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.
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
'die Entschädigung' and 'die Genugtuung' can both have to do with reparation after damage or injustice. 'Entschädigung' usually means a concrete form of compensation, often money or a replacement. 'Genugtuung' can also mean this kind of reparation, but then it sounds more formal. Often, 'Genugtuung' refers more to a feeling: you are satisfied because something turned out fairly. The words can be confused because both can occur after an injustice. When it is about money or material compensation, 'Entschädigung' is usually clearer. When it is about inner satisfaction or justice, 'Genugtuung' fits better.
Für den Sportler war der Sieg nach der langen Verletzung eine große Genugtuung.
For the athlete, the victory after the long injury was a great satisfaction.
Nach dem Zugausfall bekam Maria eine kleine Entschädigung.
After the train cancellation, Maria received a small amount of compensation.