German NOUN C1 Rank 18790

die Persönlichkeitsstörung

personality disorder

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Meanings

die Persönlichkeitsstörung

personality disorder

A deep-seated and enduring pattern of experience and behavior that noticeably deviates from the expectations of the sociocultural environment, causes distress, and leads to impairment in various areas of life. It is a technical term from psychology and psychiatry.

EXAMPLE

Nach langer Diagnostik wurde bei ihm eine narzisstische Persönlichkeitsstörung festgestellt.

After a long diagnostic process, he was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.

Usage tips

Compound word

The word is a compound made up of 'Persönlichkeit' (personality), the linking -s, and 'Störung' (disorder). So it literally describes a disorder of the personality.

EXAMPLE

Eine Persönlichkeitsstörung entwickelt sich oft über viele Jahre.

A personality disorder often develops over many years.

Register: technical term

This is a clinical technical term from psychology and psychiatry. It is used to diagnose clinical conditions and does not describe everyday character flaws or bad habits.

EXAMPLE

Für die Diagnose einer Persönlichkeitsstörung sind spezifische Kriterien zu erfüllen.

Specific criteria must be met for the diagnosis of a personality disorder.

Typical collocations

Common verbs are 'eine Persönlichkeitsstörung haben' (to have a personality disorder), 'an einer Persönlichkeitsstörung leiden' (to suffer from a personality disorder), or 'eine Persönlichkeitsstörung diagnostizieren' (to diagnose a personality disorder). The type of disorder is often specified more precisely with an adjective, e.g. 'borderline' or 'zwanghaft' (compulsive).

EXAMPLE

Er leidet an einer schweren Persönlichkeitsstörung.

He suffers from a severe personality disorder.

In real life

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