die Schmach
disgrace
A major, often public humiliation or dishonor that seriously damages someone's reputation or honor.
EXAMPLE
Die 0:7-Niederlage war eine Schmach für die gesamte Mannschaft.
The 7-0 defeat was a disgrace for the entire team.
die Schmach
disgrace / humiliation
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
'Schmach' (disgrace) is a very strong and rather elevated word. It is used for major, public humiliations and sounds more dramatic and formal than everyday embarrassments.
EXAMPLE
Die Enthüllung des Skandals war eine große Schmach für den Politiker.
The revelation of the scandal was a great disgrace for the politician.
Typical collocations
This noun is often used in fixed combinations. Typical phrases are 'eine Schmach erleiden' (to suffer a disgrace), 'eine Schmach für jemanden sein' (to be a disgrace for someone), or combinations with a defeat.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft musste eine bittere Schmach erleiden.
The team had to suffer a bitter disgrace.
Word family
'Die Schmach' (disgrace) is related to the verb 'schmähen' (to insult someone severely, to mock) and the adjective 'schmählich' (shameful, dishonorable).
EXAMPLE
Er ist schmählich im Turnier gescheitert.
He failed shamefully in the tournament.
Compare with
Schmach vs Schande
shame / disgrace
Schande generally refers to a shameful act or a loss of honor and can pass judgment on someone’s own misconduct. Schmach is usually a particularly severe, often public humiliation that someone suffers. Schande therefore fits the act, while Schmach is more appropriate for the dishonor suffered.
Schmach
Die öffentliche Verurteilung empfand der General als schwere Schmach.
The general felt the public condemnation was a severe humiliation.
Schande
Der Verrat des Generals war eine Schande.
The general’s betrayal was a disgrace.
In real life
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