harassment
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harassment / nuisance
An action through which someone is disturbed, annoyed, or bothered in an unpleasant way. This can range from minor disturbances to serious assaults.
Die ständige Lärmbelästigung durch die Baustelle ist unerträglich.
The constant noise nuisance from the construction site is unbearable.
The noun 'die Belästigung' (harassment) is derived from the verb 'belästigen' (to harass / to bother). The ending '-ung' is used to form a noun from a verb that describes the action or the result.
Bitte belästigen Sie mich nicht mit Ihren Anrufen.
Please do not harass me with your calls.
In its general meaning, 'Belästigung' (harassment / nuisance) is often used in compound nouns to specify the type of disturbance. Typical examples are 'Lärmbelästigung' (noise nuisance), 'Geruchsbelästigung' (odor nuisance), or 'Rauchbelästigung' (smoke nuisance).
Die Geruchsbelästigung aus der Mülltonne war im Sommer sehr stark.
The odor nuisance from the garbage bin was very strong in summer.
To name the source of the disturbance, the preposition 'durch' followed by the accusative is often used.
Die Belästigung durch laute Musik in der Nacht ist ein häufiges Problem.
Harassment through loud music at night is a common problem.
The specific meaning of sexual harassment is often made clear by the adjective 'sexuell' (sexual) or follows from the context, e.g., when the topic is the workplace, legal issues, or personal boundaries.
Das Unternehmen hat klare Richtlinien gegen sexuelle Belästigung.
The company has clear policies against sexual harassment.
terror
'der Terror' and 'die Belästigung' can both describe something that is unpleasant for someone and bothers them. 'Terror' is colloquial and very strong; it sounds like constant stress or an extreme disturbance. 'Belästigung' is more neutral and more precise when someone disturbs, pressures, or addresses another person in an unpleasant way. In serious situations, especially with unwanted sexual behavior, 'Belästigung' is the appropriate word. 'Terror' is more often used exaggeratingly in everyday speech.
Am Montag wird er die Belästigung bei der Polizei melden.
On Monday, he will report the harassment to the police.
Im Urlaub war der ständige Lärm vor dem Hotel reiner Terror.
On vacation, the constant noise outside the hotel was pure terror.