barbarism
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barbarism
A state or act of extreme cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity that is seen as hostile to civilization.
Die absichtliche Zerstörung der historischen Kunstwerke war ein Akt reiner Barbarei.
The deliberate destruction of the historical artworks was an act of pure barbarism.
The word is derived from 'der Barbar' (the barbarian). The ending '-ei', similar to 'Schweinerei' (mess / disgrace) or 'Heuchelei' (hypocrisy), forms an abstract noun that describes negative behavior or a state.
Solche Zerstörungswut ist reine Barbarei.
Such destructive rage is pure barbarism.
'Barbarei' (barbarism) is a very strong and judgmental word. It is used in elevated written language to describe extreme cruelty or cultural decline, not everyday rudeness.
Der Historiker bezeichnete die Ereignisse als einen Rückfall in die Barbarei.
The historian described the events as a relapse into barbarism.
In this meaning, 'Barbarei' (barbarism) is often used in fixed collocations, for example 'ein Akt der Barbarei' (an act of barbarism), 'reine Barbarei' (pure barbarism), or 'grenzenlose Barbarei' (boundless barbarism).
Die Zerstörung der Bibliothek war ein unentschuldbarer Akt der Barbarei.
The destruction of the library was an inexcusable act of barbarism.
This meaning is almost always found in historical or cultural-studies texts. Keywords such as 'Zivilisation' (civilization), 'Kultur' (culture), or names of ancient peoples such as 'Römer' (Romans) point to this context.
In vielen antiken Schriften wird das Leben außerhalb des eigenen Reiches als Barbarei dargestellt.
In many ancient writings, life outside one's own empire is portrayed as barbarism.
civilization
'die Zivilisation' and 'die Barbarei' are often set against each other as opposites. 'Zivilisation' emphasizes order, culture, rules, and a more humane way of living together. 'Barbarei', by contrast, describes extreme cruelty or a state understood as uncivilized. The word is strongly judgmental and negative. So you do not use 'Barbarei' neutrally, but when you want to clearly criticize brutality or inhumanity.
Maria nennt die Gewalt gegen unschuldige Menschen reine Barbarei.
Maria calls the violence against innocent people pure barbarism.
Gesetze und Schulen gelten für viele Menschen als wichtige Zeichen der Zivilisation.
For many people, laws and schools are important signs of civilization.