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.
resignation
The formal act of stepping down from an office or an important position; a resignation.
Die Resignation des Vorstandsvorsitzenden kam für alle überraschend.
The resignation of the chairman of the board came as a surprise to everyone.
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.
resignation / withdrawal
Der Rücktritt and die Resignation can both refer to the formal relinquishing of an important office. Rücktritt is the generally common term, while Resignation is rare in this sense and sounds official and bureaucratic. In ordinary conversation, Rücktritt is therefore usually the better choice.
Die Resignation des Ministers wurde in der offiziellen Mitteilung bestätigt.
The minister’s resignation was confirmed in the official statement.
Nach der Kritik erklärte die Ministerin ihren Rücktritt.
After the criticism, the minister announced her resignation.
