humiliation
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humiliation
An action or situation that humiliates someone and deeply injures their reputation, dignity, or pride.
Die öffentliche Zurechtweisung vor allen Kollegen war für ihn eine große Erniedrigung.
The public reprimand in front of all his colleagues was a great humiliation for him.
'Die Erniedrigung' (humiliation) is the noun related to the verb 'erniedrigen' (to humiliate/degrade). This verb comes from the adjective 'niedrig' (low). An 'Erniedrigung' (humiliation) is therefore an action that symbolically makes someone 'low' and injures their dignity.
Er empfand die Behandlung als zutiefst erniedrigend.
He perceived the treatment as deeply humiliating.
This noun is often combined with verbs such as 'erfahren' (to experience), 'erleben' (to experience), 'ertragen' (to bear), or 'erdulden' (to endure). Typical adjectives are 'eine tiefe' (a deep), 'schwere' (severe), or 'öffentliche Erniedrigung' (public humiliation).
Niemand sollte eine solche Erniedrigung erfahren müssen.
No one should have to experience such humiliation.
'Erniedrigung' (humiliation) is a very strong word. It describes a deep injury to dignity and self-worth, not just a small embarrassment or awkwardness.
Die Gefangenen mussten viele Erniedrigungen ertragen.
The prisoners had to endure many humiliations.
insult
'die Beleidigung' and 'die Erniedrigung' can both deeply hurt a person. A 'Beleidigung' is usually a specific derogatory statement or action. 'Erniedrigung' goes further: it describes a situation or action through which someone is humiliated and made to feel small or worthless. An insult can be part of a humiliation, but not every insult is automatically a humiliation. Learners may confuse the words because both concern a person's dignity. For a hurtful word, 'Beleidigung' fits; for deep humiliation in a situation, 'Erniedrigung' is better.
Die öffentliche Kritik vor dem ganzen Team war für ihn eine Erniedrigung.
The public criticism in front of the whole team was a humiliation for him.
Wir entschuldigen uns für die Beleidigung gegenüber unserem Kollegen.
We apologize for the insult directed at our colleague.