satisfaction / compensation
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satisfaction
A feeling of deep satisfaction and contentment that one feels when a wish comes true, a goal is achieved, or justice is experienced.
Es war für sie eine große Genugtuung, als ihre Arbeit endlich anerkannt wurde.
It was a great satisfaction for her when her work was finally recognized.
compensation
Reparation or compensation for an injustice suffered, damage, or an insult. This meaning is more formal and is often used in legal contexts.
Das Opfer forderte vom Täter eine finanzielle Genugtuung.
The victim demanded financial compensation from the perpetrator.
The word is made up of 'genug' (enough) and 'tun' (to do). It describes the feeling that arises when 'genug getan' (enough has been done) to satisfy someone or to make up for an injustice.
Mit großer Genugtuung sah er, dass sein Plan funktionierte.
With great satisfaction, he saw that his plan was working.
When referring to the feeling of satisfaction, 'Genugtuung' is often used with verbs such as 'empfinden' (to feel), 'fühlen' (to feel), or 'verspüren' (to sense/feel).
Nach der anstrengenden Wanderung empfand er eine tiefe Genugtuung.
After the strenuous hike, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
The reason for the 'Genugtuung' (satisfaction) is often expressed with a 'dass' clause or an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Es ist eine Genugtuung, dass sich die harte Arbeit gelohnt hat.
It is a satisfaction that the hard work paid off.
The meaning 'Wiedergutmachung' (reparation/compensation) is formal and is mainly used in legal or official contexts. Typical verbs here are 'fordern' (to demand), 'verlangen' (to demand), or 'leisten' (to provide/pay).
Er verlangte eine öffentliche Entschuldigung als Genugtuung.
He demanded a public apology as compensation.
compensation
Entschädigung is the general term for compensation after damage, loss, or a disadvantage. Genugtuung can also mean reparation for injustice, but in this use it places greater emphasis on that injustice being acknowledged and is more formal. Entschädigung is usually appropriate for a specific financial loss, while Genugtuung is more appropriate for an acknowledged insult or injustice.
Die offizielle Entschuldigung war für sie eine Genugtuung nach der ungerechten Behandlung.
The official apology was a source of satisfaction for her after the unjust treatment.
Nach dem Verlust seines Gepäcks erhielt er eine Entschädigung.
He received compensation after losing his luggage.
