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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
'peinlich' and 'beschämend' can both express that something causes shame. 'peinlich' is used very often in everyday life, including for small uncomfortable moments, for example a slip of the tongue or a mishap. 'beschämend' sounds stronger and more serious. It fits better when behavior or a situation seems morally bad, or when someone really ought to be ashamed. In short: a small mistake can be 'peinlich'; unfair or undignified treatment of people is more likely to be 'beschämend'.
beschämend
Das Verhalten der Gruppe gegenüber dem neuen Schüler war beschämend.
The group's behavior toward the new student was shameful.
peinlich
Gestern war es ihm peinlich, weil er den Namen seiner Kollegin vergessen hatte.
Yesterday he was embarrassed because he had forgotten his colleague's name.
In real life
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