tyranny
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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.
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.
democracy
'die Demokratie' and 'die Tyrannei' both describe forms of rule, but they are clear opposites. In a democracy, political power comes from the people, and people freely elect their representatives. In a tyranny, one person or a small group has a great deal of power and uses it oppressively. So 'Demokratie' is associated with participation in decision-making and elections. 'Tyrannei' describes harsh rule without real freedom for the people.
Viele Menschen flohen aus dem Land, weil sie die Tyrannei nicht länger ertragen konnten.
Many people fled the country because they could no longer endure the tyranny.
In einer Demokratie dürfen die Bürger ihre Regierung wählen.
In a democracy, citizens may elect their government.