die Abwertung
devaluation
The official reduction in the value of a currency in relation to other currencies.
EXAMPLE
Die Abwertung des Dollars machte Importe teurer.
The devaluation of the dollar made imports more expensive.
die Abwertung
devaluation / disparagement
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Meanings
die Abwertung
disparagement
A lowering of the reputation, value, or importance of someone or something, often through negative criticism or contempt.
EXAMPLE
Seine ständigen kritischen Kommentare waren eine klare Abwertung ihrer Arbeit.
His constant critical comments were a clear disparagement of her work.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'ab-' (downward) and the noun 'Wertung' (evaluation). An 'Abwertung' (devaluation/disparagement) is therefore a lowering of a value. The ending '-ung' indicates that it is a noun derived from a verb ('abwerten' — to devalue/disparage).
EXAMPLE
Jede Kritik wurde von ihm als persönliche Abwertung empfunden.
He perceived every criticism as a personal disparagement.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about 'Währung' (currency), 'Geld' (money), or 'Devisen' (foreign exchange), the economic meaning is intended. If it is about 'Personen' (people), 'Leistung' (performance), 'Arbeit' (work), or 'Kommentare' (comments), the social, belittling meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Zentralbank kündigte eine Abwertung der nationalen Währung an.
The central bank announced a devaluation of the national currency.
Register
In the meaning of a currency change, 'Abwertung' (devaluation) is a technical term from economics and finance.
EXAMPLE
Im Wirtschaftsstudium lernten wir über die Folgen einer Abwertung.
In economics class, we learned about the consequences of a devaluation.
Typical collocations
In a social context, people often speak of 'die Abwertung einer Person' (the disparagement of a person), 'die Abwertung von Arbeit' (the devaluation of work), or 'eine verbale Abwertung' (a verbal put-down).
EXAMPLE
Solche abfälligen Bemerkungen sind eine klare Abwertung seiner Bemühungen.
Such derogatory remarks are a clear disparagement of his efforts.
Compare with
Abwertung vs Wertverlust
depreciation
Both words can refer to a financial reduction in value. For a currency, Abwertung means an officially decided reduction in value relative to other currencies, while Wertverlust more generally describes a decrease that occurs over time. Use “Abwertung” for an official currency decision and “Wertverlust” for a general loss of value.
Abwertung
Die Regierung beschloss die Abwertung der Währung gegenüber dem Euro.
The government decided to devalue the currency against the euro.
Wertverlust
Durch die lange Nutzung erlitt das alte Auto einen deutlichen Wertverlust.
The old car suffered a significant loss of value through years of use.
In real life
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