It is composed of re- (back, again) and signare (to mark, to seal). Figuratively, the meaning evolved to 'to lay down an office' and later also the emotional meaning of 'submission' or 'giving up'.

Cultural Aspects:

The evaluation of resignation varies culturally. In some philosophies (e.g., Stoicism), a form of submission can be seen as a virtue (acceptance of what cannot be changed), whereas in performance-oriented societies, it is often viewed negatively as a lack of perseverance.