disillusionment / sobering
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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.
sobering up
The physical process of becoming sober after consuming alcohol. This literal meaning is less common than the figurative one.
Am Morgen nach der Feier kam mit dem Kopfschmerz auch die Ernüchterung.
On the morning after the celebration, the headache came along with the sobering up.
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.
disappointment
Enttäuschung mainly describes the hurt feeling that arises when a hope is not fulfilled. Ernüchterung places more emphasis on the sober realization that reality is worse or less ideal than expected. After a dashed hope, either word may fit, but the perspective being emphasized affects the choice.
Die Ernüchterung kam nach dem Konzert, als wir die schwache Stimmung realistisch einschätzten.
The sobering realization came after the concert, when we took a realistic view of the poor atmosphere.
Die Enttäuschung über das Konzert war groß, weil wir eine bessere Stimmung erwartet hatten.
We were very disappointed with the concert because we had expected a better atmosphere.
