disillusionment / sobering
Loading your saved state.
disillusionment
The state of disappointment after recognizing reality and losing earlier illusions or overly positive expectations.
Nach der anfänglichen Euphorie über den neuen Job folgte schnell die Ernüchterung über den stressigen Alltag.
After the initial euphoria about the new job, disillusionment about the stressful day-to-day routine quickly followed.
The word derives from the verb 'ernüchtern' (to sober up / disillusion). It describes the result of the process of becoming 'nüchtern' (sober) — either literally (from alcohol) or figuratively (from illusions).
Seine unrealistischen Pläne führten schnell zur Ernüchterung.
His unrealistic plans quickly led to disillusionment.
'Ernüchterung' (disillusionment) is often combined with certain verbs that describe a process. Typical phrases are: 'die Ernüchterung folgt' (disillusionment follows), 'Ernüchterung tritt ein' (disillusionment sets in), or 'Ernüchterung macht sich breit' (disillusionment spreads).
Nach den großen Versprechungen machte sich im Team Ernüchterung breit.
After the big promises, disillusionment spread through the team.
'Ernüchterung' (disillusionment) very often stands in contrast to a previous positive feeling such as 'Euphorie' (euphoria), 'Begeisterung' (enthusiasm), or 'Hoffnung' (hope).
Auf die anfängliche Begeisterung für das Projekt folgte bald die Ernüchterung.
The initial enthusiasm for the project was soon followed by disillusionment.
You can recognize the literal meaning of becoming sober from the context. It is almost always used in connection with alcohol, parties, or the 'morning after'.
Am Morgen nach der Party begann die langsame Ernüchterung.
On the morning after the party, the slow sobering up began.
shower
'eine kalte Dusche' (a cold shower) and 'die Ernüchterung' both describe an unpleasant experience in which positive expectations disappear. 'Eine kalte Dusche' emphasizes the sudden moment of disappointment, almost like a shock. 'Ernüchterung' emphasizes more the state afterward: you see reality more clearly and realize that you were too optimistic. 'Kalte Dusche' fits well with a single piece of news or a sudden event. 'Ernüchterung' fits when you are talking about the realization after an experience.
Nach den ersten Wochen im neuen Job kommt bei vielen die Ernüchterung.
After the first few weeks in a new job, many people experience disillusionment.
Zu Hause war die Rechnung für die Reparatur eine kalte Dusche.
At home, the bill for the repair was a cold shower.