der Märtyrer
martyr
A person who is killed or makes great sacrifices because of their faith or convictions.
EXAMPLE
Der heilige Stephanus gilt als der erste Märtyrer des Christentums.
Saint Stephen is considered the first martyr of Christianity.
der Märtyrer
martyr
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Meanings
der Märtyrer
martyr
A person who sacrifices themselves or suffers in an exaggerated way, often to gain sympathy or attention.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, den Märtyrer zu spielen, du bist nicht der Einzige, der Probleme hat.
Stop playing the martyr; you're not the only one who has problems.
Usage tips
Context clue
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.
EXAMPLE
Viele Heilige der Kirche waren Märtyrer.
Many saints of the church were martyrs.
Fixed expression
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.
EXAMPLE
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!
Typical verbs
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).
EXAMPLE
Er war bereit, für seine politischen Ideale als Märtyrer zu sterben.
He was prepared to die as a martyr for his political ideals.
Compare with
Märtyrer vs Opfer
victim / sacrifice
The same persecuted person can be called an “Opfer” and a “Märtyrer.” “Opfer” emphasizes the harm suffered; “Märtyrer” explicitly connects the person’s suffering or death with their faith or convictions and highlights their self-sacrifice.
Märtyrer
Nach seiner Ermordung galt der Prediger seinen Anhängern als Märtyrer.
After his murder, the preacher was considered a martyr by his followers.
Opfer
Nach seiner Ermordung galt der Prediger als Opfer religiöser Gewalt.
After his murder, the preacher was considered a victim of religious violence.
In real life
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