decay / rottenness
die Fäulnis
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decay
The decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, causing it to rot and often producing unpleasant-smelling substances.
Durch die feuchte Wärme setzte bei den Äpfeln schnell die Fäulnis ein.
Because of the warm, humid conditions, the apples began to decay quickly.
moral / social decay
A state of moral or social decline.
Der Schriftsteller prangerte die Fäulnis der politischen Verhältnisse an.
The writer condemned the decay of the political conditions.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Fäulnis |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Fäulnis | – |
| accusative | die Fäulnis | – |
| dative | der Fäulnis | – |
| genitive | der Fäulnis | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Concrete substances such as fruit, wood, or plants usually indicate the literal meaning. Abstract nouns such as society, politics, or morality often indicate the figurative meaning.
Bei dem feuchten Holz war deutlich Fäulnis zu erkennen.
The damp wood clearly showed signs of decay.
Der Bericht sprach von der Fäulnis des politischen Systems.
The report spoke of the decay of the political system.
In its literal meaning, 'Fäulnis' (decay) is often used with verbs such as 'einsetzen' (to set in), 'fortschreiten' (to progress), and 'verhindern' (to prevent). The phrase 'von Fäulnis befallen sein' (to be affected by decay) is also common.
Durch die beschädigte Schale konnte die Fäulnis der Frucht schnell fortschreiten.
Because of the damaged skin, the fruit's decay was able to progress quickly.
The figurative meaning is strongly judgmental and occurs especially in formal written or political texts. In this use, 'Fäulnis' (decay) is often followed by abstract genitive phrases such as 'der Gesellschaft' (of society) or 'der politischen Verhältnisse' (of the political conditions).
Die Rede kritisierte die Fäulnis der gesellschaftlichen Strukturen.
The speech criticized the decay of the social structures.
