resignation / hopelessness
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hopelessness
A state of hopelessness and submitting to a fate that seems unavoidable, often connected with giving up resistance or personal goals.
Nach vielen erfolglosen Versuchen machte sich bei ihm Resignation breit.
After many unsuccessful attempts, a sense of hopelessness began to spread within him.
Careful: The German word 'Resignation' can mean resignation from an office, like the English 'resignation,' but it also has a very common second meaning: a state of hopelessness. The English word does not have this emotional aspect in quite the same way.
Nach der Niederlage herrschte im Team pure Resignation.
After the defeat, there was pure hopelessness in the team.
The context reveals the meaning. If it is about feelings, psychology, or personal difficulties, it means hopelessness. If it is about politics, companies, or offices, it means resigning from a position.
Bei ihm machte sich nach der Absage Resignation breit.
After the rejection, a sense of hopelessness began to spread within him.
The state of hopelessness is often described as a passive process. Typical expressions are 'in Resignation verfallen' (to fall into hopelessness), 'sich der Resignation hingeben' (to give in to hopelessness), or that 'Resignation sich breitmacht' (hopelessness spreads).
Es ist wichtig, in schwierigen Zeiten nicht in Resignation zu verfallen.
It is important not to fall into hopelessness in difficult times.
When 'Resignation' means resignation from an office, it is an active, formal step. It is used with verbs like 'einreichen' (to submit), 'erklären' (to declare), or 'bekannt geben' (to announce).
Der CEO hat seine Resignation für das Ende des Monats angekündigt.
The CEO announced his resignation for the end of the month.
hope
'die Hoffnung' and 'die Resignation' describe two opposite attitudes. With 'Hoffnung', you expect or wish that something positive can happen. With 'Resignation', you no longer believe in it and give up inwardly. 'Hoffnung' fits when someone still sees possibilities. 'Resignation' fits when someone accepts a bad situation and no longer fights.
Nach vielen erfolglosen Bewerbungen spürte Max nur noch Resignation.
After many unsuccessful job applications, Max felt only resignation.
Trotz der schlechten Nachricht verliert Lena die Hoffnung nicht.
Despite the bad news, Lena does not lose hope.