01
der Dämon
demon
A supernatural, usually evil being in mythology, religion, or fiction; a devil or evil spirit.
example
In der Geschichte kämpft der Held gegen einen mächtigen Dämon.
In the story, the hero fights against a powerful demon.
der Dämon
demon
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical verbs
In the literal sense, a demon is often 'beschworen' (summoned), 'ausgetrieben' (exorcised), or 'bekämpft' (fought). A person can also be 'von einem Dämon besessen sein' (be possessed by a demon).
EXAMPLE
Der Priester versuchte, den Dämon auszutreiben.
The priest tried to exorcise the demon.
Context clue
You can often recognize the figurative meaning from the adjective 'innere' (inner). When people talk about 'inneren Dämonen' (inner demons), they always mean personal fears, trauma, or vices.
EXAMPLE
In der Therapie lernte er, mit seinen inneren Dämonen umzugehen.
In therapy, he learned to deal with his inner demons.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, people often 'kämpft' (fight) 'gegen seine Dämonen' (against their demons) or try to 'seine Dämonen zu besiegen' (defeat their demons). These expressions describe an inner, psychological struggle.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler hat in seinen Bildern oft den Kampf gegen seine Dämonen dargestellt.
In his paintings, the artist often depicted the struggle against his demons.
Compare with
Dämon vs Angst
fear
'die Angst' and 'der Dämon' can both have to do with inner suffering. 'Angst' directly names the feeling you have when you feel threatened or are very worried. 'Dämon' is used in this relation only figuratively. Then it does not mean a real figure, but a strong inner fear or something negative that burdens a person deeply. 'Angst' is neutral and very common in everyday life. 'Dämon' sounds stronger, more personal, and often more literary or dramatic.
Dämon
Nach dem Unfall kämpfte sie lange mit ihren inneren Dämonen.
After the accident, she struggled with her inner demons for a long time.
Angst
Max spürt vor dem wichtigen Spiel eine starke Angst.
Max feels a strong fear before the important game.
In real life
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