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.
harassment
Refers specifically to unwanted, sexually motivated behavior that violates a person's dignity.
Sexuelle Belästigung am Arbeitsplatz ist ein ernstzunehmendes Problem und strafbar.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem and is punishable by law.
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
Belästigung is the neutral term for disturbing or unpleasantly bothering someone. Terror is a colloquial, considerably stronger evaluation in this context and is especially appropriate for severe stress or an ongoing disturbance.
Sie meldete die wiederholten unerwünschten Anrufe des Nachbarn als Belästigung.
She reported the neighbor's repeated unwanted calls as harassment.
Die täglichen Drohanrufe des Nachbarn waren für sie reiner Terror.
The neighbor's daily threatening calls were sheer torture for her.
