self-pity
das Selbstmitleid
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self-pity
The feeling of pity for oneself, often perceived as exaggerated or passive. It describes the state of feeling sorry for oneself and wallowing in one's own suffering.
Anstatt in Selbstmitleid zu versinken, solltest du aktiv nach einer Lösung suchen.
Instead of sinking into self-pity, you should actively look for a solution.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Selbstmitleids |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Selbstmitleid | – |
| accusative | das Selbstmitleid | – |
| dative | dem Selbstmitleid | – |
| genitive | des Selbstmitleids des Selbstmitleides | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is a clear compound made up of 'Selbst-' (self-) and 'Mitleid' (pity). So it literally means 'pity for oneself', which makes the meaning very transparent.
Sein Selbstmitleid war für seine Freunde nur schwer zu ertragen.
His self-pity was hard for his friends to bear.
'Selbstmitleid' (self-pity) is often combined with verbs that describe passively sinking into something. Typical phrases are 'in Selbstmitleid versinken' (to sink into self-pity), 'sich in Selbstmitleid suhlen' (to wallow in self-pity), or 'in Selbstmitleid zerfließen' (to dissolve into self-pity).
Nach der Trennung versank er wochenlang in Selbstmitleid.
After the breakup, he sank into self-pity for weeks.
This word almost always has a negative meaning. It implies that the person is exaggerating their suffering and passively giving in to their fate instead of looking for a solution.
Ihre ständigen Klagen klangen für mich nur nach Selbstmitleid.
Her constant complaints sounded to me like nothing but self-pity.
victim role
Selbstmitleid and Opferrolle can both occur when someone strongly emphasizes their own suffering. Selbstmitleid mainly refers to the inner feeling of feeling sorry for oneself; Opferrolle additionally describes repeatedly acting and presenting oneself as a victim. Use Selbstmitleid for the feeling and Opferrolle for the pattern of behavior.
Nach der Kritik versank er in Selbstmitleid und dachte nur noch an sein eigenes Leid.
After the criticism, he sank into self-pity and could think only about his own suffering.
Nach jeder Kritik nimmt er die Opferrolle ein und stellt sich als ungerecht behandelte Person dar.
After every criticism, he adopts the role of the victim and presents himself as someone who has been treated unfairly.
