tyranny
Loading your saved state.
tyranny
A form of rule in which a single person or a group has unlimited power and exercises it cruelly and oppressively.
Das Volk erhob sich schließlich gegen die jahrelange Tyrannei des Diktators.
The people finally rose up against the dictator's years of tyranny.
tyranny
In a figurative sense, cruel, arbitrary, or ruthless treatment by a person or thing.
Die ständige Erreichbarkeit durch das Smartphone empfinden viele als moderne Tyrannei.
Many people experience the constant availability caused by smartphones as a modern tyranny.
The word 'Tyrannei' (tyranny) is derived directly from 'der Tyrann' (the tyrant). It describes the form of rule, the system, or the behavior that is typical of a tyrant.
Die Bevölkerung litt unter der grausamen Tyrannei.
The population suffered under the cruel tyranny.
In connection with 'Tyrannei' (tyranny), the preposition 'unter' (under) is used very frequently to express the state of being at someone’s mercy. One suffers or lives 'unter der Tyrannei' (under the tyranny).
Viele Künstler flohen, weil sie nicht unter der Tyrannei leben wollten.
Many artists fled because they did not want to live under the tyranny.
In a political context, 'Tyrannei' (tyranny) is often combined with verbs such as 'eine Tyrannei errichten' (to establish a tyranny), 'eine Tyrannei beenden' (to end a tyranny), or 'sich gegen die Tyrannei erheben' (to rise up against the tyranny).
Die Rebellen kämpften, um die Tyrannei zu beenden.
The rebels fought to end the tyranny.
In a figurative sense, 'Tyrannei' (tyranny) is often used for abstract pressures or as a strong metaphor. Typical examples are 'die Tyrannei der Schönheit' (the tyranny of beauty) or 'die Tyrannei der ständigen Erreichbarkeit' (the tyranny of constant availability).
Er empfand den strengen Zeitplan als eine Form der Tyrannei.
He experienced the strict schedule as a form of tyranny.
dictatorship
Diktatur and Tyrannei can both refer to unlimited political rule. Diktatur mainly names the form of government, while Tyrannei also evaluates the exercise of power as cruel and oppressive. Use Diktatur when classifying the political system, and Tyrannei when strongly criticizing how people are treated under it.
Die Menschen litten viele Jahre unter der Tyrannei des Herrschers.
The people suffered under the ruler's tyranny for many years.
Das Land wurde viele Jahre von einer Diktatur regiert.
The country was ruled by a dictatorship for many years.
