megalomania
der Größenwahn
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megalomania
A pathological or severely exaggerated overestimation of one's own importance, power, or abilities. The word refers both to a psychological disorder and, more generally, to an inflated self-image.
Sein Größenwahn ließ ihn glauben, er könne allein das ganze Land retten.
His megalomania led him to believe that he could save the entire country on his own.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Größenwahns |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Größenwahn | – |
| accusative | den Größenwahn | – |
| dative | dem Größenwahn | – |
| genitive | des Größenwahns | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Größenwahn' (megalomania) is made up of 'Größen-' and 'Wahn' (delusion). The first component points to an exaggerated idea of one's own greatness or importance.
Sein Größenwahn machte jede Zusammenarbeit unmöglich.
His megalomania made any collaboration impossible.
'Größenwahn' (megalomania) is a strongly judgmental expression and is often used critically or disparagingly. In technical texts, the word can also be used in connection with mental disorders.
Die Journalistin kritisierte den Größenwahn des Politikers.
The journalist criticized the politician's megalomania.
Common collocations include 'an Größenwahn leiden' (to suffer from megalomania), 'von Größenwahn geprägt sein' (to be characterized by megalomania), and 'jemandes Größenwahn' (someone's megalomania). The word is often used in connection with people and their behavior or plans.
Viele seiner unrealistischen Pläne wirken wie ein Zeichen von Größenwahn.
Many of his unrealistic plans seem like a sign of megalomania.
Whether 'Größenwahn' (megalomania) is meant in a technical sense or as a general criticism can be understood from the context: medical or psychological texts tend to discuss a mental state, while reports and conversations often pass judgment on exaggerated plans or arrogant behavior.
Der Arzt untersuchte, ob der Größenwahn Teil einer psychischen Erkrankung war.
The doctor examined whether the megalomania was part of a mental disorder.
Die Fans hielten den Größenwahn des Vereins für peinlich.
The fans considered the club's megalomania embarrassing.
