martyrdom
Loading your saved state.
martyrdom
The suffering and death of a person (a martyr) who is persecuted and killed because of their faith or convictions.
Die Geschichte des frühen Christentums ist von vielen Erzählungen über das Martyrium seiner Anhänger geprägt.
The history of early Christianity is shaped by many accounts of the martyrdom of its followers.
ordeal
In a figurative sense, a long and agonizing period of great suffering or pain.
Die jahrelange Pflege seiner kranken Frau war für ihn ein Martyrium.
The years of caring for his sick wife were an ordeal for him.
The word 'Martyrium' (martyrdom) is closely connected with 'der Märtyrer' (male martyr) or 'die Märtyrerin' (female martyr). The martyrdom is the suffering that the martyr endures.
Der Märtyrer nahm für seinen Glauben das Martyrium auf sich.
The martyr accepted martyrdom for his faith.
The literal meaning refers to suffering and death because of a faith or conviction. The figurative meaning describes a very long, agonizing personal experience, such as a serious illness or an extremely unpleasant situation.
In dem Buch wird das Martyrium der ersten Christen beschrieben.
The book describes the martyrdom of the first Christians.
In the figurative meaning, 'Martyrium' is a very strong and dramatic word. It is used to express great and prolonged suffering, not small everyday problems.
Die stundenlange Fahrt im überfüllten Zug war ein wahres Martyrium.
The hours-long trip on the overcrowded train was a true ordeal.
In the figurative sense, 'Martyrium' is often combined with verbs like 'erleiden' (to suffer), 'durchmachen' (to go through), or 'erleben' (to experience). The phrase 'etwas ist ein Martyrium' (something is an ordeal) is also very common.
Er musste wegen seiner Krankheit ein langes Martyrium durchmachen.
Because of his illness, he had to go through a long ordeal.
ordeal / torture
Martyrium and Tortur can both refer to a long and difficult period of suffering. Martyrium usually highlights a history of suffering shaped by faith or conviction, while Tortur generally means an especially agonizing or exhausting experience. Use Martyrium when this ideological or religious connection is relevant, and Tortur for other extreme hardships.
Die Verfolgung wegen seines Glaubens wurde für ihn zu einem langen Martyrium.
The persecution he suffered because of his faith became a long ordeal for him.
Die stundenlange Wanderung in der Hitze wurde für sie zu einer Tortur.
The hours-long hike in the heat became an ordeal for her.
