self-criticism
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self-criticism
The ability or act of critically judging and questioning one's own behavior, thoughts, and weaknesses.
Nach der Niederlage übte der Trainer öffentlich Selbstkritik.
After the defeat, the coach publicly practiced self-criticism.
This word is made up of 'selbst' (self) and 'Kritik' (criticism). So it literally means 'criticism of oneself' and describes the act of critically evaluating one's own actions.
Ein gewisses Maß an Selbstkritik ist für die persönliche Entwicklung notwendig.
A certain amount of self-criticism is necessary for personal development.
The most common verb used with 'Selbstkritik' (self-criticism) is 'üben' (to practice/exercise). The fixed expression 'Selbstkritik üben' means to consciously engage with one's own mistakes or weaknesses.
Nach dem verlorenen Spiel übte der Kapitän der Mannschaft Selbstkritik.
After the lost game, the team captain practiced self-criticism.
'Selbstkritik' (self-criticism) is often combined with adjectives such as 'gesund' (healthy), 'konstruktiv' (constructive), 'hart' (harsh), or 'übermäßig' (excessive). These describe the type and extent of self-reflection.
Er ist sehr streng mit sich selbst und neigt zu harter Selbstkritik.
He is very strict with himself and tends toward harsh self-criticism.
self-irony
'die Selbstkritik' and 'die Selbstironie' both have to do with how you look at your own mistakes or weaknesses. 'Selbstkritik' is serious and means examining your own behavior and recognizing weaknesses. 'Selbstironie' is more humorous: you can laugh at yourself and do not take yourself too seriously. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with looking at oneself. When it is about improvement and honest evaluation, 'Selbstkritik' fits. When it is about humor regarding your own mistakes, 'Selbstironie' fits.
Nach dem Projekt zeigte das Team viel Selbstkritik und sprach offen über Fehler.
After the project, the team showed a lot of self-criticism and spoke openly about mistakes.
Mit viel Selbstironie erzählte Anna, wie sie beim Vortrag den roten Faden verloren hatte.
With a lot of self-irony, Anna described how she had lost the thread during the presentation.