beschämend
shameful
Causing a feeling of shame, embarrassment, or dishonor.
EXAMPLE
Das Ergebnis der Prüfung war für ihn zutiefst beschämend.
The result of the exam was deeply shameful for him.
beschämend
shameful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'beschämend' (shameful) is the present participle form of the verb 'beschämen' (to shame). It is derived from the noun 'die Scham' (shame) and literally means 'causing shame.'
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten auf der Party war für alle Anwesenden beschämend.
His behavior at the party was shameful for everyone present.
Typical collocations
'Beschämend' (shameful) is often used to pass judgment on a situation or behavior. Typical combinations are 'ein beschämendes Ergebnis' (a shameful result), 'ein beschämendes Verhalten' (shameful behavior), or 'eine beschämende Niederlage' (a shameful defeat).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft musste eine beschämende Niederlage hinnehmen.
The team had to accept a shameful defeat.
Intensifying the expression
To emphasize the strong negative emotion, 'beschämend' (shameful) is often combined with adverbs such as 'zutiefst' (deeply), 'absolut' (absolutely), or 'einfach' (simply).
EXAMPLE
Ich finde es zutiefst beschämend, wie mit den alten Menschen umgegangen wird.
I find it deeply shameful how elderly people are treated.
Compare with
beschämend vs peinlich
embarrassing / meticulous
Both words describe something that causes shame or embarrassment. Peinlich tends to emphasize immediate embarrassment in a situation, while beschämend can place more emphasis on the shame or dishonor caused. Use peinlich for an uncomfortable moment and beschämend for particularly degrading behavior.
beschämend
Es war beschämend, dass er seine Kollegin vor allen Gästen beleidigte.
It was shameful that he insulted his colleague in front of all the guests.
peinlich
Es war peinlich, dass ich bei der Begrüßung den Namen meiner Kollegin vergaß.
It was embarrassing that I forgot my colleague’s name when we were introduced.
In real life
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