schadenfreude
die Schadenfreude
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schadenfreude
The feeling of pleasure at the misfortune, harm, or embarrassment suffered by another person.
Als der arrogante Läufer kurz vor dem Ziel stürzte, konnte sich das Publikum eine gewisse Schadenfreude nicht verkneifen.
When the arrogant runner fell just before the finish line, the audience couldn't suppress a certain schadenfreude.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Schadenfreude |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schadenfreude | – |
| accusative | die Schadenfreude | – |
| dative | der Schadenfreude | – |
| genitive | der Schadenfreude | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'der Schaden' (damage/harm) and 'die Freude' (joy). So it literally describes joy at another person's harm or bad luck.
Seine Schadenfreude war ihm deutlich anzusehen.
His schadenfreude was clearly visible on his face.
'Schadenfreude' is an internationally known German word because many languages do not have a direct one-word equivalent. It is sometimes even used as a loanword in other languages.
Das Konzept der Schadenfreude ist psychologisch sehr interessant.
The concept of schadenfreude is very interesting psychologically.
Common verbs with this noun are 'Schadenfreude empfinden' (to feel schadenfreude), 'Schadenfreude zeigen' (to show schadenfreude), or 'sich die Schadenfreude nicht verkneifen können' (to be unable to suppress one's schadenfreude). It often describes a spontaneous, sometimes suppressed reaction.
Als sein Konkurrent einen Fehler machte, konnte er eine gewisse Schadenfreude nicht verbergen.
When his competitor made a mistake, he couldn't hide a certain schadenfreude.
satisfaction / compensation
Genugtuung and Schadenfreude can both arise after another person suffers a disadvantage. In this context, Genugtuung is based on the feeling that a just consequence has occurred. Schadenfreude, by contrast, is specifically pleasure at the other person’s misfortune or harm.
Als der unfaire Kollege seinen Posten verliert, empfindet sie Schadenfreude über seinen persönlichen Nachteil.
When the unfair colleague loses his position, she takes pleasure in his personal misfortune.
Als der unfaire Kollege seinen Posten verliert, empfindet sie Genugtuung, weil sie die Entscheidung gerecht findet.
When the unfair colleague loses his position, she feels satisfied because she considers the decision fair.
