martyr
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martyr
A person who is killed or makes great sacrifices because of their faith or convictions.
Der heilige Stephanus gilt als der erste Märtyrer des Christentums.
Saint Stephen is considered the first martyr of Christianity.
The meaning of the word depends strongly on the context. In a historical or religious context, it refers to a person who dies for their convictions. In everyday language, it often describes someone negatively who presents themselves as a victim.
Viele Heilige der Kirche waren Märtyrer.
Many saints of the church were martyrs.
For the figurative meaning, the expression 'den Märtyrer spielen' (to play the martyr) is very common. It expresses that someone is suffering or sacrificing themselves in an exaggerated way in order to get attention.
Spiel nicht den Märtyrer, nur weil du einmal den Müll rausbringen musst!
Don't play the martyr just because you have to take out the trash for once!
In connection with the original meaning, 'Märtyrer' (martyr) is often combined with verbs like 'sterben' (to die) or 'werden' (to become). People speak of 'als Märtyrer zu sterben' (to die as a martyr) or 'zum Märtyrer zu werden' (to become a martyr).
Er war bereit, für seine politischen Ideale als Märtyrer zu sterben.
He was prepared to die as a martyr for his political ideals.
victim / sacrifice
'das Opfer' and 'der Märtyrer' are both connected with suffering, death, or a major sacrifice. 'Opfer' is general: a person can become a victim through many different events, or someone can 'ein Opfer bringen' (make a sacrifice) and give up something important. 'Märtyrer' is more specific: the person suffers or dies because of their faith or convictions. In everyday language, 'Märtyrer' can also be meant critically when someone makes a big show of their suffering in order to get sympathy. The words can be confused because martyrs are often also victims, but not every victim is a martyr.
In dem Film wird der Priester als Märtyrer für seinen Glauben gezeigt.
In the film, the priest is portrayed as a martyr for his faith.
Für die Pflege ihrer Mutter brachte sie viele persönliche Opfer.
She made many personal sacrifices to care for her mother.