oppression / suppression
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oppression
The violent or unjust exercise of power in order to restrict other people in their freedom, rights, or development.
Die Geschichte vieler Völker ist von Unterdrückung und dem Kampf um Freiheit geprägt.
The history of many peoples is shaped by oppression and the struggle for freedom.
The word comes from the separable verb 'unterdrücken' (to suppress/oppress). It consists of 'unter' (in the sense of 'down') and 'drücken' (to press). The literal idea of pressing something down helps you understand all the abstract meanings.
Ein Diktator versucht, jede Kritik zu unterdrücken.
A dictator tries to suppress every criticism.
To say what or who is being oppressed or suppressed, you usually use the genitive or the preposition 'von' with the dative. Both constructions are very common.
Die Unterdrückung der Meinungsfreiheit ist ein Merkmal von Diktaturen.
The suppression of freedom of expression is a feature of dictatorships.
You can easily recognize the three main meanings from context. If it is about politics and society, social oppression is meant. In connection with feelings and thoughts, it is about psychology. Terms like 'Immunsystem' (immune system) or 'Medikamente' (medications) point to the medical meaning.
Sie kämpften gegen die politische Unterdrückung in ihrem Land.
They fought against political oppression in their country.
freedom
'die Freiheit' and 'die Unterdrückung' are clear opposites. 'Freiheit' means that people can use their rights and act, speak, or think without unjust restrictions. 'Unterdrückung' means that power is used unjustly so that people cannot do exactly that freely. In political and social texts, the two words often appear together: freedom describes the goal, while oppression describes the problem.
Nach Jahren der Unterdrückung durften die Bürger endlich frei wählen.
After years of oppression, the citizens were finally allowed to vote freely.
Viele Menschen kämpfen für die Freiheit, ihre Meinung offen zu sagen.
Many people fight for the freedom to express their opinion openly.