unmenschlich
inhuman
Extremely cruel, brutal, or without compassion; violating basic human dignity.
EXAMPLE
Die Gefangenen wurden unter unmenschlichen Bedingungen gehalten.
The prisoners were held under inhuman conditions.
unmenschlich
inhuman / extreme
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Meanings
unmenschlich
extreme
Reaching an extreme degree that goes beyond normal human limits. Can be used as an intensifier for effort, heat, pressure, etc.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Prüfung stand er unter einem unmenschlichen Druck.
During the exam, he was under extreme pressure.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'menschlich' (human). The prefix 'un-' negates the base word and here means 'not human' in the sense of cruel or extreme.
EXAMPLE
Seine Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber dem Leid anderer war einfach unmenschlich.
His indifference to the suffering of others was simply inhuman.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'grausam' (cruel), 'unmenschlich' (inhuman) is often used to describe actions or conditions. Typical combinations are 'unmenschliche Behandlung' (inhuman treatment), 'unmenschliches Verhalten' (inhuman behavior), or 'unmenschliche Lebensbedingungen' (inhuman living conditions).
EXAMPLE
Die Berichte über die unmenschliche Behandlung der Flüchtlinge schockierten die Welt.
The reports about the inhuman treatment of the refugees shocked the world.
Context clue
When 'unmenschlich' (extreme) serves as an intensifier, it usually comes before abstract nouns that describe a degree or extent. Pay attention to words like 'Druck' (pressure), 'Anstrengung' (effort), 'Hitze' (heat), or 'Lärm' (noise) to distinguish this meaning from the moral meaning 'grausam' (cruel).
EXAMPLE
Die Athleten mussten eine unmenschliche Anstrengung leisten, um das Ziel zu erreichen.
The athletes had to make an extreme effort to reach the finish line.
Compare with
unmenschlich vs menschenverachtend
inhuman
Unmenschlich and menschenverachtend both describe behavior that causes serious harm. Unmenschlich emphasizes extreme cruelty or a lack of compassion. Menschenverachtend is especially appropriate when an attitude, statement, or action explicitly shows that the dignity and value of human beings are held in low regard.
unmenschlich
Die unmenschliche Behandlung der Gefangenen ließ ihnen trotz Krankheit weder Ruhe noch Hilfe.
The inhumane treatment of the prisoners gave them neither rest nor help despite their illness.
menschenverachtend
Die Aussage, die Gefangenen seien wertlos und hätten keine Rechte, war menschenverachtend.
The statement that the prisoners were worthless and had no rights was contemptuous of human dignity.
In real life
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