Inquisition
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Inquisition
A historical institution of the Catholic Church that, from the Middle Ages onward, had the task of tracking down, interrogating, and condemning so-called heretics.
Die Spanische Inquisition war für ihre besonders strengen und grausamen Methoden bekannt.
The Spanish Inquisition was known for its particularly strict and cruel methods.
inquisition
In a figurative sense, a very strict, ruthless interrogation or investigation that is perceived as unfair.
Das stundenlange Verhör durch den Chef fühlte sich an wie eine Inquisition.
The hours-long interrogation by the boss felt like an inquisition.
The word 'Inquisition' comes from the Latin 'inquisitio', meaning 'investigation.' It is related to the verb 'inquirere' (to investigate), which explains the meaning of a strict interrogation.
Die Methoden der Inquisition waren gefürchtet.
The methods of the Inquisition were feared.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If 'Chef' (boss), 'Eltern' (parents), 'Verhör' (interrogation), or 'Befragung' (questioning) are mentioned in a modern everyday context, the figurative, negative meaning is usually intended.
Das Gespräch mit meinen Eltern über meine Noten war die reinste Inquisition.
The conversation with my parents about my grades was a complete inquisition.
The figurative use of 'Inquisition' is colloquial and a hyperbole (a strong exaggeration). It expresses that someone feels they are being questioned unfairly and excessively strictly.
Jedes Mal, wenn ich spät nach Hause komme, erwartet mich eine Inquisition.
Every time I come home late, an inquisition is waiting for me.
In the figurative meaning, the word is often used in comparisons. Typical formulations are 'sich anfühlen wie eine Inquisition' (to feel like an inquisition) or 'das war die reinste Inquisition' (that was a complete inquisition).
Die Befragung durch den Anwalt fühlte sich an wie eine Inquisition.
The questioning by the lawyer felt like an inquisition.
interrogation
Both words can describe a long and intimidating interrogation. „Das Verhör“ initially refers neutrally to a formal, intensive questioning, while „die Inquisition“ characterizes an interrogation or investigation as ruthless and unfair. Use „Verhör“ objectively and „Inquisition“ when the negative effect is explicitly part of the meaning.
Die ständigen Fragen des Ausschusses empfand sie als reine Inquisition.
She felt that the committee's constant questions were nothing but an inquisition.
Nach dem Unfall dauerte das Verhör des Zeugen mehrere Stunden.
After the accident, the witness's interrogation lasted several hours.
