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
der Dämon
demon
Figuratively, a tormenting inner fear, vice, or negative character trait that controls a person.
EXAMPLE
Er kämpfte jahrelang gegen seine inneren Dämonen.
He fought against his inner demons for years.
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 Teufel
devil
Both words can refer to a usually evil supernatural being. Teufel is the specific embodiment of evil and the adversary of God. Dämon is the more general term for such a being, including in mythological or fictional stories.
Dämon
In dieser Geschichte bedroht ein Dämon die Menschen als böses übernatürliches Wesen.
In this story, a demon threatens the people as an evil supernatural being.
Teufel
In dieser religiösen Geschichte ist der Teufel der Gegenspieler Gottes.
In this religious story, the devil is God's adversary.
In real life
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