damning indictment / proof of failure
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damning indictment
Obvious proof of incompetence, failure, or a lack of quality or competence.
Dass die Website nach einem Jahr immer noch nicht funktioniert, ist ein Armutszeugnis für die Agentur.
The fact that the website still doesn't work after a year is a damning indictment of the agency.
The word consists of 'Armut' (poverty) and 'Zeugnis' (certificate, testimony). The figurative meaning is a 'Zeugnis' (testimony) to intellectual or conceptual 'Armut' (poverty), that is, proof of incompetence.
Seine unvorbereitete Präsentation war ein Armutszeugnis.
His unprepared presentation was a damning indictment.
The most common use is the fixed phrase 'ein Armutszeugnis für jemanden/etwas sein' (to be a damning indictment of someone/something). It expresses strong criticism of an obvious weakness or failure.
Dass die Stadt den Park so verkommen lässt, ist ein Armutszeugnis für die Verwaltung.
The fact that the city is letting the park become so run-down is a damning indictment of the administration.
The figurative, critical meaning is very common today. The literal meaning as an official document is historical and now appears almost only in texts about earlier times.
Es ist ein Armutszeugnis, dass es in einem so reichen Land Kinderarmut gibt.
It is a damning indictment that child poverty exists in such a rich country.
Another fixed expression is 'sich (selbst) ein Armutszeugnis ausstellen' (to give oneself a damning indictment). This means that someone proves their incompetence through their own actions.
Mit dieser unüberlegten Aussage hat sich der Politiker selbst ein Armutszeugnis ausgestellt.
With that ill-considered statement, the politician gave himself a damning indictment.
proof / evidence
'der Beweis' and 'das Armutszeugnis' can both show that something is the case. 'Beweis' is neutral and can refer to many kinds of clear facts or arguments. 'Armutszeugnis', on the other hand, is judgmental and negative. It means that something shows very clearly that someone is incapable, has done poor work, or that quality is lacking. So you can say that something is a 'Beweis' for a problem. But 'Armutszeugnis' only fits if you want to strongly criticize that problem. The words can be confused because 'Armutszeugnis' also expresses a kind of proof, but it sounds much harsher and more emotional.
Dass niemand auf die Beschwerde antwortet, ist ein Armutszeugnis für den Kundenservice.
The fact that no one responds to the complaint is a damning indictment of customer service.
Der kaputte Zaun ist kein Beweis dafür, dass die Nachbarn schuld sind.
The broken fence is not proof that the neighbors are to blame.