decadence
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decadence
A state of moral or cultural decline, often characterized by excessive luxury, self-indulgence, and the loss of traditional values.
Kritiker sahen in dem ausschweifenden Lebensstil der Oberschicht ein Zeichen von Dekadenz.
Critics saw the extravagant lifestyle of the upper class as a sign of decadence.
Decadence
An art and literary movement at the end of the 19th century that placed artificial beauty, refinement, and aestheticism above moral or social content.
Die Werke von Oscar Wilde sind ein berühmtes Beispiel für die Literatur der Dekadenz.
The works of Oscar Wilde are a famous example of the literature of Decadence.
'Dekadenz' (decadence) is a word used in elevated language. You find it mainly in intellectual, historical, or culture-critical texts and discussions.
Der Historiker beschrieb den Übergang von der Republik zum Kaiserreich als eine Zeit der politischen Dekadenz.
The historian described the transition from the republic to the empire as a time of political decadence.
When 'Dekadenz' (decadence) describes a lifestyle, the word usually has a strongly negative connotation. It criticizes excessive luxury, wastefulness, and a lack of morality.
Sein ausschweifiges Leben wurde von vielen als pure Dekadenz angesehen.
His extravagant life was regarded by many as pure decadence.
When people speak of 'Dekadenz' (Decadence) as a historical period, the term is more neutral. It refers to a specific art and literary movement at the end of the 19th century, without necessarily containing a moral judgment.
Im Seminar analysierten wir Gedichte aus der Zeit der Dekadenz.
In the seminar, we analyzed poems from the period of Decadence.
decay / expiration
Verfall generally refers to moral or cultural decline. Dekadenz also refers to this kind of decline, but often additionally emphasizes luxury, self-indulgence, and excessive refinement. Use Verfall for any deterioration, and Dekadenz especially for an extravagant lifestyle.
Die Dekadenz der reichen Gesellschaft zeigte sich in ihren verschwenderischen Festen.
The decadence of the wealthy society was evident in its lavish parties.
Der Verfall der politischen Kultur zeigte sich an immer aggressiveren Debatten.
The decline of political culture was evident in increasingly aggressive debates.
