disappointment
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disappointment
The feeling that arises when a hope or expectation is not fulfilled.
Die Enttäuschung über das schlechte Prüfungsergebnis war ihr deutlich anzusehen.
The disappointment about the poor exam result was clearly visible on her face.
The word comes from the verb 'ent-täuschen' (to disappoint). The prefix 'ent-' here means 'to take away', and 'täuschen' means 'to create a false impression'. An 'Enttäuschung' (disappointment) is therefore the feeling that arises when a deception or a beautiful illusion is taken away.
Die Realität hat seine Illusionen zerstört und zur Enttäuschung geführt.
Reality destroyed his illusions and led to disappointment.
'Die Enttäuschung' (disappointment) belongs to a word family with the verb 'enttäuschen' (to disappoint) and the adjective 'enttäuscht' (disappointed). When you describe a person, you say 'sie ist enttäuscht' (she is disappointed). The feeling itself is 'die Enttäuschung' (the disappointment).
Er war sichtlich enttäuscht von dem Ergebnis.
He was visibly disappointed with the result.
To state the reason for the disappointment, the preposition 'über' with the accusative is almost always used.
Die Enttäuschung über die Absage war groß.
The disappointment about the cancellation was great.
As a feeling, 'Enttäuschung' (disappointment) is often described with adjectives such as 'groß' (great), 'tief' (deep), or 'bitter' (bitter). Typical verbs are 'eine Enttäuschung erleben' (to experience a disappointment) or 'seine Enttäuschung zeigen' (to show one's disappointment).
Es war eine bittere Enttäuschung für die ganze Mannschaft.
It was a bitter disappointment for the whole team.
When a person or thing is described as 'eine Enttäuschung' (a disappointment), the noun often appears with the indefinite article and the verb 'sein' (to be). It evaluates the subject of the sentence negatively.
Der neue Mitarbeiter war leider eine große Enttäuschung.
The new employee was unfortunately a major disappointment.
joy
'die Freude' and 'die Enttäuschung' both describe feelings, but they go in different directions. 'Freude' is a positive feeling when something is nice, succeeds, or does you good. 'Enttäuschung' arises when you expected something good, but it does not happen. So the contrast often lies in the expectation: if it is fulfilled, you feel Freude; if it is not fulfilled, you feel Enttäuschung.
Meine Enttäuschung war groß, als das Konzert abgesagt wurde.
My disappointment was great when the concert was canceled.
Die Freude über die bestandene Prüfung war groß.
The joy over passing the exam was great.