01
die Traurigkeit
sadness
The state or feeling of being sad; an emotional pain often caused by loss, disappointment, or misfortune.
example
Nach dem Abschied überkam sie eine tiefe Traurigkeit.
After the farewell, a deep sadness came over her.
die Traurigkeit
sadness
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The noun 'die Traurigkeit' (sadness) is derived from the adjective 'traurig' (sad) with the suffix '-keit'. This suffix forms abstract nouns that describe a state or quality.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Traurigkeit war für alle spürbar.
Her sadness was noticeable to everyone.
Typical collocations
'Traurigkeit' (sadness) is often described with adjectives such as 'tief' (deep) or 'groß' (great). Typical verbs are 'Traurigkeit fühlen' (to feel sadness), 'Traurigkeit empfinden' (to feel/experience sadness), or the impersonal expression 'die Traurigkeit überkam ihn' (sadness came over him).
EXAMPLE
Er konnte seine tiefe Traurigkeit nicht verbergen.
He could not hide his deep sadness.
Register
This word is often used in written language or in conversations where feelings are described in a rather reflective or detached way. It names the feeling as an abstract concept.
EXAMPLE
In seinem Brief schrieb er über seine Traurigkeit und Einsamkeit.
In his letter, he wrote about his sadness and loneliness.
Compare with
Traurigkeit vs Glück
happiness / luck
'das Glück' and 'die Traurigkeit' are opposites when it comes to feelings. 'Glück' describes joy and inner contentment. 'Traurigkeit' describes a painful feeling, often after a disappointment, a loss, or a bad experience. Important: 'Glück' can also mean 'good luck', but in this contrast it is about the feeling. When someone is happy, you speak of 'Glück'. When someone is suffering inside or is sad, 'Traurigkeit' fits.
Traurigkeit
Nach dem Abschied lag eine stille Traurigkeit über der Familie.
After the farewell, a quiet sadness hung over the family.
Glück
Beim Anruf ihrer Tochter hörte man das Glück in ihrer Stimme.
When her daughter called, you could hear the happiness in her voice.
In real life
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