plight / misery
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plight / misery
A state of great misery, hardship, or an extremely difficult, unfortunate situation. The word is a noun, even though it has been incorrectly classified here as an adjective.
Die wirtschaftliche Misere des Landes führte zu hoher Arbeitslosigkeit.
The country's economic plight led to high unemployment.
The word 'Misere' (plight/misery) belongs more to written language or an elevated style. It describes a very serious and often broad emergency or difficult situation and is stronger than 'Problem' (problem).
Der Verein steckt seit Monaten in einer finanziellen Misere.
The club has been stuck in financial difficulty for months.
'Misere' (plight/misery) is often specified by adjectives that name the area of the problem. Typical examples are 'wirtschaftliche Misere' (economic plight), 'soziale Misere' (social misery), or 'finanzielle Misere' (financial difficulty).
Die Regierung versucht, die soziale Misere in den Städten zu bekämpfen.
The government is trying to fight the social misery in the cities.
Common expressions with 'Misere' (plight/misery) use the preposition 'in' (in) or 'aus' (out of). You can say 'in der Misere stecken' (to be stuck in a plight) or 'jemandem aus der Misere helfen' (to help someone out of a difficult situation).
Viele kleine Unternehmen stecken wegen der Krise in einer tiefen Misere.
Many small businesses are stuck in deep trouble because of the crisis.
misery
Elend and Misere both refer to an extremely difficult situation involving hardship or suffering. Misere, however, more often suggests a deadlocked, unfortunate situation, while Elend places greater emphasis on concrete suffering or wretched living conditions. Misere often fits problems viewed as a situation, while Elend is more suitable for visible hardship.
Die neue Leitung muss die Misere des Vereins endlich beenden.
The new management must finally put an end to the club’s plight.
Die Helfer sahen das Elend der Familien nach der Überschwemmung.
The relief workers saw the misery of the families after the flood.
